Sunburnt skin, relentless sweating, insect bites, hay fever—summer isn’t always a picture-perfect paradise. With more skin on display than any other season, it’s time to refresh your grooming routine and stock up on essentials.
So, how do you maintain a flawless look when the temperature is soaring? We’ve tapped into industry experts who know their way around the season’s top grooming trends. From effortlessly stylish summer hair to eco-conscious skincare, here’s what’s making waves this season.
Beach Hair: Embrace the Mess
Good news: meticulously styled hair is taking a backseat. This summer is all about natural, tousled locks that look like they’ve already had a run-in with the sea breeze.
“Recently, we’ve seen fewer skin fades and more relaxed, layered styles,” says Ken Hermes of The Lion Barber Collective. “A touch of sea salt spray and natural texture can completely transform a look.”
Barber Betty Lingwood from Ruffians agrees, emphasizing a shift towards scissor-based techniques rather than buzzed fades. “The goal is effortless cool—softer, natural shapes that work with the summer heat instead of against it.”
Manicured Hands: The Subtle Flex
A survey by Superdrug revealed that manicures have overtaken facials as the top grooming treatment for men. One in four guys is now booking nail appointments—not just for gothic black polish but for clean, well-maintained hands.
Like skincare and eyebrow threading, a polished look isn’t just about the face. Well-groomed nails are becoming a quiet power move in the modern man’s arsenal.
Summer Fragrances: Complexity is Key
Gone are the days of predictable citrus overload and generic aquatic scents. This summer, fragrance houses are embracing depth, blending fresh notes with spicy, woody, and smoky elements.
For a scent that evolves beautifully on your skin, look for base notes of oak or sandalwood and intriguing heart notes like saffron or ginger. These complex blends will keep your fragrance fresh yet distinctive all season long.
Embracing the Grey: A Silver Lining
More men are ditching the dye and embracing their natural salt-and-pepper beards. Celebrities like Chris Pine, Jon Hamm, and Idris Elba prove that silver strands can be a statement of confidence.
Denis Robinson, creative director at Ruffians, encourages men to step away from artificial coloring. “This summer is the perfect time to showcase your natural grey—it’s distinguished, effortless, and completely on-trend.”
Green Grooming: Sustainability in Your Routine
A bathroom filled with single-use plastic bottles doesn’t align with today’s eco-conscious mindset. Grooming brands are responding with biodegradable packaging, refillable products, and sustainable materials.
Bulldog Skincare’s refillable shower gels and sugarcane packaging, along with Korres’ commitment to minimizing air freight, are leading the charge in greener grooming choices. Small swaps—like bamboo toothbrushes and biodegradable sponges—can make a significant impact.
Manscaping: Going the Distance
Hair removal has evolved beyond quick trims—many men are opting for permanent solutions. Laser hair removal is experiencing a surge in popularity, particularly for chest and abdominal treatments.
“We’ve seen a rise in men opting for laser hair removal, particularly in preparation for summer,” says Lucy Xu of Premier Laser Clinics. If you’re considering a smooth, hair-free look, now’s the time to explore long-term options.
The Shorter Beard: Downsizing for Summer
Beards aren’t disappearing, but they are getting a seasonal trim. This summer, the trend leans toward lighter, more natural styles with subtle stubble or well-maintained shorter beards.
“Clients are opting for natural, lighter looks,” reports the team at Ted’s Grooming Room. “Some prefer a close trim, leaving just a bit of stubble for a relaxed yet polished appearance.”
Advanced Skincare: Taking It to the Next Level
Skincare has moved beyond basic moisturizers. More men are exploring serums, exfoliants, and even chemical peels to tackle issues like acne, pigmentation, and signs of aging.
“For first-timers, chemical peels might sound intimidating, but they are highly effective,” says Xu. “They’re safe, customizable, and a great way to refresh your skin before summer.”
Eyebrow Threading: A Polished Touch
Eyebrows are no longer an afterthought. More barbershops are offering threading services, giving men a chance to refine their look without going overboard.
“Subtle shaping enhances definition without looking overly groomed,” advises a threading expert. Cleaning up stray hairs around the edges is all it takes for a sharper, more polished appearance.
The Rise of Turkish Barbershops
The fastest-growing sector in high street retail? Barbershops. Among them, Turkish barbershops stand out for their unique services, blending traditional grooming techniques with modern trends.
A visit often includes a hot towel treatment, massage, and even ear-flaming—an old-school technique to remove fine hairs. If you haven’t experienced this level of pampering, it’s time to book an appointment.
Moustache Minimalism
A long beard paired with summer’s lightweight attire can look unbalanced. Instead, shorter moustaches are trending, offering a fresh yet classic appeal.
Denis Robinson recommends the beardstache—keeping the moustache slightly longer than the stubble for a rugged yet refined aesthetic. Celebrities like Henry Cavill and David Beckham are proving that a neatly trimmed moustache can be both modern and masculine.
For a vintage touch, pencil or chevron moustaches—seen on Miles Teller and Lil Nas X—offer a distinctive style with minimal maintenance.
Stay Cool, Stay Groomed
From embracing natural hair texture to refining facial grooming, this summer’s trends emphasize effortless style and sustainability. Whether it’s updating your fragrance game, downsizing your beard, or making eco-conscious choices, now’s the time to elevate your routine.
Because looking good in the heat isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving with style.