Grooming & Etiquette by The Grafton Barber: Timeless insights for the modern gentleman

In today's fast-paced world, looking and feeling sharp has never been more crucial.

The Grafton Barber, with decades of grooming expertise, presents "Grooming & Etiquette," a book that not only shares essential grooming tips but also instils a sense of confidence and style.

This invaluable guide is designed for the 21st-century gentleman and his sons, offering exclusive insights and trade secrets to help them look their best. With a foreword from the renowned actor James Nesbitt, the book embodies The Grafton Barber’s classic style, making it a must-have for anyone serious about personal grooming.

Here is an excerpt from the book that highlights its practical wisdom:

Ten Skincare Tips

1. ALWAYS WASH YOUR FACE. It might sound obvious, but think of everything you've done during the day—your commute, work, the gym, cooking. Can you imagine not washing your hands at all during that period? Your face is exposed to the same external influences, so it deserves a thorough scrub at the end of a hard day.
2. EXFOLIATION IS KEY. Women have enjoyed the benefits of exfoliation for years, but now men are also jumping onboard. Whether you have a beard or freshly shaved skin, exfoliation should be an essential part of your skincare regime. You should also use a quality face cloth to remove excess oil. Don't be afraid of skin cleansing machines (there are some on the market for €30), and, depending on the condition of your skin and how powerful the exfoliant is, some can be used up to three days per week.
3. SHOWER EVERY DAY (OR NIGHT). Showering gets rid of the excess oil on your body, in particular around the face, neck, and back where it builds up during the day. If you're prone to breakouts, showering will help defuse the potential for new spots, which are caused by a build-up of sweat in the sebaceous glands. A warm shower will also open your pores and allow you to better reach any areas you're cleansing.
4. 'GENTLE' IS ESSENTIAL. If you have sensitive skin, for example, or psoriasis, eczema, or another skin condition, exfoliating can be too irritating—sometimes even water can be too much of an irritant. In this case, you should visit a dermatologist and get advice individually tailored for you. But most men should adopt a softer approach to skincare, so as not to overly irritate the skin.
5. INVESTIGATE THE QUALITY OF YOUR LOCAL WATER SUPPLY. You don't have to become a crusader for water quality, but you can manage your expectations if you educate yourself on the effects it has on your skin. For example, if your local water supply contains lime, you would deem it undrinkable; so imagine what it's doing to your hair and skin. Water softeners tend to be an expensive option for improving this, but there are shower filters available at a more reasonable price at DIY stores.

(L-R) Conor Mc Allister, Caitlin Mc Bride, James Nesbitt, Hugh Mc Allister at the launch of Grooming & Etiquette

6. GET TO KNOW YOUR MOISTURISERS. When it comes to moisturising, sometimes a gel is best. Every skin type is different, but gels provide more of a protective layer for your skin, which is an essential barrier especially if you're living in a city, which is more prone to pollutants. Psychologically, most of us feel that a cream goes 'deeper' into the skin, but unless you suffer from extremely dry skin, it's not imperative.
7. ALWAYS USE SPF. This one has been hammered into most of us for the last few decades, but still, nearly all of us fall guilty of not sticking to it on a daily basis. Every man, woman, and child should wear SPF every day. If you think about it from an economical perspective, not only does it protect against UV rays, it also moisturises. So, if you're on a tight budget, an SPF from a skincare range can be a double act for you!
8. READ THE LABEL. It sounds obvious, but it's easy to get caught up in enticing marketing. Dating back to the early days of beauty, there were three types of creams available (all for women: hand cream, cold cream, and face cream). Most of these products have been manoeuvred into different purposes to increase sales, and it's important to be an informed consumer. If you look at the ingredients, and an eye cream and face cream have the same elements, then there's no need to purchase both.
9. GO NATURAL. Why does anyone need to add chemicals to a product that's intended to naturally generate moisture? The more chemically infused products you use, the more you will need, so be mindful of exactly what you're putting on your face. If you don't understand more than 50% of the ingredients, then chances are the product is more artificial than strictly necessary.
10. YOUR SKINCARE REGIME SHOULD COVER MORE THAN YOUR FACE. Investigate a body wash or gel for head-to-toe cleansing. If you have drier skin, a body wash or in-shower moisturiser can be of additional help to keep your skin feeling and looking supple.

Whether you’re just starting your grooming journey or looking to refine your regimen, this book provides a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate the nuances of modern grooming.

"Grooming & Etiquette" is not just a guide; it’s a timeless companion for the discerning gentleman. With its expert tips and thoughtful insights, you'll gain the confidence to put your best foot forward in every aspect of life.

Pick up your copy in-store or order online at graftonbarbers.com to start your journey toward impeccable grooming today!