The female beauty industry is a long-standing and hugely successful one. Women have long been the target of expensive marketing campaigns and media crusades in order to gain their custom as users of a particular brand of cosmetic or skincare item. But it isn’t just women who want to feel attractive and confident. Only recently has the male beauty industry begun to take proper form and push its way into the limelight. While there are complex issues surrounding the notions of gender roles, beauty standards, and self-esteem, it is undeniable that feeling good about yourself inherently involves relating in some way to your outward appearance. Here are a few useful tips to help you feel better on the inside and out.
Skin
Skincare is a great place to start when it comes to feeling good about your appearance. Blemishes, scars, dry skin and other dermal conditions can have a surprisingly negative effect on how you feel about yourself. With the right routine and products, you can start to take better care of your skin and ultimately feel better in yourself. Here are a few tips on skincare to get you started:
- Clean your face every day using a dedicated facial cleanser.
- Apply spot treatments to your blemishes as needed.
- Moisturise your skin to return important oils that can be lost through cleaning.
- Add a layer of sun protection regardless of the weather. UV rays age skin drastically over time.
Nails
Gender doesn’t change how your nails grow or should look, but there are trends that suggest men prefer a different look to women. While it’s not uncommon for women to add colour and decoration to their fingertips, men either stick to short plain nails or a dark varnish for a punky look. Regardless of how you like to decorate your nails, it’s important to keep them clean and strong. Nails, nail beds and cuticles can all indicate your level of health and hygiene, so it’s important to take notice of how they look. Eat the right types of vitamins and drink plenty of water to ensure that your nails grow strong. Make sure to clip them without damaging the surrounding skin or causing ingrown nails. If you have a habit of biting your fingers, keep your nails short and apply a special topcoat to deter you from chewing.
Hair
Unlike nails, being either a man or a woman can affect how your hair grows. Much fewer women experience hair loss as a symptom of ageing compared to men, which makes sense as to why it’s called ‘male pattern balding.’ Losing your hair can be an unsettling and upsetting experience, especially if you enjoyed thick and healthy hair as a youth. Fortunately, there are many different ways to combat this affliction. Here are just a couple of examples:
- Embrace the look of being bald and commit to shaving your head. Incorporate your new look into your overall style.
- Seek professional assistance regarding hair loss and replacement, such as transplants and other cosmetic treatments.
It’s not just the hair on your head that you can boost through treatment. Many men enjoy having full and lustrous facial hair, which is why the popularity of the beard transplant procedure is on the rise.
Style
Fine-tuning your own personal style will help you feel more confident and comfortable with yourself. Ignore trends as these will pass quickly and serve you no lasting enjoyment. Instead, pick out the characteristics of your favourite clothes and bring them to the forefront of your style. Are you practical? Rugged? Sharp? Expressing yourself through what you wear will help convey your personality to others, helping you meet likeminded people who recognise the message in your look.
Fitness
Keeping your body in good health is a huge part of feeling good about your appearance. No matter what your body type, knowing your limits and making sure to exercise regularly will help keep you feeling and looking young. What you eat plays an important part in this, too. Avoid over-indulging in anything, especially alcohol and high-sugar foods. You’ll start to notice a difference in your energy levels and overall appearance after a few weeks of good diet and exercise.
Shaving
How you style your facial hair is entirely down to personal preference. As long as you keep your hair clean and healthy, you can choose any variety of styles that suit your taste. Ignore those who disdain full beards or goatees and listen to your own opinion. With this kind of confidence, you will be able to pull off any look.
