All the Summer Grooming Mistakes Guys Make and How to Fix Them, According to the Experts

“One of the biggest mistakes men make is in their SPF use, or rather, NOT using SPF daily. The daily use of SPF is the easiest and most effective way to protect the skin from skin cancer and prevent signs of aging. You can use all the moisturizer and anti-aging formulas in the world, but if you’re not actively protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays, you’re fighting a losing battle.  

"Sunscreen should not be reserved for weekend or vacation use; it should be part of your everyday regimen. The easiest way to add SPF protection to your daily routine is to use a moisturizer that contains sunscreen. A moisturizer with SPF is an easy way to ensure your skin is protected all day, in all the places the sun can reach you—through car windows, as you’re walking to work, and through the windows in a sunny office. Just because you’re inside for most of the day does not mean you’re impervious to sun exposure.”

-Chris Salgardo, President

Best Kiehl's Product: Kiehl’s Facial Fuel with SPF

"When it comes to grooming, sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to using hair products in the summer. Most guys tend to pack their hair with a ton of product and neglect to spread it evenly. This will not only weigh down your hair but also cause your hair to look unhealthy and unkempt, as opposed to the opposite.

"The best approach is to use between a nickel or dime-size amount of product that is emulsified in your hands. Apply the product at the root when the hair is damp and spread evenly throughout. This distributes the product and achieves a clean, natural look. It also allows you to touch and move your hair, which is especially important in the summer."

-Rob McMillen, Head Barber

Best Blind Barber Product: Blind Barber 60 Proof Hair Wax

“Dry skin on the face can trap oils and sweat during the hot summer months causing break outs. Using a facial scrub at night will wash away dirt, pollution and dry skin. As an added benefit, scrubs help you achieve a more even tan. Just don’t scrub too often or you will be scrubbing away your tan.”

-Thomas Cheung, Master Barber

Best The Art of Shaving Products: Facial Scrub

"Something I've noticed in the past few summers is that guys tend to get their obvious 'summer cut,' basically a shorter version of what they routinely get. There's nothing wrong with that. But what they need to do is come back more often just to get a little cleanup around the base of the neck and around the ears so that you don't get that neck and side burn tan line that sucks, and you're looking fresh all summer long instead of just looking good for that Memorial Day weekend.

"The other mistake that I have to mention is about skin care. Everyone knows by now to put some sunscreen on for those long days at the beach. But that's only half the battle. When you're through with the day at the beach it's very important to exfoliate your skin and moisturize after. Just because you put sunscreen on does not mean that you are taking great care of your skin. Avoid the wrinkles with these three steps: sunscreen, exfoliate, moisturize."

-Thorin Decatur, Founder

Best Available Products at Decatur And Sons: Ursa Major Face Balm; Kiehl's Creme de Crops

"Based on our experience as barbers we've found that most of the time people have grooming issues simply from a lack of knowledge. For starters, a lot of the time people use the wrong comb or brush, or even use a dirty comb or brush. To clean scalp or product build up on brushes we use a nail brush. Then just rinse with alcohol, since most people aren't going to have barbecide under their counters.

"Another grooming mistake is people get used to just combing their hair and don't really put too much effort into actually thinking, 'Is the the right product for what I want or am I combing my hair correctly?' There is more to grooming than just running a comb through your hair. Each guy needs to break down his needs and wants differently depending on what the hair wants to do naturally then what type of look and hold he is going for."

-Scott Seratta and Pedro Zermeno, Master Barbers

Best Imperial Barber Product: Classic Pomade

"I'm not a fan of the heavy, bushy beard during the summer…come on, it's hot! When the seasons change, it is a great excuse to swap your look to something more approachable and inviting. A shorter beard, however, needs more maintenance, whether it's a 5 o'clock shadow or a more pronounced, angular look in the moustache and goatee area. Don't just hack away at home until you get it right. If you aren't comfortable sculpting down your big winter beard, go to a professional. A barber will help you find a look that accentuates your best features and teach you how to maintain it with the right tools and products like a mustache wax and moisturizer."

-Mike Sposito, Barber Manager

Best Available Products at Fellow Barber: Gold-Dachs Bartwichse Hungarian Beard & Moustache Wax; Solingen Blunt-Tip Moustache Scissors in Leather Case

"A common mistake that guys make is not investing in the prep for a shave. The hair on your face is thick and can be as tough as copper wire, which makes it uncomfortable to shave. You should be using a shaving formula that is full of moisturizing ingredients and let it sit on your face for about 2 full minutes after you lather, before you shave. This will significantly soften your hair, and you will experience better glide with your razor."

-Jeffrey Raider, Co-Founder

Best Harry's Product: Harry's Shave Cream