The wedding day is one of the most important days in a couple’s life together but often when it comes to beauty advice it is aimed at women. But what about the men? From your hair to your skin, and every detail in between, proper grooming is the key to achieving a polished and confident appearance on your big day. In this guide, we’ll cover all the essential grooming steps for men to ensure you walk down the aisle with confidence and style. We’ve also got Tom Bourlet from Fizzbox and Ginny Roberts, founder of The Karry adding their top tips too.
1. Hair Care:
Start your wedding day grooming routine with a trip to the barber. Get a fresh haircut a week or two before the wedding to ensure it has time to settle into a natural look. Communicate with your barber about the wedding style you desire, whether it’s a classic cut or a trendy, modern look. Tom Bourlet from Fizzbox says “If you’re looking to try a completely new style, then make sure you give it a trial run a few months in advance. This ensures that if it’s not the style for you, there will be plenty of time for it to grow out ahead of the wedding – you want to be looking your best after all!”
2. Facial Hair Styling:
If you have facial hair, groom it to perfection for your wedding day. Trim your beard or moustache to a neat and well-defined shape. Or if you love it long, give it some love with beard oils. Consider a professional shave or grooming session to achieve a clean and sharp appearance.
Tom suggests, “Use a beard balm to tame any unruly and beastly beards! It will also keep your beard well-conditioned. Adding beard oil into the mix will help with moisturising your facial hair too.”
3. Skin Care:
Clear and radiant skin is crucial for wedding photos. Develop a consistent skincare routine leading up to the big day. Cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturise your face regularly to keep it looking its best. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage. Using a tinted sunscreen for face might be worth considering to get that smooth and even complexion.
Ginny Roberts, founder of The Karry advises, “Cleansing twice a day will help to keep your skin clear. You could also exfoliate twice a week, which removes dead skin cells and allows you to keep a brighter, smoother, softer complexion, while also preventing breakouts. Moisturising your skin preserves your skin’s natural moisture levels and bounces away any threats to the skin’s defensive barrier functions. Don’t forget to protect your skin by using a good quality SPF, sun damage is often the culprit for premature skin ageing.”
4. Dental Care:
A confident smile is a must on your wedding day. Prioritise dental care by brushing and flossing daily and scheduling a dental cleaning a few weeks before the wedding. Tom says, “Look after your teeth and keep them in tip top condition. Change your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three months for maximum cleanliness. Also, be sure to start flossing too. You could even head to your dentist for a professional clean, so you’re ready for those photos!”
5. Nail Care:
Pay attention to the details, including your nails. Trim and shape your nails neatly and keep them clean. If you’re not used to manicures, treat yourself to a professional nail grooming session to ensure flawless hands. Tom adds, “Use a nail brush to give your nails a decent clean and remove any dirt lurking underneath before trimming. Nail biter? Why not get a professional manicure so you’re looking and feeling good?”
6. Scent Selection:
Choose a signature cologne for your wedding day. Opt for a fragrance that suits your personality and complements the overall theme of the wedding. Remember, a subtle and pleasant scent can leave a lasting impression on your guests.
7. Eyebrow and Underarm Grooming:
Well-groomed eyebrows can enhance your facial features and contribute to a polished look. If needed, consider professional eyebrow shaping to tidy up any stray hairs.
Ginny adds, “Keeping underarm hair short will eliminate any unwanted odour which can sometimes arise when long hairs are trapped with chemicals (from deodorants). Keeping the hair short allows the skin to be fresher.”
8. Pre-Wedding Pampering:
Take some time for relaxation and pampering before the wedding. Consider a spa day or a massage to de-stress and rejuvenate both your body and mind. Tom adds, “Practise healthy habits during the build up to the wedding to ensure you’re mentally and physically at your best. Wedding planning and the lead up to the big day can be incredibly stressful, so make sure you’re looking after yourself by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and eating nutritious meals – your body will thank you later.
9. Proper Shaving Technique:
If you prefer a clean-shaven look, master the art of shaving to avoid razor burns or irritation. Shave carefully, using high-quality shaving products and a sharp razor. Ginny’s advice is “Always shave your face in the direction of hair growth. Start by using warm water to soften hairs and open pores prior to shaving, then rinse afterwards with cold water to remove any stray hairs or any residue from your foaming shave gel. Soothe red and irritated skin with an aftershave lotion, which will keep the area soothed and moisturised.”
10. Preparation for Touch-Ups:
Designate a trusted friend or groomsman to carry essential grooming items on the wedding day, such as a comb, tissues, deodorant, and fragrance. These items will come in handy for quick touch-ups to ensure you look your best throughout the celebrations.
11. Keep Hydrated
Tom reminds us to, “Drink plenty of water in the weeks leading up to the wedding to keep your body hydrated and your skin feeling good. The NHS recommends drinking 6-8 cups a day – you’ll know that you’re drinking enough if your pee is a clear, pale yellow colour. Remember, H20 is your friend!”
Get more men’s advice here:
Men’s Sustainable Grooming Products For Your Wedding Day
Raising Mental Health Awareness With Makeup For Men By War Paint
7 Men’s Mental Health Support Groups and Charities To Help If You Are Struggling
