Movember, that wonderful time of year when facial hair takes center stage and razors are all for naught. But, gentlemen, if you're on the job hunt you still need to tidy up and keep things under control with the help of a little “manscaping.” Ignoring personal grooming habits will make any job recruiter or potential employer shake their heads in dismay.
For years, the notion has been that it’s overindulgent, silly or not very masculine if a man spends time grooming. But according to Caesar Jimenez, a licensed skin therapist at GROOM in San Francisco, that notion is now antiquated.
“For the last ten years, it has become completely acceptable for men to care about their appearance, be aware of fashion trends and especially to spend time on personal grooming,” Jimenez says. “More and more men are indulging in services like facials, manicures and waxing.”
Why, you might ask? Because it gives men confidence and makes them feel great. Here’s what Jimenez suggests, “When it comes to shaving, prep your skin with a facial cleanser, wash it off and apply a hot towel for a minute or two. The heat from the towel helps the hair to stand up, so you get a close shave. Always use hot water to rinse off the razor between shaves.”
Hair removal is also important. Jimenez recommends that you remove the visible hair in your ears and nose by waxing, rather than using a nose/ear trimmer. Waxing removes hair at the root and keeps you looking cleaner longer.
Also, trim up those bushy eyebrows with eyebrow scissors, which instantly improves the shape of a man's eyebrows without looking overdone. Avoid shaping—that creates a feminine look, but do wax away the unibrow.
Not to say that the beard you've been working so hard to grow has to be completely done away with, but a well-executed manscaping job will boost your confidence.
“Nine times out of ten, a man will leave my office with a spring in his step, feeling like a new man,” Jimenez notes.
And now, heading into that next interview, you can, too.
