PRESERVE THE SEXY v.3: SCRUFF DADDY

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With Spring shortly around the corner, it's time to give up the caveman-chic approach to facial grooming that has been adopted by so many Hollywood leading men and Geico commercials. Spending lots of time and ungodly amounts of cash to assume an effortless swagger or appear as if you aren't consumed with appearance is the definition of anti-sexy and immediately screams POSER. We don't believe you!

If you are a victim of this crime or are thinking these criminal thoughts, don't worry. We have put together a couple of guidelines to keep your FACIAL HAIR LEGIT, and they're so easy that even a caveman can do it:

Beard and Mustache
Nude, Scruff, or Combo are 3 different approaches that we suggest to grooming the beard and 'stache.

Nude - A cleanly shaven face evokes refinement and is symbolic of being well-groomed. It's a sophisticated look that requires heavy maintenance and is the harshest on the skin. Here's a cliff notes on how to minimize the damage, while mastering the art (Note: If you have a wolf on your face, you need to shave down with clippers first):

1. A hot shower or hot towel will open pores and soften the hair
2. Wash face with skin appropriate facial cleanser to remove dirt
3. Apply quality pre-shave oil to help prevent cuts
4. Lather with shaving cream, and opt for low-lather varieties
5. With a sharp razor, shave in same direction of stubble starting at sideburns and smoothly stroke downward. Save neck for last.
6. Rinse with cold water and pat dry.
7. Apply skin appropriate after-shave lotion

Scruff - A little bit of scruff never hurt anyone, as long as it doesn't approach midnight. The 5 o'clock shadow gives a rugged, bad boy image that contrasts well with tailored suits. It only requires moderate maintenance, is fairly easy on the skin, and quick to execute. To pull it off, you need to simply let your hair grow even and mow it down with adjustable beard trimmers on level 1. If genetics doesn't promote even hair growth, then you should go Nude or Combo.

Combo - This approach provides more combinations than your favorite fast-food joint: The Hogan; Goatee; Handle Bars; The Chaplin; plus countless others. The Combo really allows you to express your personal style and is the cheapest accessory money can buy. To pull off the Combo, I recommend that you use a 'stache chart to determine the look and leave the styling to the professionals. A do-it-yourself project can quickly send you down the Nude route if it doesn't work out.

Eyebrows
Unless you were cursed with a Unibrow or look like a descendant of Yo Sammity Sam, eyebrows should require minimal maintenance:

1.Wash face with skin appropriate facial cleanser and warm water
2.Brush the brows up from the bottom with a small brush to groom and shape.
3.Tweeze the stragglers that lie outside of the eyebrow’s natural shape.
4.Trim unruly strands gently with scissors over a brow brush until even.
5.Apply aloe vera or vitamin E lotion to reduce skin irritations or ingrown hairs.

If you do have a set of monster eyebrows, then you need to man up and face the wax. Just don't go for the Jersey-boy wearbag (i.e. wearwolf + douche-bag) shaping.

Nose Hair
If your nose hair sticks out beyond your nostrils, then it's time for clipping my friend. I recommend using a high-efficient, electric trimmer with suction to remove the loose hair. Opt for one with stainless steel blades that allow easy cleaning. Note: Although nose hair isn't incredibly sexy, be sure to leave some for nostrils to block debris and dirt. Only go for the ones sticking out.

Ear Hair (Bonus)
I recommend laser treatment to permanently remove your "ear beard". It's non-invasive, relatively safe, and lasts much longer than other techniques. Before considering laser treatment, make sure you throughly research to find an accredited doctor who has a lot of experience and training. This is critical for increasing probability of treatment success.