Men's Grooming Questions Answered

Our men’s editor, Kirill Kutalov, is something of a men’s grooming guru, so we compiled the most common men’s skin and hair care questions to get his expert advice.

What can I do about embarrassing dandruff?
Dandruff is an extremely common problem – the good news is, that it’s easy to solve it with proper care. First you’ll need an appropriate shampoo to treat it. Men’s scalps produce 50% more fat than women’s, which is why you should steer clear of your girlfriend’s or unisex hair care products. Shampoos designed for men will cleanse the scalp more thoroughly to remove excess oil that can lead to dandruff.

Also, avoid washing your hair with very hot water and scrubbing; this will only lead to further irritation. And, don’t overdo it with the styling products and abstain entirely from any products that contain alcohol.

My hair is beginning to thin, how can I stop it?

It’s comforting to know this: 40% of men over the age of 35 experience hair thinning. If you’re still eager to halt the process, here are some tips that can really help: First, you’ll need the right products. No shampoo is going to speed-up hair growth, but there are special products that can create the effect of thick and healthy hair (which is almost as good as reality). Don’t abuse the use of heavy styling products – a hair dyer will suffice.

How can I get rid of puffy, under-eye bags?
Dark circles can be hereditary, in which case there’s little you can do about them. But factors such as drinking alcohol, allergies, eating very salty food and humidity levels can have an impact on the appearance of under-eye bags. Know this: the skin under your eyes is very special. It’s tender and susceptible to damage so use products that are tailored for the area. Besides using an eye cream, the best remedy for dark circles is simple – seven to eight hours of sleep every night.

How can I avoid ingrown hairs from shaving?
Most men suffer from this, but those with curly hair are more prone to the problem. Prevent ingrown hairs with a scrub that cleans pores and prevents your hair follicles from clogging with dead skin cells. Clean hair follicles will result in the hair growing in the right direction. The experienced groomer should invest in a cleansing device – especially if you have a beard of stubble.

How can I prevent wrinkles?
It begins with your skin’s surface: moisturise your skin, as dry skin is prone to premature ageing. But your skin has three true enemies: direct sunlight, smoking and sugar. So put on the SPF, put out the cigarette and stay away from the chocolate bars.

Where should I apply my cologne?
Many people mistakenly believe that the most suitable place for your cologne is your pulse zone and behind your ears. In fact that’s wrong: your body temperature is slightly warmer in this area, which results in your scent evaporating faster. Instead, apply to your upper chest (just below your collarbone) – this will lock the scent between your skin and shirt, wafting upwards when you move. Dab your cologne on the inside of your biceps and the elbow cavity too.

Words by: Photographs by: Getty Images, Fotolia