Slideshow: Presenting Yourself Like a Pro -- Men’s Grooming and Self-Care Tips

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Fit and Healthy: What Men Can Learn From the Pros

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Slideshow: Presenting Yourself Like a Pro

Pruning Your Eyebrows

Are your eyebrows looking like an unweeded garden? Occasional plucking might be enough. If you have a true unibrow looming above your face, you might need more drastic measures. Waxing is a relatively easy way to do it, either at home or -- if you can muster the courage -- in a salon. Once every six to eight weeks should do it.

Bad Breath

Bad breath is a colossal turnoff, but how do you know if you have it? This will give you an idea: lick the back of your hand, wait, and smell. Causes of halitosis vary. Some guys resolve it with a toothbrush or fewer onions. If you still have chronic bad breath despite precautions, see a doctor. You could have dental problems or an infection.

Nose and Ear Hair

It's cruel: As the hair starts disappearing from your scalp, it sprouts everywhere you don't want it. When it comes to nose hairs, don't pluck. First, it hurts. Second, nose hairs actually help filter out the air going into your lungs. Instead, use scissors or an electric trimmer to cut back the hairs a bit. You can use them on ear hairs, too.

Hand and Nail Care

Even if you don't pay them any mind, your hands get noticed every day -- every time you shake someone else's, for instance. Dirty or ragged fingernails aren't manly. They're a turnoff. Consider a manicure -- men get them too -- to get you on track. If not, do the bare minimum. Trim your nails regularly. Invest a few dollars in a nail brush and use it.

Thinning Hair

If your hair is thinning, grooming experts have blunt advice: own up to it. Don't hide it with longer hair, or lots of product, or elaborate styling. No one will be fooled, except maybe you. Get it cut short or shave it off entirely. You'll look better and realize you had nothing to be ashamed of.

How Not to Smell

Go ahead and wear cologne. But if you do, don't also use a scented soap, aftershave, deodorant, and face cream. Stinking up the office with a cocktail of clashing manly scents isn't a good idea. When it comes to smell, subtle is best. Something else to consider: the more scented stuff you put on yourself, the higher the odds you'll irritate your skin.

Shaving: Don’t Rush

Considering that most men do it daily, it's amazing how bad we can be at shaving. For one, we're impatient. We slap on a big beard of shaving cream and start scraping immediately. Instead, give shaving cream three minutes to permeate and soften the hairs. If you shave in the shower, let water soak in for a few minutes before you shave. It's why men used to get hot towels over their faces before a shave.

Shaving: A Light Touch

While razors often have four blades or more, that doesn't necessarily mean they're better -- especially if you keep re-shaving the same area. Too much focus on a close shave can result in nicks and razor burn. Better to go to work with a hint of stubble than with tissue on your nicks. If ingrown hairs are a problem, try exfoliation or use shaving gel instead of foam and shave in the direction hair grows.

Skin and Sun

After about three or four decades, the sun starts to take a toll on your face. Most of the wrinkles we associate with old age are actually the result of sun damage. Some guys pull off that weather-beaten look. The rest just look wrinkly. Protect your skin by using a face cream containing sunblock -- SPF15 or higher.

How to Wash Your Face

Are you washing your face with the same harsh soap that you use to scrub your armpits and crotch? That's not a good idea. Not only is the skin on your face sensitive, but it's also the first thing that everybody sees. Scaly, dried out skin doesn't look good. Avoid soaps with strong smells and opt for a gentle non-soap face cleanser.

Foot Care

Of all the body parts that men ignore, your feet might be most neglected. But your partner is bound to notice them -- especially if scratched by your toenail in the night. Trim your nails straight across regularly. Soak your feet and sand away some of that dead skin with a pumice stone. It might seem fussy, but you'll both like the results.

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Reviewed by Andrew Seibert, MD on October 20, 2011

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