Since the Covid-19 pandemic, attitudes towards self-care have shifted, especially among men. Though “circuit breaker” measures left most faces obscured by masks and Zoom filters, the increased time at home allowed many to experiment with new routines and rituals, particularly in skincare and haircare. And after wallowing away at home in the saddest pyjamas and rattiest undergarments, many men embraced their first steps back into the workplace, taking extra care to look their best when heading out.
As more eschew the low-maintenance ideas of conventional masculinity, it’s no surprise that men’s grooming has exploded, with a plethora of products catering to all aesthetics, from the rugged to the refined. Still, with so much to explore, narrowing down what to look for and what to actually buy can be difficult. Options runs through what men should look out for in all things skin and hair, with tips and tricks to help achieve a more polished facade.
Face first
Gone are the days when men’s skincare was just a bar of soap and a splash of aftershave. From cleansers to moisturisers and sunscreen, products for men today are just about as plentiful as those targeted at women.
But what is the difference between men’s and women’s skincare? “Men’s skin is thicker and relatively oilier compared to women’s,” says Deeleep Rout, chief technology officer of Almora Botanica, a brand that recently expanded into Singapore with a counter at Isetan Scotts. “Thus, men’s skincare products must cater to better oil control, reduce shine, and provide a more hydrating feel for both hands and body.”
Although men’s skin naturally generates more oil, it also tends to be drier, as men often use harsher cleansers while leaving out hydration and moisturisers from their daily routine to avoid that greasy feeling. Hydrators add or pull water into the skin, while moisturisers lock that water in.
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A poor skincare routine with overly stripping cleansers and no way of replenishing the moisture lost can cause the skin to overcompensate, leading to an ever-accelerating vicious circle where the skin produces more and more oil. It’s a problem especially prevalent in Singapore, where the humidity and heat often leave us sticky and wet even fresh out of a shower; after all, the glass skin aesthetic may be hip and trendy, but nobody wants to look like an oil slick.
Breaking the cycle begins with a gentle cleanser. While the idea of a cleanser that doesn’t leave your skin literally squeaky clean might sound uncomfortable initially, it’s a lot better for you in the long run. Products with harsh soaps or abrasive ingredients can damage the skin’s natural barrier, creating opportunities for acne, infection and inflammation to creep in.
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One cleanser worth considering is the Sauvage The Cleanser by Dior. Launched earlier this year as part of a three-piece set, it is formulated with hydrating cactus extract and purifying charcoal powder.
Another gentle product for everyday use is Lab Series’ Max LS Cleanser. It is made with green tea and algae extracts, soothes the skin and preserves its moisture barrier. Caffeine, meanwhile, helps with brightening and anti-inflammation.
Locking in
After cleansing comes the all-important yet often neglected step of hydrating and moisturising; for men, such products also need to strike a balance between drawing enough water into the skin and locking it in while being light enough to prevent a shiny look. Rout notes that because men typically have more body hair, “the product must be easier to spread” as well as absorb more quickly and effectively.
Common hydrating ingredients include hyaluronic acid and its related salts as well as glycerin. Emollient ingredients, such as dimethicone and trisiloxane, keep water in the skin while increasing spreadability.Natural extracts and oils can often perform one or more of these functions, so it’s best so it’s best to do your own research when looking at an ingredient list.
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For a product that does it all, we like the Oil Control Mattifying Moisturiser from Clinique for Men. Formulated as a gel without oil, it promises a shine-free look while hydrating with sodium hyaluronate and trehalose, a sugar extract with water-binding properties. Brown algae extract and cucumber extract help soothe the skin.
Of course, men need not look specifically for male-targeted products when out shopping. While Almora Botanica does not specifically target men’s needs, the brand’s range includes products such as the Radiance Day Face Oil, a lightweight oil that hydrates the skin and locks in moisture without creating a thick mask.
“Many men tend to overlook the use of facial oils due to the misconception that they will make the skin appear oily,” says Rout. “However, modern formulations can provide deep hydration without the unwanted shine, making them a valuable addition to any skincare routine.”
Fun in the sun
Last but certainly not least in the face department is sun care. In Singapore, where the sun is out at full blast nearly every day, adequate protection from UV rays is essential to maintaining a clear and healthy complexion. Dermatologists recommend a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, though benefits taper off past SPF 50.
Most sunscreens are bound to leave some amount of oily residue on the skin — after all, they work by forming a film to fend off harmful light rays — but look out for oil-free and matte formulas that can help keep the shine at bay.
La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios UVMune 400 Sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays in a lightweight SPF 50 formula; we also like the oil-control version of this product, which has a mattifying effect.
Another climate-appropriate sunscreen is the Invisible Physical Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 by Dermalogica. Unlike most other products, this one leaves no white cast on application, so it’s suitable for all skin tones. It also includes a mushroom complex to help with redness and dryness.
Staying ahead
Like facial care, maintaining one’s scalp and hair is integral to getting a cleaned-up look. Because most men tend to keep their hair short, it’s especially important to make sure whatever’s up top is kept in optimal condition and presented well. After all, those with cropped cuts don’t have the luxury of putting everything up in a bun or ponytail to disguise damage or sloppiness.
Things start with finding the right shampoo to clean and moisturise one’s scalp. Much like a facial cleanser, a good shampoo will remove dirt without brutally stripping the scalp of its natural oils. Common culprits in the “overly harsh” category include so-called “all-in-one” cleansing products that are supposedly good for washing everything; these tend to focus on getting every trace of dirt out, so what’s left is often battered, bruised and utterly dehydrated.
Gentler options include the No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo by Olaplex, a long-time favourite among hairstylists. Free of sodium laureth sulphate (a common shampoo ingredient that is said to cause dry hair and breakage), the No. 4 uses surfactants derived from coconut oil to cleanse the scalp and hair. Those with permed or dyed hair will love this product for its texture- and colour-preserving properties.
While milder shampoos are enough for most men, those with extra oily scalps may require something a little stronger. Ingredients such as sulphates and salicylic acid can help cleanse the hair more thoroughly while also exfoliating and removing any buildup of dirt and grime. We like Aesop’s Equalising Shampoo, which contains eucalyptus and fennel extracts to soothe and refresh the scalp.
A good shampoo can also help keep one’s hair where it should be — on the scalp and out of the shower drain. Check ingredient labels for things like caffeine and biotin, which can stimulate hair growth; also, keep an eye out for plumping polymers, such as polyquaternium, which can give an instant boost of volume to the hair’s appearance.
The Kérastase Genesis Bain De Masse Epaississant Shampoo contains creatine — most typically seen in fitness supplements to supply muscles with more energy — to strengthen the hair. Those who still have fully luscious locks can also benefit from using this; after all, there’s no time to start maintaining things like the present.
Tip-top condition
Then comes the question of conditioner, which has long had a nasty reputation for being a slimy, sticky mess that’s near impossible to rinse out. For men with shorter hairstyles, applying conditioner can feel like a real chore. The trick is to avoid applying the stuff directly onto the scalp; after all, it’s meant to hydrate and moisturise the hair, adding a nice sheen and getting it well primed for drying and styling.
As with shampoo, lighter is the way to go with conditioners. For those without heavily treated hair, there’s no need for overly rich conditioners, which can lead to that dreaded greasy feeling. Our top pick here is the Amino Acid Conditioner by Kiehl’s, which is made with amino acids, coconut and jojoba oils for an easy, everyday formulation.
For a more enriching product that’s better suited to those with longer, permed or dyed hair, try the Hinoki Conditioner by Le Labo. This thick, balm-like formula is made with avocado, coconut oil and abyssinica seed. We particularly like the woody scent of this conditioner, which takes after the prized Japanese wood that has become a favourite in the world of cologne.
Again, as with all things self-care, everyone is different, and each person will have their own priorities and areas of concern. Those seeking a more customised solution to their hair needs can also consider options such as Function of Beauty, an American brand offering bespoke products from shampoos to serums and leave-in conditioners. A quick quiz is all it takes to formulate a whole suite of custom hair care tailored to your tresses.
Styling right
When it comes to styling, there’s no shortage of options to cater to every hair type out there. Long, fine hair, for instance, benefits most from sprays and serum-like formulas, which provide hold without adding weight.
Sea salt sprays such as the This is a Sea Salt Spray by Davines, can help get that effortless, beachy look without making things crunchy or crusty. Such sprays usually perform best when applied on damp hair; when dry, the hair is left with a light amount of hold.
Texture sprays can also be great for those with longer hair. They behave like a hybrid of traditional hairspray and dry shampoo to add structure while eliminating oils. Oribe’s Dry Texturising Spray contains zeolite to absorb dirt and grease, with a variety of plant and fruit extracts to give the hair a natural boost.
Waxes and pomades, on the other hand, give short, thicker hair a much-needed grip to keep all that volume and stiffness in check. Homegrown brand Boundary launched this year with its Clay Hybrid styling wax, made with a blend of polymers to create a lasting look, even in humid climates like Singapore’s. The water-soluble formula also means you won’t be left tugging at your hair to get things off after a long day.
