Men’s grooming has come a long way in the last decade. Before then, men’s products consisted mostly of soap bars and three-in-one “shampoos” that not only doubled as a conditioner but as body wash too. Now, however, there are so many options for men’s grooming products –skincare is no longer just for women but for men too! There are products in all price ranges, with a diverse group of ingredients that treat various kinds of skin types.
Must-Have Men’s Beard Products
Nowadays, in addition to your typical shampoo and conditioner, you can find beard wash, conditioner, and oil, to keep your beard and mustache clean and looking healthy! And if you shave your beard but keep a mustache, there are a plethora of shave products to make it easy on you and maintain your skin looking good and feeling good.
Beard Wash and Conditioner
Beard wash is formulated to cleanse your facial hair and the skin below it thoroughly, without stripping its natural oils, keeping it from drying out. The wash can also be used as a face cleanser for the rest of your face if you want to because it is a gentle product. It may appear to you that regular shampoo will do the job, generally speaking, shampoo and conditioner products contain rich detergents and surfactants as well as other unnecessary chemicals that can be too much for your beard and mustache, making them dry and brittle.
In addition to drying your beard, regular shampoo can cause an increase in dandruff and strip your skin of its natural oils, which can affect healthy facial hair growth. When selecting a good beard wash, be sure to look into its ingredients, they should be as close to natural as they can be. Many beard washes include beneficial ingredients, such as vitamins and extracts, that can help target distinct skin and beard issues.
Beard Oil
When it comes to purchasing beard oil, much like beard wash, we advise getting an oil that is as natural as can be. There are many brands that offer beard oils that are 100% natural instead of using synthetic fragrances. Preferably, purchase a beard oil containing oils that are pure to botanical essential with Rosemary extract as a natural preservative and antioxidant, it will extend shelf life.
Some benefits of using beard oil include softening and treating dry and rough beards – it soothes and can help do away with facial itchiness and any skin irritation and redness you might be experiencing.
Pomades
Another beard grooming product is beard pomade. Pomade is a product that has a lotion-creamy texture. It allows your facial hair to relax enough for you to style it however you want. This type of product can be water-based or petroleum-based. Water-based pomades have a lighter consistency and are soluble in water. The main benefit of water-based pomades is that they are less likely to cause breakouts or irritation. When pomades are petroleum-based, they have a wax-like consistency and last longer on your beard —a little goes a long way.
Beard Combs and Brushes
A tool that you will love to have on hand to keep your beard groomed is either a beard brush or a beard comb, or both! Combs are ideal for those with longer beards, but those with longer beards would benefit from having both a comb and a brush. Combs detangle and brushes flatten and prim the beard, especially if it’s thick. Having a comb on hand is easy because of its size and shape. It is something you can carry with you to groom yourself and doesn’t require as much upkeep as a brush.
Essential Shaving Products
For those who like to have a clean-shaven look or simply keep a stylish mustache but no beard, having quality shaving products is a must. It’s time to pick out some essentials for shaving that will allow your skin to stay healthy and look good!
Shaving Cream
The best formulas for shaving creams use nourishing and soothing ingredients such as oatmeal, jojoba oil, and aloe vera. Some shaving creams are slicker than others, which can help you to avoid nicks and bumps. If you have sensitive skin, not to worry, there is shaving cream made especially for you. When you have sensitive skin, purchasing shaving cream is an investment in your routine. Because the product softens your hair, therefore, it creates an ideal surface for the razor to glide, and your skin does not become irritated.
Razor
Having the right razor will be the difference between having a clean shave versus a patchy and sloppy shave. Picking out a razor can seem overwhelming because there are so many choices, or you may not even think about it and pick the first one you find, but it may not suit you. There are cartridge razors, electric razors, safety razors, and straight razors.
Cartridge razors are used most commonly and are readily available in most pharmacies and supermarkets. They are multi-blade razors in contrast to safety razors, which only have one blade. Using multi-blade cartridges isn’t necessarily going to equal a better shave, in fact, they increase the probability of ingrown hairs and razor burn. Electric razors are fast and easy to use, and not to mention cost-effective as compared to cartridges. Usually, barbers are the people who use straight razors, but they have increased in commercial popularity in the last few years.
Aftershave
The consistencies of aftershave include liquid, balm, and gel. Selecting the right one for you will depend on your facial hair and skin type. Most products are now alcohol-free because alcohol is very drying and unsuitable for combination skin, dry skin, or sensitive skin. Balms are the most moisturizing of the three aftershave product types, while liquid and gel aftershaves are cooling and refreshing.
Moisturizer
Keeping your skin hydrated is important whether you shave or just trim and groom your beard —this is where moisturizer comes in. It helps prevent dryness and flakiness and promotes healthy skin. Be sure to have one with SPF to protect your skin from damaging UV rays with ingredients that will keep your skin hydrated and happy.