Stay Sharp With These 6 Essential Men’s Grooming Tools

We know nothing can replace that fresh-after-the-barber feeling. But the right tools and techniques can keep you looking and feeling your best as you anxiously await your next appointment.

Read on for our list of men’s grooming tools that will help level up your at-home self-care. Some of these might surprise you – but we promise they’re worth a look.

Razor

Whether you’re itching for a clean shave or just need to trim things up, a quality razor is a must. And if you’re like most men, you probably rely on the typical cartridge or electric razor. If that works well for you, we’re all for it. But your standard razor also has its drawbacks. It can cause irritation and bumps, and the cost of cartridges can add up quickly. It also may not give you the cleanest shave.

So, if you’re looking to up your grooming game and learn some new techniques (and you’re confident and have a steady hand), take it from the pros. For a super clean shave, many barbers recommend a safety razor over cartridge or electric razors. There’s a reason for that. It gives you much more control over the angle of the blade, resulting in a smoother shave and less razor burn.

If you really want to shave like your grandpa, there’s the straight razor. While it’s not for the faint of heart, mastering this technique is pretty rewarding if you’re into that. Start with the shavette, a convenient safety razor that is a staple in the modern barbershop.

The most important thing to remember? Shaving with a straight or safety razor takes patience and time, so don’t rush it.

Shaving Brush

Yes, it’s pretty old school. But the classic shaving brush is more than a throwback accessory. It has several advantages, all of which give you a far superior shave than you would have had otherwise.

Number one, the shaving brush helps prep your hair. Why does that matter? When shaving, you want the hairs to be soft as well as angled. Using a shave brush in a circular motion lifts the hairs and makes it easier for your razor to chop them off. This process also creates a warm, rich lather that helps lubricate the skin and open the pores.

And last but not least, the brushstrokes double as an exfoliant for your skin. So, not only are you getting a closer shave, but you could see fewer ingrown hairs and overall healthier skin.

Clippers or Beard Trimmer

A pair of clippers or beard trimmer is one of the most versatile men’s grooming tools. If you’re growing out your facial hair, or if you like to trim your own hair, these are a must-have in your grooming arsenal.

First off, make sure you know the difference between clippers and a beard trimmer. Clippers are designed for bulk hair removal on larger areas, and work best for the hair on your head. However, you can also use clippers on long, thick, or coarse beard hair. On the other hand, a trimmer can maneuver around smaller areas and is best for shaping, outlining, and dry shaving facial hair. Trimmers cut much closer to the skin than clippers, and they help keep your beard neat and free of split ends.

Look for a product with multiple guards, such as the WAHL Cordless Magic Clip. This makes it easier to get the exact length you’re aiming for. The Magic Clip is a favorite among barbers, due to its light weight, maneuverability, and power. As a bonus, it works well for both hair and beard trims.

Need to work on your beard maintenance technique? Get the tips from the pros. Book a barber appointment right here on Booksy. 

Brush or Comb

The brush and comb are probably two of the most underrated men’s grooming tools. If you have longer, wavy, or curly hair, each of these tools can go a long way in helping to keep your hair looking its best.

First, make sure you are choosing the right type of brush or comb for your hair. As a rule of thumb, brushes with wide bristles and wide-toothed combs are best for thick, curly, or wavy hair. A basic paddle brush is a good place to start. If you have thin or shorter hair, a comb with narrower teeth can help smooth and style your hair.

But even if you keep your hair closely cropped, a brush or comb can really enhance the appearance and health of your facial hair. Both of these tools help distribute the skin’s natural oils and product evenly through your mustache or beard. A comb also comes in handy for trimming your beard with scissors.

Once your beard is long enough, you can start using a comb to detangle the hair, and a brush to condition the hair and make your beard look fuller. We recommend a boar bristle brush, which is gentle but extremely effective at cleansing and conditioning.

Blow Dryer

If you’re a long-haired gent or like to use product in your hair, this one’s for you. Heat styling can give you more control over your style, with just a little extra effort. It also allows you to use less product, and is near-essential for more high-maintenance styles.

Unfortunately, choosing a blow dryer can seem like a full time job, with so many different models and options on the market. Here is a good roundup of hair dryers, from budget friendly to top of the line.

When using a hair dryer, there are a few good practices to follow to ensure optimal style and prevent unintended heat damage. One, make sure to use a styling product that protects from heat. And two, don’t crank up the heat setting. Especially if you have thinner hair, you can get away with far less heat. Finally, seal in your style with a blast of cool air at the end.

Need some help choosing the best hair dryer for your hair? Ask an expert! Get on the books with your local stylist right here on Booksy.

Mustache and Beard Scissors

A solid pair of scissors is one of the simplest but most useful men’s grooming tools. While clippers and trimmers are indispensable in your grooming routine, they can fall short when it comes to fine-tuning the details. That’s where a good old-fashioned pair of scissors comes in.

Scissors can help shape and clean up any hair that’s growing on your face, whether it’s facial hair or nose hair. This keeps your beard or mustache looking tidy, and even lets you contour and adjust your facial hair to your face shape.

Choosing a pair of scissors seems pretty straightforward, but the proper tools can make all the difference. The most important things to keep in mind are quality, comfort, and design. The ONTAKI Premium Japanese Steel Scissors are one of the most highly rated versions on the market.