For GQ by Stephen J. Praetorius.
(Splash News)
Change is hard. We get that. Especially after you've spent the last six months delicately honing your grooming routine to make the most of rough winter weather, it makes sense that you'd be hesitant to scrap all that hard work and start back at square one. But the truth is, with the conditions outside steadily improving from here on out, those same grooming habits that got you through the colder months might now be sabotaging your ability to put your best face forward. Here, nine such mistakes you might still be making now that spring has finally sprung, and how exactly to go about remedying them.
1. You never shaved off your winter beard.
Growing a beard to protect your face through winter is no new thing. In fact, we may have even told you how to do it. But now that we've made our way into the fresh spring air, it may be time to give your chin a little breathing room. Not sure, though? No worries, we've got something to help you decide.
2. You're going too long between haircuts.
So the second the weather started getting warmer, you went to your barber and asked him to trim the whole thing down a smidge? Good, because that'll definitely help with any sweaty-scalp situations to come. However, since shorter haircuts tend to show growth more quickly than longer styles, you need to start scheduling trims more frequently than you might have in the past. Neglect the necessary upkeep and you'll start looking unkempt in no time. And not in that "intentionally messy" way we've been raving about.
3. You haven't tweaked your shampoo routine.
Everyone's mane reacts differently when spring comes along. Some get a bit more frizzy, reacting to the humidity in the air the worst possible way. Some end up appearing greasier due to increased sweat and oil production on the scalp (also because you're simply outdoors more often). Whatever the case may be, chances are that winter's however-many-times-a-week routine will need to be adjusted. Figure out how, and do so accordingly.
4. You're using too much, or the wrong, styling product.
Just as you wouldn't wear a parka on a sweltering summer day, the last thing you want to do as the mercury rises is overload your locks with product. Now, this goes for both the amount of goop you use and the type. With regard to the former, you're simply going to want to use as little product as possible to get the job done. As for the latter, look for products that provide lightweight hold, like salt sprays, styling creams, and matte pomades, so as to not weigh down hair.
5. You're forgetting to put on SPF.
From November through March, you may be able to get away with not applying sunscreen every single day. It's not advised, of course, since UV rays can screw up your skin all year long, but you can do it. After April, though, the stronger sun will surely cause you to burn (not to mention increase your risk of skin cancer) right quick if you're not careful. So stop whining and just put on some sunscreen already. Pro tip: Get a skin cream with SPF built in, so you'll never forget.
6. You've either stopped lathering up altogether...
Speaking of creams, let's get one thing clear right now: Just because winter's over doesn't mean you can stop moisturizing. Coating your hide with a layer of protective lotion is a year-round affair, warding off things like wrinkles and uneven skin tone, even when your risk of dry skin isn't at its peak.
7. ...Or are using the wrong kind of moisturizer.
Oh, you didn't quit using a daily moisturizer once the flowers started to bloom? That's great, so long as you're not using the same stuff that you used when snow was still on the ground. Rich, heavy moisturizers like those will make your skin greasy and prone to breakouts when used in warmer climes. Instead, switch to something lightweight, like this option by Clinique for Men, which will control oil while keeping skin fresh and young.
8. You're not exfoliating enough.
As much as we wish it was, dry skin ain't only a winter problem. In fact, it can hit just as bad, if not worse, in the spring and summer months, when your guard is down. That's why now, as much as ever, you need to use an exfoliating face wash, helping to scrub away dead skin, sweat, grease and dirt, unclogging pores, and keeping unwanted spring breakouts at bay.
9. You never switched out your cold-weather cologne.
In a certain sense, scents are like cocktails: When the weather gets better, it's time to switch out your rich and smoky standby for something a little lighter, a little more uplifting. Don't have a refreshing go-to? We've made a list of our new favorites for just that reason.
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