The Only 7 Grooming Products a Man Will Ever Need

 

All things considered, it’s a good time to be a man who cares about grooming. Not only are we finally free to show that we give a damn about personal care without worrying about conformity to a rigid masculine ideal—we now also have all the cool tools and implements we could ever need.

But it can also be difficult for a man who cares about grooming to wade through all those options. If 62-step skincare routines and organic artisanal colognes aren’t exactly your thing, you’re better off sticking to only the essential grooming products—but getting the best of each. The idea is to keep a lean bathroom cabinet by stocking up on fewer—but better—things.

Here are the first seven items to start with.

1. Toothpaste

One of the cornerstones of every person’s grooming routine is good dental care. Get yourself toothpaste that does it all: cleans and whitens teeth, freshens breath, detoxifies your gums, and reduces sensitivity. Some products are better than others, so pick one that specializes in what you need most.

2. Mouthwash

Gargling with mouthwash helps take care of your teeth and maintain oral hygiene. If you're in a hurry, save time by gargling while taking a shower. Pick a gentle mouthwash that can get the job done without hurting your oral cavity. 

3. Deodorant

The hard truth is, some people need antiperspirant and deodorant more than others. Regardless of where you are on that spectrum of naturally fresh to funky and pheromone-laden, it always helps to keep one handy, especially if you lead an active lifestyle.  Pick one with a non-sticky formula that won’t stain your shirts.

4. Shaving gel

This one might seem superfluous to old-timers, especially if you aren’t blessed with a lush, full beard. But trust us, you’ll need good quality shaving cream or gel to properly lubricate your skin. Shaving cream helps prevent ingrown hair and unpleasant red marks from popping up on your mug. Some serve as an aftershave, too.

5. Soap

If the idea of having a separate soap for every purpose seems a bit too much and using shower gels and bath bombs border on going overboard, look for one that will serve most—if not all—your needs. If you’re keeping it lean, pick a soap that can do everything, from hand-washing to body-scrubbing.

6. Facial cleanser

Even if you aren’t into the intensive skincare culture that’s all the rage these days (Face masks? Exfoliants? Moisturizers with SPF?), you still need a dedicated facial cleanser. Choosing one can be tricky because we have different skin types; some products work well for one man but might not be ideal for the next. It’ll take some trial and error on your part, but try to stick to just one at a time, scientific method-style. 

7. Shampoo

Get yourself a nourishing shampoo that fights dandruff, prevents hair fall, strengthens hair, and conditions. Dove Men + Care Strengthening Shampoo is formulated to protect your hair and scalp.  It helps make your hair stronger, to lessen hair fall. 

You should be all set once you have these seven products. Again, the trick is to streamline your self-care regimen—pare it down to just seven things, so you can get only the very best of the basics.

Now that we’ve listed the essentials, it’s up to you to choose the specific products you'll use. Pick reliable ones that work hard and get the job done. At least as far as your head, Dove Men + Care Strengthening Shampoo has you covered.