Appearance Improvement Tips (Male)

Red About Town

I haven't been feeling the best about myself recently - no real reason just a bout of the blues. Due to this I don't think I've been looking the best I can.

That's behind me now though and want to improve the way I look. Back into exercising (running) on a daily basis which I know will help.

Can any viewers of this thread post up your best tips for a man to improve his appearance. Hairstyle, fashion, hygiene advice etc. All help much appreciated!

Eroticplants

Moisturise morning and night.

Twee.

This is a post I made a few weeks ago http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=83572910&postcount=4

Always think "neat & tidy". Clean hair, facial hair and nails are a big one. That doesn't mean clean shaven and a short back & sides, but however you style your hair, but be sure it's clean and not scraggly.

If your shoes are scruffy, try and get rid. It can really bring an outfit down.

Wear clothes your comfortable in, and use that as a springboard. If you're a jeans and tee kinda guy, consider investing in some good quality ones that will wash well. Swap a hoody for a blazer, sneakers for some boots.

As I mentioned in the linked post, is there a particular event/work/casual that you find it hardest to dress for?

nocoverart

Red About Town wrote: »

I haven't been feeling the best about myself recently - no real reason just a bout of the blues. Due to this I don't think I've been looking the best I can.

That's behind me now though and want to improve the way I look. Back into exercising (running) on a daily basis which I know will help.

Can any viewers of this thread post up your best tips for a man to improve his appearance. Hairstyle, fashion, hygiene advice etc. All help much appreciated!

A good night out with the lads, and no more Woman talk.

Red About Town

Eroticplants wrote: »

Moisturise morning and night.

Thank you - any particular brands you would recommend? It's not something I use.

Eroticplants

I use Simple Light Moisturiser but would depend on your skins needs really.

dudara

@nocoverart Helpful posts only please, or don't bother posting.

dudara

Red About Town

Twee. wrote: »

This is a post I made a few weeks ago http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=83572910&postcount=4

Always think "neat & tidy". Clean hair, facial hair and nails are a big one. That doesn't mean clean shaven and a short back & sides, but however you style your hair, but be sure it's clean and not scraggly.

If your shoes are scruffy, try and get rid. It can really bring an outfit down.

Wear clothes your comfortable in, and use that as a springboard. If you're a jeans and tee kinda guy, consider investing in some good quality ones that will wash well. Swap a hoody for a blazer, sneakers for some boots.

As I mentioned in the linked post, is there a particular event/work/casual that you find it hardest to dress for?

Thank you. Some good advice.

Re my hair. I keep it short but it grows very quickly. Need it cut every 1.5-2 weeks. I'm going to get back into the discipline of doing this as it looks far too heavy if I don't. I have really thick hair.

Re clothes. I read your post and agree with most on it. I don't struggle buying clothes or knowing what to wear. My issue clothes wise now is probably not maintaining them well if that makes sense. I sometimes lack motivation to hand them up properly, iron them etc. And this can have a negative effect on my appearance.

Red About Town

nocoverart wrote: »

A good night out with the lads, and no more Woman talk.

An AH type reply but thanks anyways. I agree nights out are good and back to normal now with them. However if I want to look good to feel good, hence this thread.

OldBean

Red About Town wrote: »

Thank you - any particular brands you would recommend? It's not something I use.

If you're in Dublin, pop into Khiel's and see what they can do for you.

Twee.

Red About Town wrote: »

Thank you. Some good advice.

Re my hair. I keep it short but it grows very quickly. Need it cut every 1.5-2 weeks. I'm going to get back into the discipline of doing this as it looks far too heavy if I don't. I have really thick hair.

Re clothes. I read your post and agree with most on it. I don't struggle buying clothes or knowing what to wear. My issue clothes wise now is probably not maintaining them well if that makes sense. I sometimes lack motivation to hand them up properly, iron them etc. And this can have a negative effect on my appearance.

Would you get an electric shaver, if it would work with your hair style? Money saver in the long run if you need to go every fortnight!

Regarding maintaining clothes, yeah, it can be a pain to keep up with the ironing! The best thing to do is to get into a routine. I'm awful for just dumping my clothes are work, but I make the effort to hang them up now.

To keep the colour of jeans, wash them inside out. For tees, try and buy good brands like M&S, Gap or American Apparel that will wash well and not go out of shape too quickly. Look out for non-iron shirts in M&S and Next.

mood

You should use a moisturiser with a broad spectrum SPF in the mornings.

Ironing clothes makes a big difference.

Get the opinion of a trusted female friend/sister or well dressed male friend.

As for hygiene shower once a day, wash teeth and floss twice a day. Visit the dentist regularly.

Chancer3001

get a tan!

mood

Chancer3001 wrote: »

get a tan!

Getting a tan ages you skin long term and increases the risk of skin cancer.

Fake tan is horrible particularly on men.

Red About Town

Chancer3001 wrote: »

get a tan!

One of the things I want to change is that I look quite pale all the time. I am on a healthy eating plan now (due to getting fit for a marathon) and trying to increase my water intake which should help.


I look well after a holiday with a tan but not much of a chance to get one here. Are the tanning moisturisers any good or does it look too much like fake tan?

Red About Town

mood wrote: »

You should use a moisturiser with a broad spectrum SPF in the mornings.

Ironing clothes makes a big difference.

Get the opinion of a trusted female friend/sister or well dressed male friend.

As for hygiene shower once a day, wash teeth and floss twice a day. Visit the dentist regularly.

If I'm honest I don't have a clue when it comes to ironing. I attempt it but don't think I'm very good at it. Always had someone else to do it for me but not the case now. Am going to look at YouTube to see any tips to get better at it. Sad I know..

mood

Red About Town wrote: »

One of the things I want to change is that I look quite pale all the time. I am on a healthy eating plan now (due to getting fit for a marathon) and trying to increase my water intake which should help.


I look we'll after a holiday with a tan but not much of a chance to get one here. Are the tanning moisturisers any good or does it look too much like fake tan?

They are fake tan but are diluted versions. I would avoid if I were you.

mood

Red About Town wrote: »

If I'm honest I don't have a clue when it comes to ironing. I attempt it but don't think I'm very good at it. Always had someone else to do it for me but not the case now. Am going to look at YouTube to see any tips to get better at it. Sad I know..

A man who can't take care of himself is a major turn off. Being able to do basic stuff like ironing, cooking and cleaning are very important.

Red About Town

mood wrote: »

A man who can't take care of himself is a major turn off. Being able to do basic stuff like ironing, cooking and cleaning are very important.

Fully agree. I'm well able to look after myself, however I do recognise I need to be better at basics tasks like ironing.

Red About Town

mood wrote: »

They are fake tan but are diluted versions. I would avoid if I were you.

Advice taken on board.

Phoebas

Red About Town wrote: »

If I'm honest I don't have a clue when it comes to ironing.

You could take 5 minutes out of your day and learn. Its a pretty basic skill task

Red About Town

Phoebas wrote: »

You could take 5 minutes out of your day and learn. Its a pretty basic skill task

That's what I'm planning to do.

MiseryMary

Red About Town wrote: »

I haven't been feeling the best about myself recently - no real reason just a bout of the blues. Due to this I don't think I've been looking the best I can.

That's behind me now though and want to improve the way I look. Back into exercising (running) on a daily basis which I know will help.

Can any viewers of this thread post up your best tips for a man to improve his appearance. Hairstyle, fashion, hygiene advice etc. All help much appreciated!

well Exercising is good for a start and nice shower after it ,lets see hair different style with a new colour something you never had before , look online on mens fashion https://www.google.ie/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&q=mens+style&btnG=Search+by+image&biw=1241&bih=606&sei=VHdcUbzBBYejhgeB5YHIDw just don't wear these tracksuits for fashion like a scumbag kinda thing its a real turn off , Hygiene shaved well groomed even a style https://www.google.ie/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&q=mens+style&btnG=Search+by+image&biw=1241&bih=606&sei=VHdcUbzBBYejhgeB5YHIDw#hl=en&biw=1241&bih=606&site=imghp&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=mens+beard+styles&oq=mens+beard+styles&gs_l=img.12...0.0.2.8453.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0...0.0...1c..8.img.Mg8MKHfaRNY&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.44697112,d.ZG4&fp=3f905dd523055853 theres many men products hair wax style , Nivea products , lynx sprays, hair products , Just pamper yourself , New hobby to do even.

unknowngirl!!

Technically this doesn't improve your appearance but all the same it's important! Always smell good.. Makes a big difference!

mood

unknowngirl!! wrote: »

Technically this doesn't improve your appearance but all the same it's important! Always smell good.. Makes a big difference!

To me just not smelling is enough (breath etc). Aftershave is a bonus.

Red About Town

unknowngirl!! wrote: »

Technically this doesn't improve your appearance but all the same it's important! Always smell good.. Makes a big difference!

Yes, bought some Gucci aftershave at the weekend. Again something I hadn't bothered with for a while but now back on track.

Chancer3001

In my own opinion the vast majority of people look much better with a tan.

One of the lads I know used the tanning mosituriser "by mistake" and it left him with orange bits on his hands and in the wrinkles in his forehead! The rest looked brown though!

Red About Town

Chancer3001 wrote: »

In my own opinion the vast majority of people look much better with a tan.

One of the lads I know used the tanning mosituriser "by mistake" and it left him with orange bits on his hands and in the wrinkles in his forehead! The rest looked brown though!

I agree about the tan - don't want to risk the moisturiser in case it doesn't come out right though. Only option is to wait until summer holidays I suppose.

mood

Red About Town wrote: »

I agree about the tan - don't want to risk the moisturiser in case it doesn't come out right though. Only option is to wait until summer holidays I suppose.

Tan is a very short term option. Does/has anyone else not knowen someone who has/had skin cancer???

Also some skins don't tan.

cosbloodymick

mood wrote: »

A man who can't take care of himself is a major turn off. Being able to do basic stuff like ironing, cooking and cleaning are very important.

Jaysus what were women invented for so? :pac:

mood

cosbloodymick wrote: »

Jaysus what were women invented for so? :pac:

Exactly the kind of man I avoid like the plague. Why would a woman want to be be your SLAVE??? Life of misery and little else...





I really hope he was joking :eek:

Twee.

cosbloodymick wrote: »

Jaysus what were women invented for so? :pac:

Joking or not, don't post here with that kind of stuff again.

Posters, please report posts rather than replying on thread. It just leads to derailment.

Chancer3001

probably get more worthwhile advice if you posted a picture tbh

boomkatalog

My brother split with his wife recently. His confidence was zero, he went and changed a few things and now he's nothing short of vain :pac:

Firstly, took up soccer and working out, lost some weight. Bought himself a smart jacket and some new casual runners, got his hair cut. He found his ancient hair gel was gone off and causing dandruff so he bought himself some good stuff.

A big part of his new found confidence was getting his teeth cleaned. He's using a good whitening toothpaste to maintain the new smile, and when he has more income he'll get them lasered (did that myself, great results and plenty of confidence after).

In terms of fashion, he got a few new bits that fit him better since losing the weight, good jeans and a jacket that you can dress up or down are well worth investing in.

Red About Town

boomkatalog wrote: »

My brother split with his wife recently. His confidence was zero, he went and changed a few things and now he's nothing short of vain :pac:

Firstly, took up soccer and working out, lost some weight. Bought himself a smart jacket and some new casual runners, got his hair cut. He found his ancient hair gel was gone off and causing dandruff so he bought himself some good stuff.

A big part of his new found confidence was getting his teeth cleaned. He's using a good whitening toothpaste to maintain the new smile, and when he has more income he'll get them lasered (did that myself, great results and plenty of confidence after).

In terms of fashion, he got a few new bits that fit him better since losing the weight, good jeans and a jacket that you can dress up or down are well worth investing in.

Yes - I believe there is a direct link between looking well and how you feel about yourself.

My teeth are OK but will book a dental appointment based on the advice of this thread.

Red About Town

Can anyone recommend a good hair gel to use? I have thick brown hair but try to keep it short. If it grew heavy it would be similar to Noel Gallagher's.

Prettyblack

Red About Town wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a good hair gel to use? I have thick brown hair but try to keep it short. If it grew heavy it would be similar to Noel Gallagher's.

Wow! Maybe you should grow it then! And then go to a "fancy" barber's and get it styled. Not like Gallagher's necessarily, but styled nonetheless. That'll make you feel great.

Moisturise for sure - Garnier, Clarins, etc. The "man" products like those for wrinkles or aging skin or dry skin etc.

Clean, uncreased clothes are essential - always. Ironing is actually really easy. You just put the iron down on the clothes. Try it out on a few old clothes first to get the hang of it.

I find just getting new clothes, like a new wardrobe, makes me feel good. You didn't give a budget but if you are feeling down you should prioritise and go out and spend a bit of money. Avoid Penney's and places like that - their clothes are rotten.

I would say you should get:

Trousers - Diesel Jeans. They don't have to be skinny or anything, but don't get bootcut - get straight leg or relaxed fit. Retail at about 125 euro but worth it. Get dark denim. You can also get light brown chinos as well, for something different.

Footwear - depends what you like to wear. Runners are fine once they are new, clean and fashionable - something like Vans, Tigers, Converse, etc. Or if you are a more conservative dresser, a nice pair of "driving shoes" like Todd's or a pair of casual slip ons - go into Brown Thomas and have a look. Also try Camper on Wicklow street, very funky shoes indeed. Or a pair of Clarks desert boots. If you like white runners, get plain white Converse. Always keep them clean! Avoid those pointy crappy shoes from places like Office.

Tops - well, the key thing here is the fit. Whether its shirts, t shirts, jumpers etc, if they don't fit you they won't look good. Don't be afraid to ask the salesperson to help with fitting, they will be only too happy to help. Try Ted Baker, Thomas Pink and BT2 again for shirts; just get whatever you like, once it fits then it'll look good. I personally don't wear jumpers but the better quality you get, the better off you be. The classic look would be a v neck over a round neck t shirt. These are nice too: http://www.asos.com/Men/Jumpers-Cardigans/Cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=7617

T shirts are more expendable so you can get cheaper ones cos you'll go through them quickly. I recommend H&M for plain black, white, army green, navy etc t shirts - only 5 euro or thereabouts and they are 100% cotton. They are a nice fit and they have v neck and round neck. Get a load of them.

For more expensive tees, I like Pretty Green - keeping the Gallagher link, they are Liam Gallagher's range of clothes. Can get online at prettygreen.com. In fact, there's loads of really nice things on that site - but they are pricey.

Jackets - I actually have a problem with jackets / coats myself! Can never find something I like. It depends on what you want to get. A fitted navy suit jacket might look good, paired with jeans and a white t shirt. Or you might want to get a more casual jacket, so try a harrington style jacket, or a Penguin bomber jacket. (can get in BT). Or a denim jacket too, worn with coloured chinos (wine, brown, etc) rather than jeans.

I know I'm talking about Brown Thomas a lot, but in most cases the more expensive the clothes are, they better they are made / fit better / feel better. Therefore, you will feel good.

Maybe you can also accessorize, with a nice casual scarf, or a flatcap or hat.

You could also do something radical like grow a beard, once you keep it neat and tidy, beards with short tidy hair looks really good.

Hope all that helps! You can get most of the things I mention in shops like BT / BT2, Arnotts, Ted Baker, Alias Tom, Camper, H&M, even Topman have the odd nice things, but I would say avoid M&S and places like that. Having said that M&S do decent suits, so you could get your jacket there, and maybe a scarf too. But for jeans and shirts etc, go to the shops I mentioned.

Red About Town

Some good advice above. Thank you.

When it comes to my hair I'll admit that I don't have a clue. As stated, my hair gets really thick and heavy if I let it grow. I try to keep it as short as I can but don't always think it looks great.

What barbers in Dublin city centre would people recommend?
Do I need to let my hair grow for a few weeks prior to going?
Is it best to go in and ask for the barbers advice on what to get done?
How much would people recommend spending (not concerned just wondering as I generally pay on average 10 euro)

Prettyblack

Red About Town wrote: »

Some good advice above. Thank you.

When it comes to my hair I'll admit that I don't have a clue. As stated, my hair gets really thick and heavy if I let it grow. I try to keep it as short as I can but don't always think it looks great.

What barbers in Dublin city centre would people recommend?
Do I need to let my hair grow for a few weeks prior to going?
Is it best to go in and ask for the barbers advice on what to get done?
How much would people recommend spending (not concerned just wondering as I generally pay on average 10 euro)

You could try the Grafton Barber, Sam's Barbers, but you could also go "all fancy" and try Toni & Guy - would be more expensive though (you'd have to call them and ask). You'd get a pretty "trendy" hair style there!

It depends what you want - if you want it longer, then grow it a bit beforehand; maybe bring in a picture of what you are looking for rather than ask for advice. Otherwise they might just give you a short back and sides.

In most cases, a blade 8 all over never did any harm to anyone...

boomkatalog

Find a picture of a style you want and bring it with you.