5 Quick Tips on Frugal Male Grooming

If you have ever spent time flipping through a men’s fashion magazine while at the grocery store or while waiting to get a haircut, chances are that you have found a number of quality grooming products that you think might add to your overall image. But not always you should buy expensive products to look good, there are frugal ways too.

Purchasing all of those advertised wonderful shavers, groomers, hair gels, pomades, beard oils, and so many other products would probably require you to take out a second mortgage on your house.

Looking classy and stylish is not only the privilege of CEO´s and heirs to fortunes. Even if you cannot afford a $500 haircut, there are ways to revamp your image on a budget. You can afford great fashion at a low-cost and you can afford good grooming at a lower cost.

Below you will find five of the top tips for frugal male grooming practices.

The Importance of Male Grooming

During our father’s generation, a quick comb-over and a cheap suit were all that was needed (and expected) in terms of how a man was to prepare himself for the workplace or for life in general.

Though styles and fads come and go, throughout recent history men have mostly been assumed to follow the rough and tough image that follows from the stereotypical image of masculinity.

However, things are changing, and our society is gradually abandoning some of the rigid gender expectations for both men and women.

This push towards more gender inclusivity and greater flexibility in terms of defining what masculinity and femininity can entail has led, in part, to a wider interest in male grooming practices.

One recent study by the British Journal of Dermatology finds that today men are increasingly apt to use a variety of cosmetic products to enhance and enrich their overall image.

Whereas the cosmetic aisle in the local grocery store used to be the domain of wives, daughters, and girlfriends, today it is perfectly normal to find men shopping for a wide array of grooming and personal care products.

Another article titled “Making himself attractive: the growing consumption of grooming products,” proposes that men use male grooming products not only for the tangible benefits that come with a renewed image and style but also because of the inner meanings that come with having the ability to alter your image and ultimately your self-identity.

To enjoy the freedom that comes with this loosening of gender roles, and to find new modes of self-expression through different male grooming regimes, you do not have to be multi-millionaire.

There are frugal grooming routines that will enhance your style.

Make Your Own Skin Scrubs

One male grooming routine is getting a look of freshness on your face. After long weeks of work and stress, the tiredness and exhaustion become notable with sagging skin and bags under your eyes.

Even after taking a shower, you might very well find that you still have that look of fatigue in your face.

A quality skin scrub is a great way to revitalize your facial skin and add some vitality to your image. However, many boutique skin scrubs can cost upwards of $50 dollars.

If you are applying a decent amount of skin scrub every day after your morning shower, that can add a hefty bill to your monthly budget.

Fortunately, it is easy to make your own skin scrubs from ingredients you can find at your local supermarket. To make your own skin scrub, try combining the following materials:

• Sea Salt: The thicker grains add an exfoliating purpose to the skin scrub and help to get rid of the dead skin cells on your face.
• Massage Oil: This will penetrate your dermis and moisturize your skin.
• Essential Oil: You can choose the aroma that you most enjoy. Furthermore, several essential oils (such as sweet almond) help to revitalize your skin.

Switch to a Safety Razor

If you grow facial hair at an alarmingly quick pace, you probably find that every time you go to the grocery store, you are shelling out big bucks for those replaceable shaver cartridges.

For men who have to shave twice daily to keep a clean look, those shaver cartridges add up.

Consider switching to a safety razor. Though it might be a little larger upfront investment, as long as you use it correctly, it should last a lifetime.

Using a safety razor is not rocket science and will give you a closer shave than most of the products on the market today.

At the same time, safety razors add a bit of art, class, and elegance to a normally mundane daily routine while saving you money at the same time.

Make Your Own Deodorant

Learning how to “do-it-yourself” is one of the best ways to save money, whether you´re changing your own oil, making renovations to your home, or fabricating your own personal care products.

One of the daily-use personal care products that almost all men purchase is deodorant. For men on a tight budget, and for men wanting to find their own scent, consider making your own deodorant from the following ingredients:

For men on a tight budget, and for men wanting to find their own scent, consider making your own deodorant from the following ingredients:

• Baking Soda
• Corn Starch
• Coconut oil
• Essential oils to add the scent of your choice
• Vitamin E to soften skin

Simply mix a ¼ cup of cornstarch with a ¼ cup of baking soda. Mix those two dry ingredients together before adding 10-15 drops of essential oils, 5 drops of Vitamin E oil, and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.

Mix until it resembles the consistency of a deodorant stick and then put it in an empty deodorant container.

Olive Oil moisturizer

Skin moisturizer and beard oils are some of the most expensive personal care products on the market.

For men who deal with dry, flaky skin or an itchy beard, instead of investing hundreds of dollars in purchased products, simply sneak a few drops of olive oil from the kitchen.

This home remedy has been used for skin care for thousands of years. A few drops of olive oil rubbed into your skin or beard will leave you looking refreshed and soothed.

Grow a Beard

If your daily shaving routine is costing you a fortune in razors, shaving cream, after-shave and dozens of other supposedly necessary products, you can save major money by deciding to grow a beard.

The bearded look has gained acceptance by our society and is used by everyone from mechanics to farmers to Fortune 500 CEOs.

Apart from a little beard oil and the one-time purchase of a beard trimmer, growing a beard will save you some major cash.

With these simple five tips for frugal male grooming, you can cultivate a quality style that will not make you have to start searching for another roommate to share the cost of the rent.

Whether you go the do-it-yourself route or search for other practical ways to cut back on your personal grooming product budget, looking good does not have to be a privilege only the wealthy enjoy.

About the Author: Aron James is the founder of StubblePatrol.com. Stubble Patrol is a site on male grooming. He loves to write about his personal experiences.