Black men, if you’re short on time and want to look great every day, here are 10 grooming rituals that will help you look sharp every day of the week. Each ritual includes an overview, steps to follow, and links to more detailed guides if you need them. So whether you’re looking to get up and running quickly or want to know more about the rituals in greater detail, these are the 10 best time-saving grooming rituals for successful Black men.
1) Stay moisturized.
As a Black man, dry, ashy skin is a common enemy. This means investing in a high-quality moisturizer for your face, and an effective, non-greasy lotion for your body. Regular moisturizing can also work wonders when reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. It can also limit inflammation and irritation, resulting in hyperpigmentation in darker skin. Plus, when your skin is adequately hydrated, there's less chance for acne breakouts and other skin problems.
2) Shave with proper equipment.
If you’re doing your thing with dull razors and blades, you are wasting time and damaging your skin. Invest in a high quality electric or manual razor to have a clean shave every day in a fraction of the time it would take with low quality products. One caveat, though: If you have sensitive skin, use high-quality shaving cream or gel to avoid irritation or razor burn. Our Classic Beard Oil keeps your skin nourished and hydrated, and prevents beard itch and dandruff. Best of all, it comes in a spicy, irresistible mix of citrus, patchouli, and sandalwood.
3) Exfoliate regularly.
There are few things more damaging to your skin than dead skin cells, which can clog pores and make you look less smooth. For softer, smoother skin that glows, gently exfoliate twice a week by scrubbing in a circular motion with a loofah or brush. If you have particularly dry or sensitive skin, opt for an exfoliating cream instead of a scrub. Since Black skin is especially prone to hyperpigmentation due to excess melanin production, exfoliation is especially beneficial for breaking up dark spots and helping scars fade over time.
4) Wash and condition your hair.
Conditioners are essential to Black hair, as they lock in much-needed moisture and nourish damaged follicles. Since Black and textured hair can be prone to dryness and breakage, a wash and conditioning routine is crucial to maintaining a healthy scalp. Our Daily Leave-In Conditioner is specially made for beards, giving you healthier, softer hair growth while also healing and moisturizing your scalp and reducing shedding. It's also recommended to help fill out thin or patchy spots, while reducing frizz and balancing oil levels.
5) Maintain a healthy diet.
One of the easiest ways to start saving time and staying on top of your grooming game is to maintain a healthy diet. Eating well allows you to look your best and keeps you feeling good both inside and out. We suggest eating five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, drinking plenty of water, and limiting your alcohol intake to one or two drinks per week (sorry, weekend binge sessions aren't great for your skin and body). According to a new study by The Cooper Institute & the University of Chicago, did you know that 76% of African Americans are vitamin deficient? You can take care of this with our Immune Defense Support vitamins, which offer an effective combination of natural vitamins and minerals to provide a daily multi-system immune support and defense to feel your best every day.
6) Make sure you buy high-quality hair products.
Black hair, with its specific thickness and coarseness, requires specialized care and styling, and you should select hair products that cater to those needs. Avoid sulfate-based shampoos, which use harsh compounds that strip hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and often damaged. When it comes to beard grooming, our Beard Shampoo and Wash uses a clean, vegan formula to add shine and moisture while also stimulating fuller hair growth using ingredients like organic aloe juice, peppermint oil, and tea tree oil.
7) Comb and trim your beard regularly.
Combing or brushing your beard regularly can prevent ingrown hairs, and help exfoliate the underlying skin and reduce irritation. Combing also makes your beard look fuller and tidier, and it will train your facial hair to grow in the desired direction over time. A regular combing or brushing routine helps you shape your beard the way you want it. And don't forget to trim your beard to keep it neat and well-groomed regularly. It will also keep your beard from growing in wild directions that inevitably result in you just shaving everything off.
8) Don't forget the sunscreen.
Think our Melanin automatically protects us from sun damage? Think again! Sunscreen and SPF moisturizers are still needed, and there is sunscreen out there specifically made for melanated skin that blends into your skin without leaving a chalky white mess. Look for sunscreens with at least SPF 30, and if you're prone to acne or oily skin, look for a sunscreen with fragrance-free ingredients like lactic acid, which are lifesavers for those with sensitive skin.
9) Use natural products.
Although it is important to look good, having a routine that works with your busy schedule can save you time. Invest in natural products such as face and body washes, oils, moisturizers, and scrubs that provide deep moisture without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Doing so will allow your product to work effectively while also nourishing your skin. Be on the lookout for natural and gentle products that utilize anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients. If your creams, balms, and lotions contain harmful substances and chemicals, these toxins will then enter your skin, so avoid them at all costs!
10) Maintain your routine on the go.
Establish a grooming routine that you can take with you wherever you go. When traveling or pushing against a tight deadline at work, it can be easy to let your grooming or skincare routine slide. Our Beard Grooming Kit can be a lifesaver in hectic times, as it contains a hair and beard wash with only the best, organic ingredients, daily leave-in conditioner to soften and reduce frizz, and beard oil to keep your skin smooth and nourished before and after shaving. There are even daily vitamins to keep your body balanced and healthy when you're pressed for time. Simply keep this kit in your office or suitcase, and your routine is there for you wherever you go.