The AJB guide to Male grooming tips and techniques.

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• 005 Posts: 138MI6 Agent

  July 2020 edited July 2020

  Shaving tips:
  - get a double edge safety razor rather than the multi-blade mach 3-type razors. Much better, cheaper, and less irritating shave! There's no reason not to do it, aside from it taking a short time to learn technique.
  - lather properly. Don't use goop from a can. Get some proper shaving soap or cream (I use proraso sensitive soap, and sometimes a truphit and hill almond shaving cream - there are so many decent ones out there though - Taylor of old bond street is another good brand). Use a badger-hair brush (though I hear synthetic brushes have improved dramatically in the last few years). Look up tutorials on how to get a good lather.
  - Do multiple passes rather than just one. Again, look this up.
  - Play around with brands of razors and blades. I now use a vintage 1960s Gilette Slim Adjustable (the one Bond uses in Goldfinger!) with Derby blades. I started with using a Merkur razor but it was actually a bit too 'aggressive' for my skin.
  
  Hair
  - I use pomades - right now I go between lockhart's 'goon grease' for a stronger hold, lockhart's medium pomade, and grim grease medium water-based pomade. I like the texture that isn't too extreme and that it gives my otherwise dull hair a healthy shine while not making it look too shiny or wet.
  - I don't get my hair cut too short like many men tend to do. I also don't get fades. I get the sides and back cut 'finger length' (not length of a finger) and longer on top. Then slick it back and a little to the side.
  - Don't wash your hair too often if your hair isn't super oily - it'll dry it out and make it look rubbish. You may also find that if your hair is oily, not washing it for a period of time will train your hair to produce less oil and will leave you with more of a natural healthy look and feel.
  - Conditioner.
  - Buy a decent comb. I really like combs made by Kent. Cheap combs 'catch' in your hair and they're quite unpleasant to use. Better combs feel better and they'll give you a smoother look.
  - Remember, hair product isn't so much for 'holding' your hair or styling it a particular direction as it is just to give your hair texture. It's better to blowdry a bit and move your hair into places you want it to 'hold', and when it cools it'll stay put.
  
  Skincare
  - I use dermaveen as a shower wash, and CeraVe fash wash. Don't be too harsh with your skin!
  - Moisturise day and night! Face and neck.
  - Every second night I use 'liquid gold' - a chemical exfoliant that will do wonders to brighten and smooth the surface of your face.
  
  Other tips
  - Trim your ear and nose hair. Trust me. People notice if you don't.
  - Keep your nails neat. Again, people will notice if you don't. Also don't cut them too far back - I find if I cut them any further than a very very small sliver of the white part, it'll start cutting into where the nail attaches to the finger and it's not a good look (or feel).
  - Drink enough water!
  - Floss daily. Brush twice daily with an electric toothbrush.
• Thunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent

  July 2020

  Some interesting tips {[]
  I too recently got a haircut after a few
  Months, and was so happy. Longer hair
  Takes a lot of looking after, I now have
  My usual QOS short style.
  Along with nose and ear hair, occasionally
  Check your eyebrows for some unwanted
  Long hairs.

  "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
• 005 Posts: 138MI6 Agent

  July 2020

  Sorry Gymkata - my post had an arrogant tone. Do whatever works for you!