You’ve seen him around. That one dad at the school pick-up or down at the playground that’s just got ‘it’. The one who always looks impeccably groomed, well-dressed and stylish without trying too hard. Yep, it's not just the mothers that suffer from the dreaded school gate comparisons! So perhaps it's time to up your grooming game and get smart. After all, how you look reflects how you feel, so smartening up can give a confidence boost - especially if recent lockdown conditions have left you struggling to get out of your pyjamas. It’s not that some men are born with great hair and clear skin, knowing how to dress for maximum impact - they’re just willing to put the effort in to appear well groomed. The good news is, anyone can reach the same standard - and it doesn’t have to take loads of time or cost too much.

Get On Top Of Your Hair 

A signature haircut can carry you through many situations, and every well-groomed guy knows that the key to it all is hair that complements their look and is well maintained. Now that barbers are starting to open up again, there is no excuse. Book in via an app and make a recurring appointment, or if you feel brave you could buy a pair of men’s hair clippers and stay on top if it yourself. Choose a go-to style that makes you feel well groomed and sits well with the rest of your look. Find out what products your barber uses to give your locks the finish that you like and buy some to take home - depending on your cut, a matte texturising clay, light mouse or even a spritz of hairspray can help to keep everything looking styled up and well cared for. Also think about the products you use to wash your hair. Instead of just going for the classic all-in-one shampoo and shower gel, consider your hair type and what it needs - moisture, volume? -  and choose a shampoo that works for that issue. Washing your hair too frequently can actually cause it to look dull, frizzy and limp as it strips out all the natural conditioning oils, so if you have slightly longer hair, try to only shampoo it every other day. Going to your trusted San Diego Barber shop can help you out in styling your hair to keep up with with the latest trends in SoCal. 

Take Care Of Your Beard 

More and more men are choosing to wear a beard - and it's never been more on-trend to be hirsute. If you haven’t grown one before, growing a beard can be your first challenge. When you get some growth through, at first the hair can often be dry, coarse and itchy. In fact, that in-between stage causes many to just give up and return to being clean shaven. If this is the case for you, try investing in a beard oil. These are packed with nourishing ingredients that will make the hair smoother and less irritating. You can even use a hair conditioner instead if you prefer. It is possible to alter the texture of your beard as well - check out Beard Whiz's take on beard straighteners if you want yours to lie better. It’s also worth investing in a facial hair trimmer so that you can make the edges neat whenever you like.

Groom Those Brows 

Although no one is suggesting over-plucked arches, having well groomed brows can really help to elevate your overall look. When your brows are unruly, it can affect the symmetrical proportions of your face, and it's thought by attraction scientists that facial symmetry is one of the most important components of attraction. So if you want to look good? Brow grooming is more vital than you may have thought. It’s very easy to go overboard, so approach your tweezers with caution. You shouldn’t be aiming to alter the natural shape of your brows- just remove any stray hairs around the edges that don’t fit within the line of your brows. You can also use nail scissors to lightly trim the very ends of brow hairs and make them lie neater. If you want to keep them in place, then try a little bit of hairspray or gel on the tip of your little finger and lightly run it through the brow for a neat look that lasts.

Sort Out Your Skincare 

Looking after your skin is important, and these days, it's really easy to get hold of cost-effective products that really work. At the least, you should look to get a face wash, an exfoliant and a moisturiser that calms and soothes. Look out for key ingredients to address specific skin issues you might have - azaleic acid can help with adult acne, retinol can help with sun damage and fine lines, and hyaluronic acid will pump skin full of moisture, while caffeine will help with tired eyes and dark circles. Single ingredient ranges like The Ordinary and The Inkey List let you build your own custom routine to best look after your skin concerns, are super affordable and come in pared back, minimal packaging that won’t disgrace the bathroom shelf. A little know how can really make you look much better.

Adopt A Signature Scent 

There’s nothing better than knowing you smell amazing, so finding that signature cologne is an essential in being well-groomed. Instead of filling your shelves with dozens of mediocre fragrances, spend a little more on one or two blends that you can wear for every occasion. Work out whether you prefer woody, spicy, smoky scents, something fresh, ozonic or with greener fougere tones, or something very light and citrus-based. When you’ve found one you love, make sure to apply it sparingly. Your scent should not announce you before you walk into a room! It should only be apparent to those who come close to talk to you, and it will help you to create a wonderful, well-cared for appearance, especially when added to the points above.

In no time, and with minimal effort, you can turn it around and look more groomed -  to make a better impression and help you to feel good.