Summer’s almost here. And if it’s fall where you are, well, summer will be here soon enough! There’s no time like the present to start getting your body ready for beach season.
Ready to look your best as you head out into the sun? Here are the best grooming tips to get you beach-ready in no time at all!
GROOMING KIT ESSENTIALS EVERY MAN NEEDS FOR SUMMER
Ready to get ready? Here’s a list of the grooming kit essentials every man needs for summer.
- Sunscreen! While we didn’t include sunscreen in this guide, make sure to check out our complete guide on the best men’s sunscreen.
- A hair trimmer – or two! Read on for more information
- A manicure and pedicure kit to keep your nails looking their best
- Self-tanner so you can look sun-toned without that pesky cancer risk
FOUR WAYS TO BE SUMMER READY
All guys want to look great in their swimsuits, just the same as girls do. But beach bodies go beyond a six pack and some guns. Here are four basic grooming must-dos to keep in mind for warmer weather.
THE HAIRCUT
Although it may be obvious keeping your haircut game up will not only help you feel confident but can make the difference between stylish and drab. Many of today’s modern styles like fades need constant updates so it might be good to consider a trimmer for touchups between trips to the barber (or salon, or wherever you visit).
BEARD CLIPPER RECOMMENDATION
OSTER Fast Feed Adjustable Pivot Motor Clipper $57
For those quick touchups, or even for the more involved ones, we recommend the OSTER Fast Feed Adjustable Pivot Motor Clipper. Use this trimmer on hair that’s wet or dry, and customize your cut with 4 different guides.
This trimmer is best used for a closer shave. The blade guards are ¼, 3.8 and ½ inches, as well as a blending guard. But for trimming the ‘stache, the nape of your neck or a few straggly sideburns, it’s the perfect tool for your summer grooming kit.
Best of all, men who have used these clippers say it’s the quietest set they’ve ever owned. Stash it in your bag for a discreet shave on your weekend beach trip and you’ll never have to worry about stray hairs again.
SHAVING FOR BODY HAIR MANAGEMENT
It’s not just the ladies who shave for the beach. You’ll need to start thinking about shaving chest hair (or learning how to shave your chest), making sure your eyebrows don’t look like you kidnapped Groucho Marx, and maintaining your body hair so your swim trunks don’t reveal all your secrets.
Philips Norelco Bodygroom Series 7100 $69
For all your body hair trimming needs, we recommend the Philips Norelco Bodygroom Series 7100. This trimmer is as versatile as they come, with five different guards to keep your hair the length you want.
Men who have used this trimmer say it’s great for back, chest and arm hair. But they’re most impressed with its ability to keep the pubic area looking well maintained without pinching or pulling. Even shaving… the back area … is simple, according to men who have the Philips Norelco Bodygroom.
You can use the trimmer wet or dry, so if you find a few flyaways peeking out from your swimsuit, it’s not a problem. For the options and the price, you can’t beat the Bodygroom.
THE MANI-PEDI FOR FLIP-FLOPS
Dudes need to keep their nails trim, too. That includes a good pedicure for men. If you’re like the average lad, half your summer is spent barefoot. The other half is spent in sandals. And unless you’re one of those unique flowers (no judgement) who wears sandals with socks, you’re going to need to keep your toenails under control.
The good news is that most manicure and pedicure kits for men also include nose hair scissors and tweezers. That means you can stow the kit in your beach bag or travel kit for all your last minute needs.
Takumi Craftsman Luxury 6-Piece Grooming Kit $82
This little pedicure kit contains everything you need to be ready for flip-flops. In the kit, you’ll find toenail clippers, fingernail clippers, nose hair scissors, nail nippers, a nail file, and tweezers.
That means that the tools in this little arsenal are everything you need to keep your fingers, your toes and your nose looking tip top. Best of all, they’re crafted from stainless steel making them almost completely impervious to rust.
Carry this compact zippered case in your car or your briefcase, and your toenails and fingernails will thank you.
Be sure to read our article if you’d like to see other options for at-home pedicures for men.
THE TAN
Do you naturally tan? Or are you more the color of milk? Either way, sun damaged skin can lead to cancer as well as visible signs of aging like wrinkles.
Because of the evidence linking the sun’s rays to cancer, we can’t advocate that you tan “naturally.” Instead, consider using a self-tanner in the safety of your home, then apply a sunscreen liberally before you hit the beach.
SELF TANNER RECOMMENDATION
St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse $32
You’ve heard the jokes about self-tanner. And, in about 99% of cases, those jokes have some truth behind them. Self-tanners are notoriously streaky, orange or unnatural looking or blotchy.
That’s not true with the St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse. Many times, self-tanners can give you a zebra effect when you apply them. The lotions and cremes will drip down your legs and arms, particularly if you’re human and you sweat at all.
The rich mousse formula of this self-tanner for men goes on thickly and evenly. That means no more streaks or blotches. Men who have used St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse recommend that you moisturize the night before you apply it. This will ensure that you’ve got even coverage, and you won’t look darker in dry places like your knees and elbows.
For best results, wear gloves when you apply your self-tanner.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It’s summertime! Or, if you’re reading this when it’s not summertime, it will eventually be warm, and these men’s summer grooming tips will come in handy.
There’s little you need to stay looking your best during the warm summer months. Maintain your grooming at home with hair clippers, a body hair trimmer, a pedicure set and some self-tanner. These tools will keep you looking put together… we’ll leave the beach body up to you.
