Does Grooming Affect Mental Health in Men
The impact of grooming goes beyond aesthetics. Studies show that consistent care has positive effects on mood and self-perception. Men who prioritised grooming reported higher levels of confidence and self-esteem compared
Traditionally, women have been typecast as the gender that prioritized their looks. This has been especially so as beauty and physical attractiveness have had a significant impact on their capacity to meet social expectations and accomplish personal goals. However, social norms have evolved in recent years. Due to changing views on masculinity, celebrity influence and social media, a growing number of men are showing an interest in grooming and caring for their appearance.
It helps that men who take pride in their looks are no longer seen as effeminate or even labelled metrosexual. Attending to one’s appearance has become normalised. Indeed in the book, Debating Modern Masculinities, the authors argue that men are less “limited” than previous generations and “do things their fathers would have eschewed, including spending lots of time and money on grooming products and services.” This is confirmed in another study published in the journal, Discover Psychology, which found that men are increasingly using haircare products and makeup. They are motivated to do so for different reasons. Some may do so to address perceived imperfections while others seek to reverse the signs of aging, surmise the authors.
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have emphasised the importance of image, with numerous influencers and celebrities freely discussing their grooming habits. This has stepped up the process, making it more acceptable for men to go for treatments that enhance their looks.
Men’s grooming leads to better self confidence
The impact of grooming goes beyond aesthetics. Studies show that consistent care has positive effects on mood and self-perception. Men who prioritized grooming reported higher levels of confidence and self-esteem compared to those who did not. Being well-groomed also helps lower anxiety in social situations.
Cognisant of this, men are embracing the importance of looking after themselves, not just for the sake of appearance but for overall well-being. A 2022 study by Ipsos reveals that 57% of heterosexual males in the US between 18-34 and 48% of heterosexual males who are 51 and above express the view that a skincare routine is important. Fifty-six percent of heterosexual males between 18-34 follow a daily skincare routine while 70% of heterosexual males 51 and above do so.
There is certainly a cultural shift towards considering grooming as vital for mental health and self-perception. Media influence from celebrities and the expectations to look appealing on social platforms like Facebook and Instagram may have a role to play in this. In the article Masculinity, Consumerism and Appearance published in The Canadian Review of Sociology, the authors suggest that men are indeed concerned about their appearance—specifically their hair—and their appearance does affect how they view themselves. Motivations to address their physical imperfections range from boosting self-esteem and confidence to enhancing relationships.
When it comes to experiencing benefits on mental health, frequency of grooming matters. Men who groom themselves at least three to four times a week are more likely to experience positive effects on mood and self-perception than those who do it haphazardly.
How PTT-6® helps our male users feel more confident
For men, grooming rituals can help build confidence and reduce anxiety. The use of quality products that show results counts as well. Regular users of Calecim’s skincare and haircare products have reported an increase in confidence and wellbeing. Calecim’s products contain an active proprietary ingredient, PTT-6, consisting of growth factors, exosomes and cytokines secreted by umbilical cord lining stem cells that help signal cells to regenerate. The result of two decades of stem cell research, PTT-6 is obtained from ethically derived stem cells.
M. Iftikar, a user of Calecim’s Advanced Hair System, attests to this. After six weeks of regular use, he found that his bald patch was “practically non-existent”. “Thanks to Calecim, I can finally embrace shorter styles again. The ‘after’ pictures show this newfound confidence,” he states.
Equally pleased with his results is R. Taylor, another male user of AHS. “Evident hair growth in six weeks without the horrible side effects of traditional hair prescription hair loss medications. I’ve had regrowth in problem areas and thicker areas where it was normal. Worth every penny,” he enthuses.
While grooming their hair looms large for men as a full head of hair is often associated with youth and attractiveness, skin concerns are not ignored. D. Norman, a user of Calecim skincare, is over the moon at the transformation wrought on his previously dull skin. “The difference in 14 days is so telling. I am genuinely shocked at the results. Look at how dull my skin was at day 1. And now at day 14 it is so bright and glowing,” he relates.
L Ji who was introduced to Calecim skincare products by his wife is equally pleased with the resulting changes to his complexion. “Calecim Professional Serum has made my skin noticeably firmer and smoother. I’ve always struggled with large pores and tried many products without success. I’m so glad that my wife bought this serum. It showed visible results in just two weeks. I’m truly surprised and delighted.”
Personal grooming clearly has a part to play in boosting self-confidence and self-esteem in men. Looking and feeling good about themselves helps raise their standing in the workplace as well as cultivate meaningful relationships. Given this scenario, it is not surprising that men these days consider their appearance as something worth taking care of.
