Debunking The Grooming Myths You’ve Been Told To Believe

My man, the art of looking good isn’t always as simple as you would think. When it comes to men’s grooming, there are a lot of rumours & dividing opinions, so you need to know what take note of & what to let go. However, if contrasting opinions are making you feel lost in the bathroom - we’re here to help. Below, we’ve sorted through the BS & the realness in order to cut down on all the confusion & debunk some of the most common men’s grooming myths. Now here’s what you should be doing.

1. Shaving makes hair grow back faster & thicker  

While stubble can seem darker and thicker following a close shave, the truth is, if your dad couldn’t grow a full-on Castaway-style beard, chances are you won't be able to either. That's right, hair growth, thickness & colour are controlled by genes, not by how often you shave. 

This myth likely originates from the fact that the first little bit of facial hair that grows back after a shave will be healthier than the longer hair you removed. This can give the illusion of thicker, darker facial hair. What’s more, when you shave, you’re left with blunt ends of hair that can naturally look thicker & darker than what was there before.

2. Stress causes grey hair

Despite stress being all around bad for our health, it won’t be the only cause towards you going grey. In fact, although stress can contribute to you going grey, our genetics play a much larger role. So if your dad or grandad went grey young, it’s most likely you will too, even if you happen to be the most zen guy around. 

Just before you thought you were off the hook, while stress might not make you go grey, it can make you go bald. The form of hair loss that can be caused by severe stress is called telogen effluvium, which interrupts the growth cycle of your hair follicles causing hair to shed. 

The good news is, in the long term, this form of hair loss is rarely permanent & should correct itself with time. So stress less man & your hair will thank you for it. 

3. Washing your face with regular soap is fine

Come on son. You’re a grown man now, invest in that face wash. Hand soap is known to dry out skin, which can lead to both rashes & skin flakes. You don't have to be dropping $70+ on the fancy stuff, but a good face wash will do wonders for your skin. Just ask Pharell. 

4. ‘Real men’ don’t shave below the neck

When it comes to trimming & shaving your chest, armpits, pubic area & even your legs, use an all-in-one body groomer like the All Rounder or the XPERT Groom for a much more efficient (& hygienic) grooming session. Manscape now for romance later!

5. You should always shave “against the grain”

This one is a no, but with a few caveats. Shaving with the grain, is the best way to guarantee a comfortable shave. While shaving against the grain helps you get much closer to the skin, it can also increase the risk of skin irritation, razor bumps, or even razor burn.

If this isn't your first rodeo & you know what your face can handle, you can attempt shaving against the grain. Just make sure to properly prepare your skin by washing your face with warm water & apply pre-shave oil to soften up the hair & finish off with a moisturiser. 

FACTS: Only try shaving against the grain in the areas of your face where there is stubble left over from your few passes with the grain. 

6. Shaving is damaging for your skin

Not necessarily. When your trimmer or shaver is not well designed or when it is old & dull, the blades can indeed damage & even cut the skin. This will lead to signs of shaving irritation such as redness, nicks & cuts or skin feeling itchy, hot & painful.

Any of the above is also much more likely down to poor technique, not the tool itself. If you’re being rough with your skin when you’re grooming, like going over the same area with repeatedly, then you might find yourself with sore red skin rather than a slick beard or stubble. 

A good quality & well-designed trimmer or shaver will minimise the risk of irritation & will ensure the skin is optimally protected from the blades. The risk can further be reduced by using the right technique: for example, try using plenty of groom prep &  take light gentle strokes.

FACTS: Moisturiser is not a dirty word. A good face cream will work wonders to keep dry, flaky skin at bay. 

7. Facial Hair Doesn’t Need to be Washed as Often

A lot of men will tell you that your facial hair doesn’t need washing as often as the hair on your head, but this is not true. If you’re washing your hair every 2-3 days you shouldn’t be neglecting your moustache & beard. 

In fact, we recommend washing your beard as often as you wash your hair, & to always wash your facial hair before trimming or shaving to make it softer so it’s easier for your trimmer or shaver to cut through. You’ll soon notice a difference in the way it looks and feels.

it's time to step up & groom with purpose.

My man, you can maintain the hair that is on your head, face & body with our best-in-class ConairMan grooming tools for the best class of man. Whether you are clipping your hair, trimming your beard, manscaping or tackling some at home grooming, believe us when we tell you, the tool to craft a reputation is in reach.

Check out the legends that stock our ConairMan grooming tools here & craft a reputation today.