Quick note: If you don't switch up your grooming habits in the summer months, you might be doing it all wrong. Most guys like to keep their morning routines quick and easy, no matter what time of year it is. But, a few minor adjustments to account for heat, humidity, and intense UV rays won't add too much time to your self-care schedule and will keep you fresh and clean for the summer. We consulted experts in skin and hair care for some simple hacks and affordable product recommendations to address any hot weather grooming issues you may face between now and September. Take care of yourselves out there, fellas.
In The Sun
When You Sweat
For Your Hair
Sure, a Category 5 hurricane might mess with your hair more than the extra-humid, muggy heat of the dog days of summer, but how often do you find yourself in the eye of that kind of storm? Hopefully the answer to that is “not very often at all,” in which case, we’ve got you covered for the worst of warm weather patterns for your dome. If your hair is prone to frizzing out in humid conditions, look for hair products with oils, says Bumble and bumble stylist Nico Aceves. “Oil will penetrate into the hair, whereas conditioner is just gonna sit on top,” he says. “That’s going to give it the weight, so that it doesn't get puffy, or fluffy, or static-y.” If frizz isn’t a problem, you can still make some heat adjustments. Sweat can cause thick styling product to drip onto your forehead, causing breakouts. “If anything, I would say go lighter, but use a heavier application of the lighter product,” Aceves explains, recommending a cream as opposed to a wax.
When Your Face Needs Fixing
Extra oil might be useful for keeping your hair in check, but it can wreak havoc on your face. Taking care of that excess grease can be as easy as switching up your face wash when the heat sets in. “Often times, people need a stronger cleanser to remove more oil during the summer,” says Dr. Zeichner. “If you use a gentle, hydrating cleanser, switch to a foaming one. If you use a foaming cleanser normally, consider one with salicylic acid.” Salicylic acid, found in many over-the-counter acne cleansers, keeps your pores from clogging, meaning you’re more likely to remain pimple-free. Keep oil in its place: anywhere but your forehead.
When You Shave
Unless you’ve got a Rick Ross-style beard or you’re still waiting for puberty to set in—hang in there, buddy—shaving is probably a part of your regular grooming routine in some capacity. But do you know what you’re doing when you drag that Bic across your face every morning? Let skin expert Dr. Zeichner break it down for you: “Shaving is an interaction between the razor, the hair, and the skin,” he says. “The blade [of your razor] can disrupt the skin barrier by causing microscopic cuts in the outer skin layer when you shave.” But don’t beat yourself up for beating your face up in the name of socially-acceptable grooming behavior. Using a hydrating aftershave or shaving lubricant keeps your skin in tip-top shape and reduces the skin irritation that you may know as razor burn.
If You Manscape
We’re not sure Demi Lovato was talking about shaving down there when she suggested everyone get “cool for the summer,” but we’re also not not sure. Either way, it’s pretty good advice. Also good advice? “Gentle, gentle, gentle!” says Dr. Zeichner. They’re your family jewels, so treat them like royalty. “Shave after a warm shower, and use extra shaving gel to prep the skin and hair,” the good doctor recommends. It’s also a best practice to trim hair before you bust out the razor, and to use short strokes in the direction of hair growth. And once you’ve de-haired, don’t forget the final, very important step. “Hydrate after with a moisturizing aftershave lotion,” Dr. Zeichner says. It will definitely get you a seal of approval from your dermatologist—we can’t be sure about what Demi would think.
