UrbanUpdate

2017 is officially over and good riddance, if you ask me. Let’s all collectively move on and resolve to make 2018 a year that is, you know, actually good in some way. As you’re taking stock and setting goals, don’t forget your grooming routine. Use this time to rethink everything from your hair, shaving, and even skincare regimen. Here are a few ideas to help push you forward into well-groomed new year.

1. Go Natural

Last year was the year of the shear as many high-profile guys shaved off their locks in favor of buzz cuts. When those tight crops grow out, however, we're betting they’ll embrace the messy look. You should too. When you go to get your first haircut of 2018, don’t go quite as high or quite as tight, instead try for a little more length and a lot more texture.

2. Use More Oil

This year we touted the power of a good face oil. That skincare swerve is only set to expand as body and hair oils become more available. Do not run the other way. Instead, consider that oils (when naturally derived) are important balancing agents and promote the overall health of your body. Which brings us to the next rule...

3. Let Your (Facial) Hair Down

2017 could easily be called the Year of the Beard, or the Mustache, or the Half-Beard. We saw guys from all walks of life (but especially the Red Carpet) experimenting with a lot of facial hair. Some went crazy because of work, or lack thereof, but the key takeaway was that when it comes to your face follicles there really aren't any rules anymore. Consider the new year an opportunity to experiment. Try different lengths, different styles, and different products. Not sure where to start? Check out GQ's handy Beard Kit and read this story, then grow in good health.

4. Double Up for Double Results

If there's one thing we learned this year from the Korean skincare routine, it’s that your face is dirtier than you think it is. That’s why the traditional "double cleanse" is so mind blowing. Sure, you have to use two products (an oil-based cleanser first, then a water-based one), but try it for a week and you’ll never go back.

5. Wellness Comes from Within

The same principles of our post-organic, farm-to-table, locavore world are being applied to our outward appearance. Thanks to companies like Hims, Dope, and Fountain, and to our lady friends at places like Moon Juice and Goop, we can now ingest enough Biotin, Collagen and Ketone to affect our skin, hair, and body at a cellular level. Try mixing some collagen powder into your post-workout protein smoothie and you're in for a clearer, cleaner, grow-ier future.

6. Read Ingredients

Speaking of educated consumers and eaters, a closer attention to ingredients is coming to grooming products. You’ll notice that many labels these days say things like "Paraben Free," "Sulfate Free," and "Non-GMO". As brands and consumers realize that artificial substances can do more harm than good (just like in your food), you’ll start to see even more naturally derived products. So go ahead and use the same philosophy when you buy grooming products as you use when you’re grocery shopping.

7. The Anti-Manscape

There might have been a new crop of Ken dolls making waves this year, but the shiny, shaved look should stay on the toy store shelves in 2018. The only thing more annoying than the upkeep of constantly shaving or waxing your body is razor burn in places you should never have razor burn. Let it grow, friends! Throw out your razors and invest in a trimmer, preferably one with a smaller head, good at navigating places below your neck. Just because you should let it grow, doesn’t mean you don’t need a little maintenance here and there—just don’t go too short.

8. Feet are the New Hands

It's a cliché, but summer bodies are born in the winter. And the same goes for summer feet. Take some time, when your feet don’t see the light of day, to lay the groundwork so you’re not embarrassed to show your hooves once warm weather hits. Moisturize. Grind those calluses into oblivion. Trim your toenails before they become talons. Go crazy and use Baby Foot. Even trim your toe hair if you want (or need) to. You’ll be thankful you’ve taken the care so you can slip on those sandals as soon as the sun comes out.

9. Sheet Masks are your Friend

Yes, they’re social media gold and every beauty blogger’s obsession. They’re not just gimmicks though, there’s a real reason you should use them. The paper masks are soaked in serums and essences packed with nutrients and other good shit. When they're on your face, your skin can soak up much more of the goo than it could if you applied with just your hands (plus they minimize product evaporation, which is a real thing). On top of all that, they’re inexpensive and relaxing, so take 20 minutes out of your week and soak it up.

10. Treat a Facial Like a Haircut

I hope you’re not cutting your hair by yourself (if you are, you’re much more talented than I am). Instead, you see a professional once a month to do what the average guy can’t do. The same goes for your skin. It’s infinitely beneficial to have an expert do a deep dive and help you correct any issues you’re having at the moment. Luckily, places like Heyday and Skin Laundry are offering quick, easy, and painless facials that are tailor-made for guys who need a quick tune up. No white robe or cucumber slices required.

11. Find Your Fragrance, Then Switch It Up

The thing about fragrance is that when it’s right, it’s like a natural extension of your personality. And when it’s wrong, it’s aggressively wrong (and usually smells cheap). This year, find a scent that you love (and find out what it is that you respond to in it). Do you like the deep musk of Oud? The woodsy smoke of Sandalwood? The crispness of Bergamot? Do you have no idea what any of those things are? It’s okay! Once you figure it out, seek out other fragrances that use the same ingredient. It’s an easy way to vary your cologne game while cultivating a personal signature.

12. Get Your Grooming Routine Stoned

Weed isn’t just found in that wooden box in your nightstand anymore, it belongs in your medicine cabinet too. CBD (a chemical found in marijuana that gives you the calming, anxiety-lifting effects without the hallucinogenic THC) is being used in all sorts of things from calming edibles to lip balm and body lotion. Use these products for a little pick-me-up (or calm-me-down, in this case) when you can’t spark a joint.

13. Your Skin Needs a Detox Too

Why has Sober January become such a thing? Because people finally realize that after the all-out bacchanalia of December, it’s important to allow your body time to reset and detox. The same goes for your skin. Use active ingredients like charcoal for a toxin-absorbing kick (it can be found in everything from shampoo to sheet masks).