Makeup can drastically enhance a bride’s look on her big day. Something as simple as a lipstick color or glittery shade of eyeshadow can be tailored to match a mood, setting, or even a theme. But grooms also have a big decision to make about their appearance as they stand at an altar surrounded by close family and friends: to shave or not to shave.
“Ultimately, the groom will want to look like himself on his wedding day,” says men’s grooming specialist Brandon Hoover, owner and founder of Uncommon Hair Company. “If he usually has a clean-shaven face day-to-day, then yes, I recommend shaving for the big day!”
“But if the groom usually rocks some stubble or a full beard, then I’d at least recommend a little grooming to keep things tidy,” Hoover adds. “He’ll want to be confident while standing in front of everyone and, not to mention, in photos.”
How Grooms Are Incorporating Makeup Into Their Pre-Wedding Prep
To achieve the perfect facial hair (or clean-shaven) look, Hoover shares a few quick tips to ensure that our dashing gents feel their absolute best.
Book a Professional
There are a million things on a groom’s mind on the day of his wedding. Booking a professional to step in and take over shaving and trimming duties may be an ideal option, especially if grooming is an afterthought.
“First, grooms tend to be pretty nervous. This could lead to cutting or nicking the face with an unsteady hand,” says Hoover. “He also deserves to be pampered on this special occasion. Something as simple as getting shaved or trimmed is a small thing to do, but with a guarantee that he will feel good.”
Additionally, Hoover shares that shaving or trimming a beard yourself does not lend itself to the best precision. “We can only see ourselves head-on when self-grooming,” he says. “People will be looking at him from all angles, so it’s important to have a professional step in and ensure that every angle of his face looks perfect.”
Ignore Outdated Rules on Formality
There are many concrete expectations about dress codes, depending on the formality of an occasion. A black-tie event typically implies that gentlemen will arrive clean-shaven, but sometimes tradition can and should be modified to accommodate our modern grooms.
“It’s 2021! Some of the sexiest men alive have beautiful beards on red carpets and magazine covers,” exclaims Hoover. “A perfectly groomed beard is great for even the most formal of events. Even if a groom is going with a stubbled shadow, as long as the lines look clean, he will look great!”
Keep Every Facial Hair Factor in Mind
While Hoover is a proponent of rocking a full beard, he does advise grooms to keep their outfits in mind. “You don’t want the beard to cover a bowtie, for instance,” he says. “So, decide which is more important to you. That being said, a beard can and should be very versatile. Bearded grooms should easily be able to go from a suit to a sweatsuit and still look great!”
If a groom does decide to grab the razor, he should take the time of day into consideration. “It depends how quickly the groom’s facial hair grows in, but most men know the time window they need to shave in order for it to still be clean at a specific time,” says Hoover. “As long as he makes sure to shave at least an hour before so that any redness or irritation calms down, he should be good to meet his bride or groom at the end of the aisle.” Also, always be sure to use a fresh razor to avoid razor bumps and breaking out.
And when it comes to stubble, which Hoover actually prefers, there really are no hard and fast rules. “Just be sure to keep the neck and cheeks clean,” he advises. “A little stubble can create natural contouring, which will make the groom look very handsome.”
How to Care for a Beard
If the groom is all in on rocking a beard for the big day, Hoover has a four-step process to ensure it looks its best.First, wash the beard. “You’ll want to wash it with a beard wash or moisture-based shampoo to ensure dry skin is removed,” he advises. “A groom doesn’t want to have dry skin flakes on the chest of his suit jacket.” Second, massage the beard with oil. “If you don’t have a professional product, any oil, like coconut, grapeseed, or jojoba is better than none,” he notes.
Third, comb all of the beard hairs in a downward motion. “This will help calm fly-aways for a perfectly groomed look,” says Hoover. Lastly, use a little pomade for the most unruly of beards. “It will work like a gel, but without the crunchiness and build-up.”
If you’re clueless when it comes to grooming products, there are two shaving musts that Hoover recommends: Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel and an aftershave that contains witch hazel. “Aveeno’s product is great for sensitive skin and it’s packed with skin-healthy vitamin E to avoid irritation,” he says.“Witch hazel aftershaves have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They’re also fragrance-free so they won’t clash with a groom’s fragrance of choice.”
Final Thoughts
You don’t want to ditch your signature look on your big day, but there are certain enhancements the groom can make to ensure it represents the best version of yourself. Investing in a groomer you can trust is an easy first step to take your mind off of one less thing and focus on what truly matters: marrying your true love and enjoying one of the best moments of your life.
A Guide to Wedding Attire for Grooms
FAQs
Indeed, when it comes down to it, gentlemen, whether you should shave or not is a matter you should be running by your spouse. If your bride-to-be likes you hairy, go in hairy. But if you're asked to shave it down to reveal that jawline, just frigging do it — no matter how much you love your beard.
Should you shave the day of a wedding? ›
Now, tradition dictates that you should shave it off in an effort to start your married life with a clean slate, via an equally clean jawline. And if that's what your soon-to-be spouse wants you to do, then it's probably the way to go.
How many days before a wedding to shave? ›
When to do it?: For facial hair, it's typically recommended that you shave the morning of your wedding for the best results, or a couple of days prior if you prefer a little stubble. As for your body, this generally depends on whether or not you're scheduled to get a spray tan.
Is it necessary to remove pubic hair before marriage? ›
You certainly don't have to shave before sex if you don't want to. Shaving pubic hair (or not) is a cosmetic preference, and it does not mean you are "cleaner" if you shave. If you do prefer to shave, try not to do it right before sex. Instead, shave the day before to give the area time to calm down.
Should a groomsman shave? ›
Even if you're well-rehearsed in the aesthetic requirements of the day, it's still possible to slip up at the real event, so don't let your guard down. If you have a beard, consider trimming it, and if you don't, make sure you shave in the morning and put on a nice-smelling (but not too overpowering) aftershave.
Should I go clean shaven to a wedding? ›
Indeed, when it comes down to it, gentlemen, whether you should shave or not is a matter you should be running by your spouse. If your bride-to-be likes you hairy, go in hairy. But if you're asked to shave it down to reveal that jawline, just frigging do it — no matter how much you love your beard.
Should I shave the day of an event? ›
Whenever you can, shave while showering — the steam will open pores and allow for a closer shave. – Don't shave the day before the event. Instead, shave the day of and do it in two parts. Shave with the grain with very light pressure.
Is it better to wax or shave before a wedding? ›
The best reason to have a wax is that it is better at removing hair than other methods, with the effects lasting longer. This means, among other things, you won't have to worry about shaving while on your honeymoon. Its effects should last two or three weeks.
Should I cut my hair on my wedding day? ›
While most hairdressers would advise against cutting your hair on the wedding day, there is one exception. Some brides are taking it to the next level by chopping their hair mid-ceremony in order to achieve a jaw-dropping second look.
How do you remove hair before a wedding? ›
WAXING: An aesthetician applies hot wax to an area, covers with a strip of cloth to remove hair. Sugaring is an alternative in which hot wax is replaced by a sugar paste. PROS: Creates a smooth appearance that lasts for up to six weeks; less expensive than lasers and electrolysis.
Women regularly remove their body hair, and the media portrays them as more attractive for doing so. Current research confirms this, showing that heterosexual men are more attracted to women with a hairless body.
Why did my wife shave her pubic hair? ›
The reasons may include a desired aesthetic, sexual practices, one's sense of personal hygiene, participation in certain sports or exercise, and/or clothing choices and comfort. From the gynecologist's perspective, shaving regularly to eliminate pubic hair has drawbacks.
What happens if you never shave your pubic hair? ›
The benefits of not shaving pubic hair are avoiding irritation, cuts, and ingrowns—when you don't shave, you won't get irritated. If you don't shave your pubic hair, nothing happens, but it's important to keep it clean with a daily genital-friendly wash and exfoliant to keep odor at bay.
How shaved should a guy be down there? ›
As with other areas of your body, intimate grooming depends on your preferences. Some guys prefer a clean shave, others an all-over trim - and some guys prefer a mix of the two.
How to shave for a wedding? ›
Grooms should use what has worked for them in the past, as now is not the time to experiment. While shaving, go with and against the grain, or what feels comfortable to take off the hair without having to go over areas repeatedly and risk irritating the skin. Gillette advises rinsing blades often during shaving.
Should a man shave up or down? ›
Conclusion. Now, shaving against the grain can lead to various skin problems even if it helps you to achieve a close shave. There is no question of going with this approach if you have sensitive skin. We would suggest that you always shave with the grain as it is the best way to avoid any skin issues.
Should you get a haircut the day of your wedding? ›
Getting your hair cut five to seven days before your wedding day is best. This gives your hair enough time to start growing out a little but not so much that it grows out too much or looks messy from being styled every day. During your appointment, ask your barber or stylist about salon hair styling products to use.
Should I wash my hair the day before my wedding? ›
With a freshly shampooed and conditioned head of hair, your stylist can create a custom co*cktail of products to help achieve the perfect look. Instead of washing 2-3 days prior, we suggest shampooing/conditioning the night before at the very earliest. Even better, shampoo and condition the morning of the wedding!
How should I have my hair on my wedding day? ›
Go with Your Gut. At the end of the day, it really is all about what you want, so trust your instincts and choose the hairstyle you love, regardless of your gown's neckline or what you usually do with your hair. If you've always envisioned yourself with long, flowing waves on your wedding day, go for it.
Should I shave the day of a date? ›
“If you're using a razor,” she continues, “manscape the day of the date [to avoid having scratchy pube-stubble].” If you're taking the latter approach, start by trimming any patches of unruly hair (including your bush and taint) with clippers.
