Join us as we explore the bliss of a new season of male grooming and apps that help them track and treat themselves along the way. Say hello to a new season of grooming!
The world turned on its head and just as we thought we’d be able to breathe a little and work on the anxiety around social environments and services we love, the fourth wave swept the joy right out of our festive season and long-awaited travel plans, with more to follow. Something interesting started during the first few waves though: self-care increased amongst people everywhere, but more especially with many men who were naysayers and wholly invested in not being ‘that kinda guy’. They are new entrants to the realm of treatments, special products and ‘fancy home stuff’.
Sales in both the grooming and home industries have been boosted. From home spa treatments of every kind, to tech and bathroom treats, men have been investing in self-care and frivolously delicious homeware more than ever before. There is nothing I personally bask in more freely than my partner’s love for full-facial date nights where I massage his face and neck until he slumps into a mushy, relaxed pile, rendered incapable of speech or the ability to make his own post-spa snack. He is the first to try anything I bring home, and his brother too now indulges in delicious spa and snack sessions with his partner. I am hearing more and more of these kinds of stories, of diffusers and oils being carried home by smiling, proud dudes ready to explain the top notes to any visitor who will listen. More friends, the same ones who live by just water and soap, hint that they might enjoy a little massage or self-care moment themselves.
The age of the metro man is now seeing a new wave of men coming forward who had previously shrugged off the concept. Did COVID-19 ‘cause’ this awakening? We think not. It is more likely the case that in the bid for openness, support, celebration and acceptance on all fronts (especially in the most recent and fleeting years) men have become more open about their curiosity and need for pampered indulgence. We could quite accurately assume that the anonymity of ordering online and having a ‘valid excuse’ helps this along – and once they shyly make their first mention to a friend and hear that others are into it too, the excuse is no longer needed. Men are normalising their love for all things self-care and we’re here for it, with a few apps to help too!
Products we love:
1. Clinique All About Clean Charcoal Clay Mask & Scrub, R590.00
2. Clarins Men Line-Control Balm, R80.00
3. Back2Nature CBD Hair Growth & Scalp Treatment Oil, R220.00
Apps we love:
1. Beardify
Simply by uploading a photo of yourself, you’re able to visualise hundreds of different beard styles. Play with different shapes, colours and styles before committing to your next look.
2. Trove Skin 2.0 Tracker
Trove follows a holistic approach to improve your skincare routine. Starting with a skincare scan and quiz, the app includes skincare products, diet, lifestyle and habits. You can track progress, recommendations and changes by scanning photos of your face from different angles. It lets you know what works for your skin.
