jorgelito

Great thread idea Will,

Style. It's the one thing us guys dread but really need *chuckle*. Great contributions by Will and Martin so far on the clothing front.

I will add PERSONAL GROOMING:

Some of this may be redundant or you've heard it before, but go ahead, roll your eyes cause we all need to hear it again. I'm no expert, but I have gleaned from the collective wisdom of the the canon of the history of mankind and his foibles so here goes. Please feel free to "correct" me or add things etc. I like to think of the thread and TFP in general to be "open source".

Today's topic: Hair

Gentlemen, our hair runs the gamut across our gender; long, short, straight, unruly, bald. But they all share one thing in common: The need for management. No, licking your hands and slicking it back does not count. You know who you are.

1. Hair: Wash your hair and depending on type, condition too. Yep, times are a changing. I am your archetypal man's man but even I finally realized I need some effort and maintenance.

Start with a decent shampoo (I know, I recently switched from *gasp* bar soap to real shampoo). Also, no need to wash everyday, just wash the ol' hair every other time or so as not to "kill it".

You know your own hair type, and if you don't, ask your trusted barber (hairstylist for you city folk), GF or if you're really desperate, go ask mom. Then, buy an appropriate shampoo and condtioner. Spend a few minutes to READ the label and find a suitable match.

2. Extraneous hair - nose, ear, mole etc.
Yep, no two ways about it, Ya gotta snip the nose ticklers and the ear hay. Remember, you're not the one who has to look at it (and frankly, it's just better hygiene). Trust me, the opposite sex will appreciate it....really. You should invest in a nose hair trimmer - electric or ol' fashioned snub-nose scissors are fine, just go out and get one.

3. Facial care
Apparently, you're not supposed to use soap. Or the regular bar soap anways. I guess we're supposed to get facial soap. It's kinda nice actually, not so harsh. There is a whole world, some might say industry, out there of products for taking care of oneself.*awestruck*

My buddies and I used to laugh at this one kid in our group who always used facial soap etc and took care of himself. Well, we're all in our thirties now and no longer laughing at him. He looks great (and not in that girly way mind you), just well maintained and not like he scours his face with sandpaper like some of us.

4. Skin care
We took care of hair and face. Now you got to protect that mug of yours, you handsome devil. Moisturizers. Ugh. I actually said it, but you know what, it's necessary and you'll thank me for it when that hot chick/girfriend/wife or yours can't stop touching your face, rubbing it, wanting to put your mug in her boobies cause you're so smooth and soft (but not girly). Hit the moisturizer counter (hot girls there by the way, impressed that you're taking care of yourself and not afraid to do it). Find the right one for your skin type and use it regularly. Pay close attention to: dry, oily, normal, SPF, UVA, UVB. These are important.

To be continued later...

Guys, if the thought of doing these things makes you squirm, well, get over it. It's not a big deal, no one will question your manhood. As long as you don't obsess over it or spend more time on it than a girl would (LOL) then you have nothing to worry about. Taking care of ourselves is important for hygiene, appearance, and other stuff.

Last word of advice: Invest in a gentleman;s grooming kit. You can either buy a complete kit, or put together your own.
They're not expensive and very useful. A good kit should contain:
*2 nail clippers - for manicure and pedicure
*nail fail - for, well see above
*small scissors - with rounded ends - for trimming nose hairs
*razor - for shaving

larger sets may contain:
*small comb
*hair brush
*mirror

I actually have to go back to studying for my finals, BUT I will return with GROOMING Part 2 tomorrow or thereafter. Hopefully, someone can check my work to see if I'm right or completely out of my mind.

Stay sharp gentlemen, stay sharp.