The Rise of Men’s Grooming

It used to be true that if you showered, shaved, and maybe threw on cologne, you were doing more than enough taking care of yourself as a man. But that version of “maintenance” doesn’t cut it anymore. The way men approach grooming and self-care has shifted—and it’s a good thing.

The definition of masculinity has progressed.. Clean, healthy skin has become an important part of looking and feeling confident. Healthy skin signals discipline, self-awareness, and respect for how you present yourself.

To see how this shift shows up in real life, we talked to Marcus Lewis—a barber who’s been on the cutting edge of men’s self-care and grooming for over twenty years. He’s watched attitudes change in his chair over the years, and had plenty to say about how men are redefining what it means to take care of themselves today.

“When you walk into a room, people see your face before they see your fit. If your skin looks tired, it’s like wearing wrinkled clothes—you might not notice, but everyone else does.”

That’s how Marcus “Fade” Lewis, a barber out of Nashville Tennessee explains self care to his clients.

Marcus has been in the industry for over a decade, and he’s seen the shift firsthand. “Back in the day, if you told a guy to use moisturizer, he’d laugh it off,” he says. “Now, they’re the ones asking what I use.”

For him, grooming isn’t just a side note or an afterthought, it’s an integral part of how he carries himself through life. He keeps a few essentials on the counter: cleanser, hydrator, and a quick cover for guys who want to walk out of the chair looking clean and camera-ready. “It’s not about looking ‘pretty,’” he adds. “It’s about looking prepared.”

More of his clients are starting to see it the same way. The line between barbering and skincare is thinner now. Guys come in for a cut and leave asking about what to use post-shave or how to keep their skin from drying out. Marcus says it’s less about trends and more about awareness. “Once you show them it’s easy—they’re in. They just want something that works and doesn’t slow them down.”

Men are starting to realize that showing up sharp isn’t just about the clothes or the cut. It’s about the details that pull it all together. The clean face, the hydrated skin and confidence that comes from putting in effort where it counts.

The best part? Grooming doesn’t have to be complicated.
You don’t need a 10-step routine or expensive products to look good.

Here’s what actually matters:

1. Hydration.
Dry skin makes you look tired and older than you are. Use a light moisturizer once in the morning and once before bed. It takes 15 seconds, tops.

2. Quick Cover.
Got dark circles, redness, or uneven spots? A light tint like NuNorm Quick Cover evens everything out instantly. It’s not makeup—it’s maintenance. Think of it as an instant “reset” for your face.

3. Clean Up Right.
If you work out or spend your day outdoors, sweat and oil build up fast. A simple cleanser removes the grime and keeps your pores clear. Do it once a day.

4. Stay Consistent.
Just like fitness, consistency matters more than intensity. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence.

When you stick to small habits, your skin improves, your confidence builds, and the results last.

Good grooming isn’t about being or looking “perfect.” It’s more about the intention and care that you show for your own appearance. That small effort shows up everywhere: at work, on dates, in conversations, in the mirror before you leave the house.

“You can’t fake self-respect. When you take care of yourself, it shows. It’s an energy people feel.” Marcus “Fade” Lewis says this as he cleans clippers between clients. “It’s all connected,” he says. “If you care about your health, your career, your goals—you should care about how you present yourself. That includes your skin.”