When the cold fronts roll in and humidity drops, we fragile humans tend to quit sweating profusely and abruptly dry out – especially our skin and hair. That can leave the unprepared man itchy and frizzy and generally not feeling awesome about himself. Fear not! We’ve pillaged the expertise of Morgan Bolger, assistant manager of Barkers’ High Street Groom Room, to bring you these tips for weathering the change.
1. Conditioner
Men have been into conditioner since the 1800s, when a product called macassar oil was all the rage. Made from coconut or palm oil and laced with fragrant essential oils, it was so greasy that special “antimacassar” cloths were pinned to furniture to protect the upholstery.
Modern conditioner is a whole different beast. It moisturises both skin and scalp – and won’t ruin the furniture. It’s a small step that can significantly cut back on dandruff and frizz.
In winter, rather than rinse conditioner out right away, it’s a good move to leave it in for a couple of minutes while you’re in the shower.
2. Moisturise
If you’re not using a moisturiser on your face and neck already, now’s the time to get on it. There are plenty of options that smell indisputably masculine and look classy enough to leave out in the bathroom on purpose. Oh, and they do a sterling job of repairing and protecting the outer layer of dried-up husks like you.
Those already on the moisturiser train might want to step up to a more heavy-duty version: think creams, not lotions or gels.
It’s important not to undo all that lovely hydration by using a bar soap or harsh cleanser – or, horrors, a gritty scrub, aka skin-sander – on your face.
And in the hallowed words of Baz Luhrmann to the class of 1999: Wear. Sunscreen.
3. Shaving rash
Be aware that dry skin is already irritated and therefore more prone to shaving rash. Go hard on the moisturiser for a day or so before picking up the razor, and get to know your new-season skin: if it’s really reactive, don’t shave the morning of the big job interview (or, obviously, any other Big Day.) A bit of stubble looks positively dapper when the alternative is an array of contagious-looking red spots and blotches.
A gentleman in possession of a beard should also be in possession of a purpose-made oil or balm to keep it in peak condition. Like conditioner, these products will also soften and soothe the skin underneath the hair – and this is an area that can easily get extremely dry and uncomfortable.
4. Beard oil/balm
A gentleman in possession of a beard should also be in possession of a purpose-made oil or balm to keep it in peak condition. Like conditioner, these products will also soften and soothe the skin underneath the hair – and this is an area that can easily get extremely dry and uncomfortable.
5. Hairstyles
This is cool: hair grows more slowly in winter. That means fewer cuts and less faffing about. But it also makes it more important to find a superlative barber, and choose your styles wisely. Lots of men instinctively opt for slightly longer cuts in chilly weather – stepping up from a skin fade, say, to a three or four on the sides. While there’s an ingrained conservatism about how some of the more extreme trends in men’s hair might go down at work, fashion-forward clients are asking for a couple of styles in particular.
Some are opting for a scissor cut at the back which leaves the hair there slightly longer and more natural-looking, although not to the point of a mullet. Others are going for the crop-top (overseas it’s known as a Caesar) which can look really weird or really amazing, or both: hair is kept marginally (or much) longer on top and swept forward from the crown, and a dramatic fringe is cut across the top of the forehead. It’s basically a frame for your face. Your lovely, soft, moisturised, shrugging-off-winter face.
Photos: Getty, Barkers