Grooming Guide for the 30 Somethings

Gotten over the 30-year-old slump? Good for you. On to more important things. . . like assessing any damage from your 20s, and fighting changes that are sneaking up on you (very unpleasantly, I might add), and looking better than ever. That’s the goal at least, so keep on reading. . .

Hair
You may be facing the worst of hair problems—thinning. If you’ve noticed a receding hairline or suspicious balding, you should see a specialist. There are a lot more medications and specialist products than ever out there, including the new Laser Comb and special thickening shampoos to fool the eye. Don’t be seduced by new fangled products that promise to stimulate hair growth. Check the reviews, ask your friends, and review websites thoroughly before committing to any “new breakthrough” lotions or potions. Probably the best solution if you’re obviously bolding is to shave your head completely and wear the new “hairstyle” with pride.

If you’ve started noticing gray hair, keep in mind that women think it makes you look trustworthy, intelligent, and even (if you’re lucky) irresistible. Women—and I know this from personal experience—aren’t so lucky in the gray department, so consider yourself lucky. You aren’t Old, you’re Distinguished. Only dye your hair if it’s absolutely necessary, and always have it done by a professional.

Skin Care
Sadly, aging truly begins at 30. You’ll start to notice funny little changes that you’ll probably want to stop as soon as possible, including drier skin and more lines. To prevent your face from becoming a road map, you should embrace thicker face products like creams and lotions. Even a small change can make a difference, so consider some tiny product tweaks once you reach your 30s.

Consider buying the following products for your usual skin care routine:

• Gentle and rich cleanser: Switch to a face wash that is slightly less harsh than usual. It doesn’t need to be rich, especially if you have a sensitive t-zone, but stay away from maximum strength benzoyl peroxide.

• Less astringent facial cleanser: Rosewater and gentle fresheners work better on more mature skin.

• Moisturizer for normal skin with SPF 15: Keep on with your sunscreen routine, because the lines that you prevented in your 20s can always return if you’re not careful.

• Eye cream: Aim for more heavy-duty creams that can also help with under eye bagginess. You’ll see that fluids collect in your face much more easily now that you’re in your thirties.

Teeth
With age comes graying—and more than just hair. Invest in a good deal of white strips and products to keep your teeth free from staining, which gets worse with age. If you haven’t started going to the dentist twice a year, now’s the time to start.