First Date Grooming Tips for Men

When meeting someone for the first time your appearance says a lot about the type of person you are. We’ve already looked at what to wear on a countryside date, but it’s also important to consider your personal grooming on a first date.

Greet your date with a long tangled beard with bits of food in it, an uncombed mass of hair and mud stained clothes fresh from the field and it will make your date ask the question, “If he doesn’t care about himself then why would he care about me?”

Your hair

The difference between a well put together man and one that hasn’t thought about his appearance is drastic. Here are a few simple tips that can help you avoid a hair catastrophe.

• There is no right or wrong length for hair it is down to the individual. If it is neat and tidy with a discernible style you’ll be alright.
• To avoid greasy hair, shampoo regularly. This may sound like an obvious tip but it is one many forget. It only takes a matter of moments and you’ll notice the benefits straight away.
• When applying products such as gel, wax or even pomade remember a little goes a long way.
• Let’s face it only Bobby Charlton could really pull off a comb-over (and even that is debatable). It will never be a good idea and can make you seem insecure about your appearance; in this respect a closer cut will allow you to exude confidence and masculinity.
• If all else fails, ask your local barber for help. They have been cutting hair for years and know everything there is to know.

To shave or not to shave

Many men have been led to believe that, through characters like the ever suave and dapper James Bond, the only way to look truly well groomed is to possess a clean shaven face. This is no longer the case as facial hair besides looking undoubtedly rugged and masculine can now be easily managed with electric trimmers and various different types of grooming products.

There is nothing wrong with a big bushy beard, stubble, or a clean shaven face as long as you look well-kept. The main thing to consider when deciding whether to shave or not before a first date is to ask yourself what feels natural for you. It’s also a good idea to stick with a beard if you’ve got a bushy beard and a tan from working outside as you don’t want strange tan lines on your first date.

Here are some hints and tips to keep yourself looking neat and tidy whether you decide to shave or not.

Clean-cut

• Implementing the use of a shaving brush will help to exfoliate the skin resulting in a closer shave. A quality razor will also help to deter irritation of the skin.
• For sensitive skin make sure to use a quality shaving cream without a fragrance. Unnecessary perfumes can aggravate the skin causing unwanted rashes.
• Take your time whilst shaving, speeding through this process quickly is a sure way of hurting yourself. Arriving for a date with tissue on your face covering your shaving wounds is to be avoided.
• Shave with the grain, applying ample water to your razor with every stroke; this will help lessen the chances of you developing ingrown hair.
• Your post-shave routine should include the use of one of three things: moisturiser, shaving balm or aftershave. This will keep your face nourished and ensure your skin stays healthy.

Facial Hair

• It is imperative that you invest in a good beard trimmer. This will allow you to have the facial hair you want without the unkempt appearance.
• Treat your facial hair like you would the hair on your face. Shampoo, condition and brush it regularly for immediate results. Washing it habitually will also help elude the dreaded itchy phase of growth.
• For those with a full beard trimming your neck line will neaten up your appearance tenfold. Don’t shave too far up though as this will not give the desired effect. A 2cm cushion between your Adam’s apple and your beard is a useful estimate.
• If you decide to sculpt your facial hair into a moustache or goatee, shaving oil can really help. Oils, unlike creams or foams, allow you to see where and what you are shaving allowing for cleaner more accurate lines around your facial hair.
• Taking a pair a scissors to the overhanging hairs of your moustache will not only look smarter, but will help you to avoid having to wipe down your face every time you take a sip of your drink.