Searching for the best grooming products for men but not sure where to start? Our comprehensive guide will help you make the right choice.
Making the right grooming product choices can be a daunting task for men. There is an overwhelming array of colognes, shampoos and conditioners, shaving creams, beard care and lotions, plus so much more that it can quickly become confusing.
For those who are faced with deciphering through the maze of products available to them on the market today, look no further - this comprehensive guide will help you to make informed decisions when looking for the very best in grooming products specifically tailored to men.
From choosing cologne and fragrances to mastering your haircare routine and finding the perfect beard balm – we’ll walk you through everything you need to know while providing great options at every step along the way!
Understand the Basics of Men's Grooming Products - Explaining the Different Categories
For men looking to up their grooming game, understanding the different categories of products available is key. First, let’s start with facial products. There are cleansers like face washes and bar soaps, which remove dirt and oil from the skin. Next up are moisturizers, which hydrate the skin and can also help with anti-aging and SPF protection.
Cleansers, often used before moisturizers, are more concentrated and target specific skin concerns like dry skin or dark spots. Lastly, there are beard care products like oils and balms, which keep facial hair looking healthy and well-groomed. Knowing these categories will give any guy a solid foundation for building his grooming regimen.
Evaluate Your Skin Type and Hair Type - Understanding what Products Will Work for You
Everyone's skin and hair are unique, and understanding your skin and hair type is crucial when it comes to selecting the right products for your grooming routine. It's not always easy to figure out what works best for you, but with a little bit of research, you can evaluate your skin and hair type and identify the products that will work wonders for you.
Oily skin types require different care than dry skin, and the same goes for curly or straight hair. Knowing what kind of skin and hair you have can make all the difference in achieving healthy results.
Choose Quality Products - Identifying Brands That Are Right for You
As consumers, we can feel overwhelmed by the options for grooming products. How do we know which brands are truly worth investing in? Identifying the right brands for you means considering several factors, including quality, price, and personal values.
When you shop at The Simple Man, we take the time to ask questions to help you in your selection. First, we want to know about your current routine – what you are used to.
In regards to haircare, we want to know if your current style is new, something you are used to, and even if you plan to change styles in the future. This information helps identify if creams, clays, flexible or strong hold styling products may fit you best.
We also likely will ask what challenges you had in the past sticking to a grooming routine or products that didn’t seem to meet your need. Are you someone with a really set routine or someone who only styles once in a while?
Only uses grooming products occasionally? These are all things we consider when helping you select from the vast options available to you.
It's also important to consider if the brand aligns with your personal values, such as sustainability or ethical practices.
When it comes to price, remember that sometimes investing in a higher-quality product can save you money in the long run by avoiding frequent replacements. Overall, choosing quality products takes thoughtful consideration and discussion, but it's worth it in the end for both your wallet and your long-term satisfaction.
Haircare & Style
Two distinct brands in the category of haircare are Hanz De Fuko and Blind Barber. Let's dive in and learn more.
- Hanz De Fuko
- Blind Barber
Hanz De Fuko uses ten different botanicals in their products for that natural, healthy approach to styling creativity.
Blind Barber is a brand created by barbers and is a fan favorite for The Simple Man customers. We understand why as their belief is very aligned with us here, don’t you agree?
The barbershop isn't just a place to get a haircut or a shave. It's the hub of community – where people got together to connect, exchange ideas, just hang and feel like themselves. We created Blind Barber to do just that, provide high quality experiences and product to make you feel like the best you.
From shampoos to conditions to styling products, you’ll find what works best for you and your personal style.
Skin & Beard
Blind Barber also carries a line of skincare cleansers and moisturizers, including sunscreen protection – which is vital. In regards to skincare, the more regular you are with that routine, drastic results can occur.
When it comes to beard care, we carry three brands we think you’ll like.
Zingari Man, Detroit Grooming and Grave Before Shave.
- Zingari Man
- Detroit Grooming
- Grave Before Shave
All these brands offer beard balms and beard oils.
Also very important is beard-specific washes and conditioners. When considering your beard and face, these products are gentler and provide a distinct benefit. Standard shampoos and conditioners, intended for your head hair tend to be made to remove oils.
When it comes to your face hair and skin, that is too harsh. It is best to choose washes designed for your face as that greatly impacts your beard results.
Develop Your Own Routine - Finding a Routine That Works for You
We all have routines, whether we realize it or not. Some of us wake up at the crack of dawn, hit the gym, and grab a cup of coffee on the way to work. Others might hit snooze a few times before rolling out of bed, and take their time getting ready before heading to the office. The key to developing a routine that works for you is to understand your own needs and preferences. Consider factors like your energy levels at different times of day, the types of tasks you need to complete, and your personal goals. By experimenting with different approaches to your daily schedule, you can find a routine that helps you feel awake, focused, and productive throughout the day.
Don't Forget Fragrance - Knowing How to Pick the Right Cologne
When it comes to making a lasting impression, fragrance plays a vital role. It leaves a lingering scent that can be associated with the individual for months or even years. That's why it's imperative to choose the right cologne. Some might think that picking a cologne is as easy as smelling a bottle and selecting a scent that appeals to them.
However, there's more to it than that. The right cologne should amplify an individual's style, boost their confidence, and complement their personality. With so many options available, not to mention the different fragrance families, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one. But selecting your personal scent is very personal.
Manly Scents vs. Green Fragrances
Some men lean toward a those classic ‘manly’ scents. Others prefer a ‘green’ fragrance. The musk and woods-like scents tend to be considered more traditional. The more modern scents for men tend to have a high content of vetiver and herbaceous scents, including components like green grass and citrus.
There are scents that also qualify as unisex which are light and don’t really lean toward musk or herbaceous.
Favorites offered at The Simple Man include Abbott, Maven and Fulton & Roark.
- Abbott
- Maven
- Fulton & Roark
Let's learn more about the differences between each of these popular fragrances for men.
Abbott Fragrance Company
Abbott is a niche fragrance company out of New York. The fragrances are inspired by an ecological destination. The brand makers believe that fragrance is a tool for connecting with nature - the beauty of the environment and the memories they shape. As an eco-driven brand, Abbott is PETA certified vegan and cruelty-free and fully committed to using only the cleanest and most sustainable ingredients.
Maven
Another small niche brand is Maven. Maven’s focus is to offer a clean alternative to fragrances considerate of the environment. These colognes are perfect for a man wanting to try something new with a lower-price point.
Fulton & Roark
Also, The Simple Man now carries a unique brand, Fulton & Roark. Fulton & Roark, defines itself as American Fine Fragrances and offers a very unique offering – solid colognes. It uses fragrance oil in combination with a proprietary wax blend to make it a solid form. You use your fingers to melt it and apply to your pulse points.
The benefits of solid colognes are many. First, this wax blend allows for more wear out of the fragrance throughout the day. As you move around and warm in those areas, the fragrance blooms back up. Another advantage to solid cologne is for the traveler. You don’t have to limit your fragrances on trips as the solid base passes TSA regulations. Currently, there are five different scents in-store from the Fulton & Roark line for you to sample.
Niche fragrance brands provide some great quality products and the unique offerings can set you apart from others in your social circle.
Experiment With Different Styles and Looks - Unleashing your Inner Trendsetter
Overall, men’s grooming products can be a great way to express yourself and enhance how you look and feel. Figuring out what works for you can take a little bit of trial and error, but by taking the time to understand the basics of men’s grooming products and evaluate your skin type and hair type, you’ll be able to choose quality products that will help you look your best. From there it’s just a matter of finding a routine that works for you, choosing the right cologne for different occasions, and experimenting with different styles.
Men’s grooming, unfortunately, comes with a stigma that it is time consuming and a perceived daily chore. This old school belief that it isn’t masculine to take care of yourself. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In reality, setting up a grooming routine just takes a few steps.
Just like anything in life, when done routinely and with consistency, the results are just better overall. Consider it this way: when you practice your golf putt, when you consciously work on the same strokes time after time, it becomes routine and consistent. The results are obvious. Grooming is the same way.
Everything good in life that has good results has some element of consistency. Grooming is no different.
Similar to your clothing and accessories, finding your grooming routine and the distinct products within that should match your personality. Self-care, fragrances and styling products can be as individual as you are.
It’s simple.