This post highlights five common men’s grooming mistakes that men make – that are very easy to fix.
You already know that grooming is just as important as style.
After all, guys like us put so much effort into how we dress, so it only makes sense that we would pay attention to our skin and hair.
To be honest, though, I see a lot of guys making pretty basic grooming mistakes on a daily or weekly basis.
The worst part is, these mistakes are so easy to avoid!
But it takes trial and error to learn all of the grooming ‘best practices’ available to modern day men.
I’ve put in lots of time and effort learning about various grooming techniques and products, and I’ve made a ton of mistakes myself.
Which is why I wanted to write this post – to help you avoid mistakes and get on the fast track to grooming expertise.
So, without further adieu, let’s talk about the five basic grooming mistakes most guys make…
If you prefer reading, read on!
Grooming Mistake #1: Not Brushing Teeth Enough
Sure, you probably brush your teeth in the morning and before bed – hopefully.
But did you know that you can prevent staining and bad breath by brushing after certain types of food and drink?
For example, I do a quick brush after staining liquids like coffee and red wine. Just 30 seconds will help prevent stains and discoloration on your teeth.
You can also brush right after eating strong foods like onions and garlic. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to freshen up your mouth.
I know it’s not always practical to brush your teeth after eating or drinking. But, at the very least, I recommend trying to brush after coffee and red wine.
And don’t forget to brush your tongue!
Grooming Mistake #2: Using Too Much Shampoo
Shampoo, especially the cheap stuff that you find in the grocery store, is pretty tough on your hair and scalp.
You know how your hair feels all soft and fluffy after using shampoo? Yeah, that’s not really a good thing. It’s not natural!
You don’t need to dowse your head with harsh chemicals everyday to keep it clean. In fact, this is just a waste of time (and money).
Instead, try using shampoo every other time you shower, and use less of it. For example, if you use a quarter sized amount, try using a dime sized amount.
And don’t worry if it doesn’t lather up. A lack of suds doesn’t mean it’s not working. After a couple of weeks, you’ll find that your hair feels smoother and is much easier to style.
Grooming Mistake #3: Moisturizing After Skin Dries
If I could offer one piece of grooming advice to every man in the world, it would be to start using face moisturizer.
And the best time use moisturizer on your face is immediately after a shower and/or shave, while your skin is still soft and damp.
Grooming Mistake #4: Applying Product to Wet Hair
Unless you’re going for a specific hairstyle that has a “wet” look, it’s not a good idea to apply any sort of styling product to wet hair.
In fact, most products work much better in dry or slightly damp hair.
If you have short hair, you should always towel dry (or air dry, if you have time) before styling. If you have longer hair, you might want to use a blowdryer since long hair takes forever to dry.
Either way, make sure you hair is pretty much dry before applying product – especially any sort of high hold, low shine product like wax or putty.
If you do happen to style product into your hair while it’s still wet, you can always blow dry it real quick and work in some more product.
Grooming Mistake #5: Using Overpowering Deodorant
Listen, I enjoy wandering down the grooming aisle of the grocery store and smelling all of the new deodorants as much as the next guy…
But many modern day deodorants are totally overpowering – to the point where they’ll cover up or conflict with any other scents you might be wearing.
If you want to let another fragrance – like your aftershave – shine through, try using a fragrance free anti-perspirant.
I love this stuff, especially on days when I want people to be able to smell my aftershave or cologne.
Final Thoughts
Just like dressing well, grooming is largely about avoiding mistakes.
If you can manage to avoid these five simple (but common) grooming mistakes, you’ll look and smell like the handsome, charming gent you really are!
Got any other tips? Leave a comment below!
Isn’t brushing your teeth after a meal/drink deteriorates the enamel found in teeth? This is of course regarding acidic foods/drinks.
Also about #2: I have horrible dandruff and dry skin, so most shampoos are off limits for me. I found that using shampoo containing sulfur purchased from drug stores are my best option. I wash my hair 1-2 times a week, on other days I use simply water + dry shampoo. Anyone having similarly bad dandruff should try the stuff out, it really works – but don’t go overboard with it, since sulfur can wreck your scalp if applied too often.
Brock, how do you recommend using the Aqua Velva product if you’re on the Tiege Hanley system? Would you apply it after shaving but before the AM Moisturizer? Or does it replace the AM Moisturizer?
I probably wouldn’t use both. If you’re already using Tiege, no need for AV. Just use the AM moisturizer after your shower/shave. AV is a cheaper, less complicated alternative to Tiege.
I’ve stopped using shampoo for quite some time now. My hair is thicker, healthier, shinier, darker and I don’t get dandruff anymore. One might say that not using shampoo is gross but in my experience it is an unnecessary step. You can clean your hair/scalp thoroughly with warm water and conditioner without stripping your hair and head of those oils. I haven’t experienced any gunk up/bad smell or feel despite not using shampoo. Glad to be rid of it.
After I’ve dried my hair I massage a few drops of argon oil completely through it and my scalp. I think applying some sort of leave in conditioner/oil is important as you are way more prone to flaking/dryness after you’ve dried your hair.
i would add that it’s recommended to let your hair air-dry, especially if it is thinning. Towelling too hard or using a blow drier stresses the scalp and doesn’t do any favors for retaining hair. After my shower I just wrap a towel around my head bandana-style for a few minutes and it soaks up the water in no time.
Is it still recommended to shampoo every other day if you are using a styling product? I was told it was bad for your hair to go to bed with product in your hair. What are your thoughts?
Shampoo is a great tip, thanks
I didn’t know about the shampoo!
I would avoid antiperspirant because the aluminum causes yellow sweat stains.
and sometimes it ruins the shirt completely. i went to a wedding wearing a favorite shirt from Filippa K – perfect for short and slim men – and it totally changed the color in all the obvious areas. Good bye 150$!
Biggest grooming mistake- not bathing… if in doubt….shower!!! 🙂