INTRODUCTION
With so many men’s grooming products on the market, it can be hard to tell fact from fiction when it comes to grooming kits. But don’t worry, gentlemen, we’re here to help! We’ve broken down some of the biggest grooming kit myths, and we’ve also put together some evidence-backed tips on how to create a personalized grooming kit that actually delivers results.
Myth #1: More Products Equal a Better Routine
It’s a marketing trick. A monotonous routine with multiple products isn’t better. It robs your skin of its essential oils, resulting in dryness and irritability. Stick to high-quality essential ingredients and add additional products only if you have particular skin concerns such as acne or wrinkles.
Myth #2: Expensive Products Guarantee Better Results
It’s important to note that price isn’t always the same as quality. A lot of drugstore brands have effective formulas with the same ingredients as their premium brands. Try different brands and prices to see what works best for you and your skin.
Myth #3: One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Each man’s skin and hair type is different. What works for your best friend might not work for you. Think about your dry, oily, sensitive skin type and your curly hair type when choosing your grooming kit.
Myth #4: Electric Razors Cause More Ingrown Hairs
Electric razors are more gentle on the skin, but they can still cause an ingrown hair, especially for men who tend to get them. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliation helps to get rid of dead skin cells that may be holding on to unwanted hairs.
- Shave in the direction of hair growth: This stops the hair from falling out of place and curling into your skin.
- Moisturize after shaving: The benefits of moisturizing include soothing the skin and reducing irritation, which may help reduce the chances of getting an ingrown hair.
Myth #5: Shaving Cream is Only for Safety Razors
Shaving cream is great for all types of shaving. It softens your beard, lubricates your skin, and keeps your skin from burning. Choose the right shaving cream formula for your razor (safety or cartridge).
Myth #6: Dry Shampoo is a Replacement for Regular Hair Washing
Dry shampoo can be used as an in-between wash. However, dry shampoo does not cleanse the scalp of grime, oil, and residue. Regular hair washing (frequency varies based on hair types and activity level) is the best way to keep your hair and scalp healthy.
Myth #7: All Facial Cleansers Are Created Equal
Men’s skin has different requirements than women’s skin. Men’s skin is more oily and dense. A gentle cleanser designed for men’s skin gets rid of excess oil, dirt and sweat without losing natural oils, which prevents dryness and irritation.
Myth #8: Hair Styling Products Damage Your Hair
You can use hair styling products to add hold and definition to your hair without damaging it. However, if you use too much or use them in the wrong way, your hair can become dry and breakage-prone. Make sure to pick products that are designed for your hair types and use them sparingly. Start with a tiny amount and add more as needed.
Myth #9: Cologne Can Be Sprayed Directly on Clothes
Cologne should be applied to pulse points (wrist, inner elbow, and neck) where your body heat spreads the scent. Spray directly on clothes can discolor or damage fabric. The scent won’t stay on fabric as long as it does on your skin.
Myth #10: You Don’t Need Sunscreen on Cloudy Days
Even on cloudy days, sun damage can occur. To protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun, use broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, including cloudy or rainy days.
Building a Personalized Kit:
You can create a custom grooming kit by dispelling these common misconceptions and implementing evidence-based best practices. Here’s how to start:
- Identify Your Needs: Consider your skin and hair type, desired look, and lifestyle.
- Start with Essentials: Focus on the essentials: a face wash, a moisturizer, a shampoo, a conditioner, a razor, and (if applicable) shaving cream.
- Add-Ons for Specific Concerns: If you have any particular requirements, think about products like exfoliators, styling creams, or beard oils.
- Research and Experiment: You can do this by reading reviews, asking friends for advice, and testing different products to see which one works best for you.