Men's grooming isn't just about shaving and aftershave, it's about your hairstyle, the grooming kit you use, keeping good health and matching up with men's fashion and your own style. Mr D explains what you need to know about grooming and why it matters.

What is grooming?

Men often think of grooming as a morning shave and a splash of aftershave, which to a certain extent is true. But grooming isn't just about your morning regime, skincare products and grooming kit - it's about much more than that.

Grooming is about taking the time to look after yourself and your body's needs - it's not just about presentation, but blurs the line between looking good on the outside and the inside. It incorporates many aspects and concerns of men's health and nutrition too. Good grooming is a state of mind.

For me, grooming isn't about preening and pandering to what others expect - it's about looking my best, not just for those around me, but for my own comfort and confidence - from that, everything else just flows.

What should a grooming regime pay attention to?

1. Shaving - Whether it's a clean-shaven face or groomed facial hair, a manicured moustache or a bushy beard, shaving matters. Your facial hair isn't going to stop coming at you - so you'd best keep it under control. But I'm not just talking about the hair on your face. No man likes to hear the words waxing or hair removal, but if you have problem areas on other parts of the body, like the upper back and shoulders, then consider giving these areas particular attention too.
2. Hairstyle - Not just your facial hair, but the hair on your head too. A man's hairstyle is one aspect where he can radically change his look without much effort. Looking after your hair, styling it and making it work with your wardrobe is easily done for maximum reward. And try not to worry about hair loss - it's mostly out of your control anyway.
3. Skincare and facecare - Whether it's the soap or shower gel you use to wash or the moisturizer you apply at night, remember that the look and feel of your skin says a lot about your internal health too. So ensure your body gets the right vitamins and minerals from the inside, in tandem with suitable products on the outside.
4. Fragrance - There's a huge variety of aftershaves and eau de toilette scents out there, so always feel free to experiment. But for many of us, adjusting them through the seasons (spices and heftier scents in winter, bright, fresh, citrus scents in summer, for example) makes sense. And limiting yourself to one or two per season helps establish a 'signature scent' which you can recognise as 'you'.
5. Nailcare - We're not talking manicures and nail treatments, simply keep your nails trimmed and clean. That's it.
6. Dental - Look out for your oral hygiene and the health of your teeth - because once they're gone, they're gone.
7. Mens health - Be aware that conditions such as prostate cancer can occur at a quite young age. Most skin conditions, eyebags and other outward signs of ill-health reflect poor internal health and hygiene. So enjoy alcohol in moderation, keep an eye on your diet and look after yourself the way you know you ought to.

What should you have in your essential grooming kit?

1. Face wash or scrub
2. Shampoo, conditioner and hair wax or gel
3. Body wash
4. Razor or electric shaver, shaving gel or foam, after-shave balm
5. Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
6. Moisturiser
7. Eau de toilette or after-shave
8. Nail clippers

Grooming brands and products to try

The following brands all excel at grooming and are my go-to brands of choice which I'd highly recommend:

• Anthony Logistics has a head-to-toe range but for me, it's all about the cleanser and shaving products. Or try Kiehl's for similar.
• Clarins for Men does a good range of bodycare and facecare products. I primarily use the Super Moisture Balm moisturiser.
• Malin and Goetz does a complete range, but it's in the shower where they excel - body washes, shampoos and conditioners.
• Fudge hair waxes, for that Australian surfer look, or Fish from London's Soho for a street feel.
• For fragrances, I go classic Italian with Acqua di Parma, English gent with Murdock of London or branch out with whatever a woman has given me that month.
• Marvis does Italian high-end toothpaste - it's an extraordinary treat.

Is this all likely to cost a little money? Yes. Yes it is. But at least you'll be spending your money where it counts - you.