There’s one thing that we humans strive to achieve. Perfection.
No matter what we do or where we are, perfection is key.
And if you dare notice that you don’t meet a certain standard, it can be your:
- Looks
- Career
- Lifestyle
…as a man, you may start feeling insecure.
As a result, you may feel down, unsure whether to put yourself out there and question your worth or if you’re good enough.
Therefore leaving you feeling anxious about everything you can possibly imagine about yourself.
So we’re going try and turn that right around. In this article, we’re gonna list you products, services, and everyday tips for a massive glow-up.
The Cold Truth about Aging
Now there’s no question that we’re growing as seconds go by in a day. There’s gonna come a time when you age.
And you can’t run away from that. However, the best response is to make the process take longer than it should.
On the other hand, sometimes your “insecurities” aren’t even insecurities. It’s all up in your mind.
Research from Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows that people who already have low self-esteem look at themselves negatively. Regardless of their actual appearance.
Common Insecurities Found in Men
1. Hair loss.
In other words, balding. Going through a stage where you notice signs of your hair thinning or balding can be frustrating as a man.
Especially because Hair does play a role in how you appear attractive.
When your hairline starts receding, the most common response for guys is to wear a hat. Some also shave their whole head off to hide it.
2. Looks and Appearance
This can include:
- Facial and body acne.
- Weak Jawline.
- Yellow teeth.
- Smelling or Odor.
- Clothing types.
3. Weight
Being:
- Chubby
- Skinny-fat
- Or fat.
On the other hand, being too skinny can also be a problem for some.
4. Height.
The majority of guys who are short usually feel self-conscious about their height. This can be due to a number of reasons. Mainly:
- Women prefer partners taller than them.
- Sports.
- Peer-pressure.
- Comparisons.
- Societal norms.
How to fix This?
These are remedies you can follow:
1. Prevent permanent hair loss with minoxidil
Research shows that about 70% of men will experience hair loss as they age. That could mean that you’re part of that percentage.
So to combat this effect, you have to use essential products that have been approved by doctors and dermatologists.
The number one product you must include in your routine is Minoxidil.
Typically, you want to go for 5% Minoxidil. 2% does work but studies have shown that 5% works better. So use it to see good results.
What does it do?
Minoxidil widens blood vessels. This promotes more blood flow to the hair follicles. Therefore, this triggers hair to grow even in areas that experience hair loss on the scalp.
How to use?
- Apply it on areas you notice are thinning where you clearly see hair loss.
- Leave it on your hair for at least 4 hours before washing it off.
- Apply it twice daily.
If you have a dry scalp, use the Foam product.
Recommended Time frame
Use Minoxidil every day for at least 3 months to see change. Bear in mind that once you stop using the product, your hair might start falling out again.
A study from Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology has shown that hair that has been grown by Minoxidil isn’t permanent. This means that hair loss resumes when you stop the treatment.
So be sure to stay consistent.
The best way to look at it is, using Minoxidil should be as regular as brushing your teeth twice a day.
Common side effects.
- Hairs that exist already might start falling out.
- Your scalp may be dry on the area you applied treatment. For that, apply essential oils like Rosemary oil or Castor oil.
- Hair growth. Which is exactly what you’re looking for.
2. Dealing with Acne
2.1 Facial acne
To get rid of acne on your face, you have to develop a skincare routine. A very simple one. So for the morning:
- Cleanse.
- Treat.
- Moisturize.
- Sunscreen.
And for the night:
- Cleanse.
- Retinol.
- Moisturize.
Understanding Product Functionalities
Cleansers: They wash away dirt, oils, and bacteria from your skin.
Treating: This is to treat exiting acne and prevents from forming.
Moisturizers: These help you hydrate your skin and keep it smooth while also preventing dryness.
Sunscreen: Good for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays from the sun. It also prevents the risk of:
- Sunburn.
- Skin aging.
- Skin cancer.
Retinol: Retinol helps by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and dark spots.
What you have to look for in products like cleansers or moisturizers is Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide.
Salicylic acid removes dead skin cells and other debris that can clog your pores and cause acne by penetrating deeper into your skin.
On the other hand, Benzoyl Peroxide:
- Eliminates bacteria that cause pimples.
- Reduces inflammation.
- Removes excess oil that may lead to pimples.
Pro Tip
Doctor Adel says that you have to leave Cleansers with Benzoyl Peroxide to sit on your face for 1-3 minutes in your face before washing it off. Otherwise, it won’t work effectively.
She also recommends using a white towel because Benzoyl Peroxide will bleach anything that’s not white.
For a complete step-by-step guide for a facial skincare routine, please check out this guide.
Product recommendations
Additional Information
Gradually introduce new products on your skin. Use some of these products like Retinol once, twice, or three times a week.
If you notice irritation, reduce it to two. If you don’t notice irritation. Increase it to four. You get the idea.
Do this until you built enough tolerance to use them every day. Keep in mind that products like sunscreen must be used every morning.
Also, when using these products, especially Adapalene, use small amounts. The smaller, the better.
Don’t use both Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide cleansers. Pick one and build tolerance.
2.2 Body Acne
Commonly found on your:
- Back.
- Chest.
- Shoulders.
- Buttocks.
Like facial acne, your body needs somewhat of a skincare routine to clear out the acne. Mainly:
- Cleansing.
- Treating.
- Moisturizing.
Product Recommendations
Pro Tips
Use a 10% Benzoyl Peroxide cleanser on areas that have acne on your body. The rest you can just wash with your everyday body wash.
Doctor Mamina Turegano says that your skin on areas like your back are stronger than your facial skin. Thus, the skin on your back can handle stronger products.
Wait 2-5 minutes after applying the product to your skin then wash it off. Remember to use a white towel because any other color will be bleached by this cleanser.
If you notice a bit of irritation like dryness, decrease the times you use this cleanser to once a day or a few times a week. Until your skin builds tolerance to it.
For a more in-depth guide for removing body acne, check out this article.
After showering, you can then treat your skin with Adapalene.
Just use a pea-sized amount on the inflamed areas. It can be difficult to reach some areas on your back.
No worries, you can use a spray with Salicylic acid. You can then Moisturize with doctor-picked moisturizers with your skin type.
Lastly, you must apply sunscreen to, protect your skin from sun damage during the day.
Avoid:
- Tight clothing.
- Not showering after a workout.
- Sitting on hard surfaces.
- Exposing your skin to the sun.
- Repeating dirty clothes.
3. Refining your Jawline
These are tips for getting a better jawline similar to the one you see in this above image:
3.1 Burning overall body fat
Spot-reducing fat has been scientifically proven to be impossible. In other words, doing jawline exercises won’t burn the fat stored there.
So, it’s best to target the entire body. Such as doing workouts like cardio which burn the overall fat in your body.
3.2 Jaw exercises
Now that you burned fat on your face, it’s time to exercise it such as:
- Chewing gum.
- Saying O and E a few times.
- Chewing on both sides.
3.3 Mewing
Mewing doesn’t really have a long-term effect like how creators on TikTok say it does. However, it does hide the little fat in the double chin area.
How to mew?
- Keep your lips closed.
- Rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth.
- Make sure not to touch your teeth with your tongue.
- Ensure you do not strain your jaw.
And that’s it.
Do this until you naturally rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth without reminding yourself.
Additional Tips
- Stay hydrated.
- Breathe through your nose.
- Talk.
Here’s an in-depth step-by-step guide for a better jawline.
4. Teeth
To get whiter teeth, you first of all have to brush them twice every single day.
If they’re still yellow, then consider visiting a qualified dentist for a Teeth Whitening Procedure. They are professionals and know what they’re doing.
It is a bit costly however it’s worth the purchase.
After the procedure
To help maintain your white teeth, you can use Teeth Whitening Strips.
This is a product that you stick to your teeth, wait for a bit and then remove it for whiter teeth.
Whitening strips have ingredients like Hydrogen Peroxide in them. A formula that has been proven to Whiten your teeth.
How to use?
- Open the pores on your teeth by brushing them with just water.
- Dry your teeth with a towel or by just inhaling with your mouth.
- Peel the strip from its packaging and stick it on your upper and lower teeth.
- Try to prevent the strips from touching your gums. That might cause irritation.
- Wait according to how packaging instructions tell you.
- Safely remove it.
- Wait a few minutes then you can get on with your oral care routine.
Pro Tips
Cut both the top and bottom teeth strips horizontally in half to double their supply.
This is because when you use the whole strip, the rest of it ends up covering your back teeth. Which is kind of a waste.
Simply because no one focuses behind your teeth. As long as you’re cleaning the back of your teeth effectively, they don’t need the strips.
Also, make sure to use the strips 2-3 weeks after the Procedure if you had one. This is to allow your teeth to properly heal from any sort of pain.
And also, it typically takes about 10-14 days to use whitening strips.
Additional Tips.
- Stay consistent.
- Try to avoid staining foods like coffee, red wine, dark chocolate, and much more… Especially after the Procedure.
- Stop smoking. It’s not it.
- Smile. You got whiter teeth now come on.
5. Fixing your smell.
Make sure to:
- Shower every day using a towel, Loofah, or the African net sponge.
- Properly wash enclosed areas like your armpits, groin, and your feet.
- Take care of your breath.
- Shave body hair.
- Apply antiperspirant or natural deodorant to avoid irritations.
- Change your clothes, pajamas, and your bedding regularly.
- Stay hydrated.
- Change your diet.
- Clean your living space.
- Wear a cologne. It does not have to be expensive.
If you’re a gym bro, take a shower right after a workout. If you’re away from home, use a Salicylic Acid spray on areas that are sweating. This will prevent smells and acne.
Click here for an an actual step-by-step guide to smell good.
Product Recommendation
Pro Tip:
Make sure to change your Loofah to prevent acne and inflammation.
Important Note.
If you notice that you’ve tried everything to remove body odor but it’s just not working, please consider visiting a dermatologist.
6. Improving Your Style
6.1 Tops
6.1.1 Plain T-shirts
No decorations on them. Something simple. Something you can put on during hot days and still look clean and classic.
6.1.2 Sweaters
These are amazing for both styling and comfort while adding warmth to our bodies and appearance.
6.1.3 Button-down shirts
These tops are suitable for those nights where you can appear aesthetic. It can be for an event, an outing, or even for a date night.
As you can see the example in the above image. It’s simple and clean.
6.1.4 Plain Color Hoodies
Perfect if you want comfort and be relaxed at home, at school, or anywhere you seek that comfort. Just not in formal settings.
6.1.5 Turtlenecks
These are essential for styling your outfits on cold days. And plus, they cover your neck to help keep you warm.
6.1.6 Jackets
This includes:
- Leather Jackets
- Denim Jackets.
- Varsity Jackets.
- Trench Coat.
- Puffer Jackets.
These are great for styling and layering for aesthetics.
6.1.7 Blazers
This is good for formal wear and to appear more professional.
6.1.8 Overshirts
These are shirts that you put on after wearing a tshirt under or any top of your choice. They’re perfect for layering (the layering you see above in the image) and bringing warmth and style.
6.2 Pants
6.2.1 Jeans
This includes:
- Denim jeans
- Straight legged Jeans
- Baggy Jeans
Jeans are a good option for styling because they pretty much go with anything.
6.2.2 Cargo Pants
By far the best pants to ever exist for styling. They include many pockets and are perfect for a casual look and aesthetics that make you appear as a cool guy.
6.2.3 Chino
Great and versatile pants for a casual but also smarter look.
6.2.4 Sweat pants
Super comfortable for relaxing or working out. Great for allowing your legs to breathe also.
6.2.5 Trousers
Pants that increase your profession and authority. They can be worn with button-down shirts or with a blazer.
6.2.6 Carpenter
Offer a convenient and aesthetic look, making you look like THAT guy. It’s clean, fits perfectly, and just. Like they bring out your shape in you and look good in any color you choose.
6.3 Footwear
6.3.1 Formal shoes
Easy slip-on shoes that will go perfectly with formal attire for those business days.
6.3.2 Everyday Sneakers
These are sneakers that you can put on for everyday outfits or staying indoors. Something not too stylish but looks good enough to complete your outfit. But you can always go overboard with cool styles because why not?
6.3.3 Leather Boots
They go well with outfits for chilly days and make you appear more aesthetic. Boots that have a thick sole in them which will help you look taller as well. Who doesn’t want to look taller again?
6.3.4 High-top sneakers
These are shoes you can put on with any swag (stylish looking cool boy) outfits. They go really well with them. This is what they look like:
6.3.5 White Leather Sneakers
Sneakers that pair well with any outfit you decide to go with.
6.3.6 Athletic Shoes
Shoes that are great if you love fitness like running and working out.
6.4 Accessories
6.4.1 Watch
Something to complete your entire outfit and make you appear important.
6.4.2 Necklace
It allows you to appear more attractive.
6.4.3 Rings
Rings can enhance your masculinity and make you appear sexy. Especially if you have visible veins.
6.4.4 Belt
Gotta have something to hold some of your pants right?
6.4.5 Tote bag or Crossbody bag
These just elevate your whole outfit. Also, they give you a place where you store your essentials like:
- Phone.
- Wallet.
- Pen.
- Gum.
- Cologne.
Planning Outfits
On hot days, you can put on something like:
Outfit 1
A white T-shirt.
A button-down shirt with thin fabric.
Carpenters.
White sneakers.
A necklace and a watch.
A tote bag.
The image about represents the finished look of this outfit.
Outfit 2
White short-sleeved button-down shirt.
Black shorts.
Black socks.
Trendy sneakers.
A watch.
A black tote bag.
Outfit 3
Black t-shirt.
Cargo Pants.
High-top sneakers.
It doesn’t have to be difficult really. Something simple that’ll reflect your personality will be good.
This is how you can create a monochromatic look:
Keynotes.
You don’t have to get all this at once. You can also get some of these in a thrift store like:
- Goodwill.
- Buffalo Exchange.
- Value Village.
All of which can save you a good amount of cash.
7. Weight
7.1 Burning Fat
Losing fat is one of the best physical transformations you can ever do for yourself.
Not only that but your confidence and self-esteem skyrocket tremendously which can make you stand out. Here are simple and scientifically proven ways to lose weight:
7.1.1 Doing High intensity workouts.
This includes exercises like running and cardio workouts. Something that’ll break a sweat.
You can work out as little as 5 minutes a day and work your way up.
7.1.2 Doing a Calorie Deficit.
This basically means burning more calories than you eat. However, you have to be smart with this.
And no you don’t have to eat plain chicken breast and rice every day. Unless you like it that is.
A. Eat healthy food. Like:
i) Lean proteins, which include:
- Skinless Chicken Breast.
- Eggs.
- Turkey.
- Fish.
- Beef.
- Lentils.
- Beans.
- Low to no-fat yogurt.
- Tofu.
- Cottage cheese.
ii) Whole grains, primarily:
- Brown rice.
- Quinoa.
- Oatmeal.
- Wild rice.
- Popcorn.
iii) Healthy fats like:
- Nuts.
- Avocado.
- Olives.
- Salmon.
- Dark chocolate.
iv) Fruits and Vegetables like:
- Watermelon.
- Cucumber.
- Celery.
- Kale.
- Berries.
- Grapefruit.
- Broccoli.
- Spinach.
- Brussel sprouts.
- Lemons.
Stay Hydrated
Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Therefore, drinking enough water helps to:
- Feel less hungry.
- Boost your metabolism.
- Remove toxins from your body.
You can stay hydrated by:
- Drinking water.
- Eating fruits and vegetables with high water content.
- Consuming hot drinks like Green tea, Black tea, Ginger Tea, and Black coffee with no added sugar.
7.1.3 Intermittent Fasting
Fasting is simply going for hours without eating or sometimes, drinking anything.
During a fast, your body uses available glucose from your last meal. Once the glucose runs out, your body will enter a state called Ketosis.
This is when it burns fat to be fueled up. Thus, you lose weight.
Fasting is another great way to lose weight. Because you don’t have to do anything major to burn fat.
The only downside is, since you haven’t eaten for hours, chances of you binging after a fast are high. Thus, it’s important to have a smart approach.
Before you try intermittent fasting, it’s important to consult with a Healthcare professional, especially if you’re going to go for longer hours so that they tell you everything according to their level of expertise.
The famous fasting sessions are:
- 16/8 plan.
- 20/4 plan.
- Fasting for 24 hours once or twice a week.
After you break your fast, don’t go and inhale everything in the fridge or cabinet. You will spike your insulin levels like crazy.
It will be like you wasted 16 to 20 hours with no meal. Instead, break your fast with:
Proteins: It can be meat, bone broth, or a protein shake. Something with no added sugar.
Fiber: It can be a salad with no dressing.
Pro Tips:
1. Drink water.
2. Break with small portions.
3. Chew slowly.
4. Avoid refined carbs on your first meal.
5. Stay consistent. You will not see results overnight. Period.
Other Important Tips to help you lose weight:
- Cook your meals.
- Avoid refined carbs.
- Cut back from fizzy drinks and alcohol.
- Move around.
- Don’t eat before going to bed.
- Get enough sleep.
7.2 Gaining weight
This is for guys who are skinny and want to build muscle. To do this, you must:
7.2.1 Eat more
I mean it just makes sense right?
Healthy food that helps increase weight:
- Cereal.
- Oats.
- Pasta.
- Potatoes.
- Peanut butter.
- Cheese.
- Full fat milk and yogurt.
- Protein bars.
- Trail mix (nuts, dried fruits, granola, seeds.)
- Ground beef.
- Protein shakes.
- Healthy oils (extra virgin olive oil, sunflower oil).
Incorporate a little bit of junk food to gain weight. This will speed up the process. So foods like:
- Soda.
- Candy.
- Sugary smoothies.
- Coffee with additives (e.g., Starbucks Frappuccino).
- Ice cream.
- Pastries (cake, muffins, donuts, cookies).
- French fries.
- Pizza (one slice can be over 300 calories).
- Fast food.
- Burgers.
..can increase your weight tremendously. It’s best to eat clean to gain weight. Thus, you get all the nutrients and energy you will need during workout sessions.
7.1.2 Exercise
Working out during a bulk is crucial. Thus, you don’t see yourself becoming obese. So workouts such as:
- Squats.
- Deadlifts.
- Bench Press.
- Overhead Press.
- Rows.
- Pull-Ups.
- Leg Press.
- Dumbbell Lunges.
- Bicep Curls.
- Tricep Extensions.
..are effective when you want to build muscle during a bulk. That’s the whole point of bulking right?
8. Addressing height
Studies show that about 60-70% of your height is based on genetics. The other 30% comes from your daily routines. It’s important to:
8.1 Eat a lot of Calcium and Proteins.
Calcium is for bones and Proteins is for muscles.
8.2 Get enough sleep.
Research show that growth Hormones are released in your body as you sleep. So it’s crucial to sleep 8-10 hours in a day.
8.3 Stretch
Stretching your body is crucial as it improves your:
- Flexibility.
- Posture.
Both of which contribute to being taller. Here’s a simple stretch exercise coming from a professionally trained doctor on how you can stretch daily:
Other essential ways to look taller
i) Elevator shoes
These are shoes that make you taller due to the insoles or lifts that are placed discreetly in them.
The downside of wearing these shoes is your feet can start to hurt. Similar to how women can’t wait to take off their high heels after a long day.
Also, these shoes can affect your posture, especially if you’re new to them. However, they do make you appear 1-3 inches taller.
ii) High waisted dressing
This involves wearing your pants higher than your waist. A little bit below the ribcage. Here’s a visual:
The aim is to create an illusion that you have longer legs. Therefore, making you appear taller.
To make it visible, you have to tuck in your shirt.
iii) Build muscle
You know just because you’re short doesn’t mean you can’t get shredded.
A study, published by Evolution and Human Behavior has shown that women are attracted to men with muscles. So it’s not always about the height.
Final Thoughts
The takeaway here is to build yourself and continue improving.
Don’t do it to impress others or for validation purposes. You’ll be stuck in a never ending cycle of being insecure.
As you work your way up, you will start to attract the type of energy you give off.
That dream girl, aesthetic body, car, house, and so much more, will be in your possession.
You just gotta have perseverance, and endurance and be consistent. It won’t not work.