Spring is awesome, isn’t it? Especially after the frigid weather we’ve only just escaped from, there’s no beating the feeling of warm April sun on your mug, coupled with the knowledge that it’s only bound to get better from here on out. But before you go ahead and dive headlong into the season, you’re going to need to reassess a few things— particularly when it comes to grooming.
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You see, now that the climate’s on the upswing, the same routine that got you through the depths of winter simply isn’t going to cut it. Which makes sense, if you think about it: A different set of conditions will naturally call for a different set of steps to keep you looking your best. That’s where we come in, with a handful of hair and skin care tips to ensure you get a fresh start heading into spring.
You can thank us later.
1. Lighten Up Your Moisturizer. Winter is indeed a trying time, so it makes sense that you’ve been using a thick, rich moisturizer to keep your skin looking its best. But as the mercury begins to rise, that same lotion is all of a sudden going to start feeling way too heavy, and fast. So before you get to that point, swap it out for something a little lighter, like this stuff by Clinique. Designed to not add any extra weight to your face, it’ll also help control oil, which definitely won’t hurt as we get closer to summer.
2. Never Forget SPF. Now, I’m sure you love the sun— but don’t forget what it’s capable of. Left unchecked, UV rays will burn in the short term and leave you looking older, sooner in the long term. That’s why it’s important, especially as the days grow longer, to always apply some level of broad spectrum SPF on the daily.
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3. Exfoliate Like It’s Your Job. Chances are that no matter how hard you tried, winter’s left your skin a bit worse for wear. A dry patch here, a callus there; whatever, it happens to everyone. Give yourself a clean slate for the season by wiping it all away with a solid exfoliator. This body scrub by Aesop will do the trick.
4. Turn Up Your Sweat Protection. Honestly, this one couldn’t be more obvious. With the weather getting warmer each and every day, so too increases the likelihood that you’re going to sweat through your shirt. Likewise, don’t wait until it’s too late to invest in better full-body perspiration protection. You never know when you’re going to need it.
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5. Trim Away Winter. The same way that winter’s been harsh on your skin, it’s also probably done a number on your hair— that goes double if your locks fall on the longer end of the spectrum. Which is why it’s not a bad idea to refresh your look as spring rolls around, snipping off burnt-out bits and split ends. Another benefit: A shorter ‘do won’t get nearly as sweaty.
6. Swap Out Moisture-Rich Washes. So you took our advice and started using “nourishing” conditioners during the cold months, eh? Happy to hear it. But while these moisture-intensive options may have kept things status quo in the winter, they may very well be overkill as we head into spring as the humidity increases. Likewise, tag them out for their “clarifying” counterparts, like this Prospector Co. option, which will clean hair without adding excess moisture.
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7. The Same Goes For Conditioners. Keywords you should be looking for when picking out a conditioner for spring: weightless, light, clean. Blind Barber Lemongrass Tea Conditioner checks all those boxes.
8. Turn Up the Heat. As the humidity continues to rise, keep in mind the best way to get movie star-quality hair is with heat. Besides making it easier to to apply product, hot air by way of hair-dryer will help to tamp down frizz.
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9. Pick Up a Rain-Resistant Pomade. With all this talk of better weather, it’s easy to forget that spring isn’t all sunny days. In fact, there’s probably a good bit of rain ahead. So, to keep from your style getting cramped every time you get trapped in a deluge, go ahead and give something like Triumph and Disaster’s Coltrane Clay a shot. Made with Brazil wax, it’s the waterproofing your look needs to make it through April showers.
10. Invest in a New Scent. Like your bar order, your cologne should change depending on the season, becoming increasingly more refreshing as the days get longer. Not sure where to start? Not to worry, we’ve got you covered.
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