Dear all,
Summer is slowly coming to an end...
The holidays are coming to a close, shirts are finding their way back into the wardrobe, and good habits are beginning to make their return as well.
Personally, I’ve always seen the start of the new season as a good opportunity to bring a little more order back into my routine. There’s no need to overdo it. A few good products, the right techniques, and above all, a little consistency.
So, here’s my grooming routine, from the morning shower to the final stroke of the comb.
I start with a good shower
It all starts here.
A good shower, a shampoo for my hair, and a shampoo specifically designed for the beard.
For the latter, I use the Tonsor & Cie Beard Shampoo. Beard hair is thicker than scalp hair, and the skin underneath deserves just as much care. A dedicated beard shampoo cleanses the beard thoroughly while helping maintain the comfort and balance of the skin underneath.
Once I’m clean, I can move on to the serious stuff.
A Little Freshness for the Scalp
After my shower, I apply a few drops of Tonsor & Cie Hair Tonic.
I work it into my scalp before giving it a gentle massage. It’s become a step that’s quite difficult to give up: the tonic instantly provides a refreshing sensation and helps wake up the scalp.
And then there’s that subtle citrus scent.
Discreet, fresh, clean. Just enough to start the day without feeling like I’ve poured an entire bottle of perfume over myself.
Time to Style
Once my hair is dry, I reach for my Matte Cream.
A small amount is all it takes. I warm it up between my hands before working it through my hair, then use my fingers to shape and add the movement I’m looking for.
To finish, my trusty horn comb.
I particularly enjoy running it through my hair: it allows me to refine the style with precision while respecting the hair fibre. More than anything, it helps me put everything back in its place without creating that overly styled look I’m deliberately trying to avoid.
The idea is simple: a well-groomed hairstyle that still feels natural.
When It’s Time to Shave
Some mornings, the beard stays.
Other days, it has to go.
When that’s the case, I always start by properly preparing my skin. I apply a few drops of Tonsor & Cie Shaving Oil to the areas I’m going to shave.
Its purpose is simple: to provide better glide between the blade and the skin, while reducing friction during the shave.
Then, I reach for the blade.
I prefer to shave in two passes.
The first, with the grain, to remove most of the beard without unnecessarily irritating the skin.
The second, across the grain, for a more precise shave and a closer finish.
There’s no need to press. A good blade and proper preparation already do most of the work.
I finish with a rinse, followed by a generous dab of Tonsor & Cie Aftershave.
It instantly provides a refreshing sensation. It helps soothe the skin after the blade has done its work, while providing comfort and hydration.
That final touch of freshness is the perfect way to finish a shave!
On the Days I Keep My Beard
Of course, I don’t shave every morning.
When I keep my beard, my routine is even simpler.
After washing it, I apply a few drops of Tonsor & Cie Dry Oil.
I pour a few drops into the palm of my hand, warm the oil between my palms, then work it through the entire beard.
I take the time to work the product all the way down to the roots, helping to deeply nourish the hair and prevent that dry or coarse feeling.
Then comes the brush...
A few strokes are enough to tame the hairs, distribute the product evenly and give the beard a cleaner, more polished appearance.
My favourite scent is still Woody. It has that warm, elegant character that I particularly enjoy.
But I have to admit, I do change things up from time to time...
A touch of Orient when I’m in the mood for something more distinctive. Or Ice when I’m after a fresher sensation.
Even a gentleman is allowed to change his habits from time to time!
In the End, Nothing Too Complicated
Over time, I’ve come to realise that a good grooming routine doesn’t require a bathroom filled with products.
What matters most is having the right products and using them at the right time.
A shampoo for your hair.
A beard shampoo.
A Hair Tonic for the scalp.
A Matte Cream for styling.
A good comb for the finishing touches.
And for the beard: a shaving oil and an aftershave when it’s time to shave, or a dry oil and a good beard brush when it simply needs to be maintained.
A few minutes every morning can make a real difference to your day.
See you soon, gentlemen,
The Gentleman