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Far from neglecting their appearance, it seems that men today are spending more money than ever on grooming products.

Men are starting to realise that looking after their skin is not just a girly preoccupation. They're spending more time and money on their beauty routine than ever before, with the average guy devoting over three hours a week to making himself look and smell divine.

So, clear some space in the bathroom cabinet, ladies, and make way for your man's pampering products.

Saving face

Male skin is different to women's, so it's important to get specially formulated products. Male skin is generally thicker with a rougher texture, has more collagen and shows a gradual thinning with age.

Adult men usually have more oily skin than women, so it's essential that they cleanse their skin gently to remove excess oil, unclog pores and use a gentle exfoliator.

They should also use a soap that isn't too harsh. Efficient cleansing is very important to avoid irritation and inflammation - which could lead to possible premature skin aging - especially on skin that is shaved on a regular basis and is therefore more sensitive.

Use a gentle exfoliator twice a week, and apply it at the end of the day, rather than before shaving.

Close shave

Men may shave every day, but practice doesn't always make perfect.

Before you shave, prepare and polish the skin to prevent ingrown hairs and get a smoother shave.

To obtain a smooth rash-free shave, make sure your stubble or hair has been thoroughly wetted with warm or hot water.

Ensure your shave preparation - oil, gel or foam - is thoroughly massaged into the stubble. Lather is irrelevant, lots of foam does not mean a better shave. Use a decent, sharp and clean blade, shave slowly using short strokes and rinse the blade often in hot water.

Don't press too hard, especially around sensitive areas like the neck. And shave in the direction of your hairs' growth. Shaving against the grain is the primary cause of razor burn, redness and rashes. Afterwards, rinse the area with cool water.

Avoid aftershaves because they contain alcohol, which dries out the skin. Instead, use a gel or balm to replace moisture.

And consider using a shaving oil, rather than a cream or gel, as these provide a comfort barrier of moisture between the razor and the skin.

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New to head shaving

Whether you're looking for a solution to your thinning hair or simply ready for a new look, shaving your head is a no-hassle way to look great. Get started by using hair clippers to trim your hair short. Then achieve the rest of your new look by following these tips:

Shower before shaving your head:

Hydrate your skin in the shower for several minutes to ensure that your hair is as pliable as possible.

Apply shave gel:

Use a good shave gel, not bar soap. Shave gel tends to be less drying than ordinary bar soap and water, and it won't clog your razor the way soap can. Shave gel prevents water from evaporating, while keeping hair soft, resulting in smoother razor glide and less tugging of the hair.

Use an advanced razor:

A high-quality razor will give you a closer shave, extending the time between shaves.

Use good technique:

Shave with light, gentle strokes - your razor should do work, not you. Start shaving with the grain. Then, if necessary, go against the grain for an even closer shave.

Have a plan of attack:

Start shaving from front to back, and then shave the sides of your scalp. Use a hand mirror and a wall-mounted mirror to get the best view of the back of your head.

Use light, gentle strokes:

Let the razor do the work, not you. That's the best way to get the smoothest, closest shave.

Apply a non-comedogenic facial moisturiser:

A non-comedogenic facial moisturiser won't clog your pores, which will lessen your chances of breakouts, and will protect your scalp from dryness and flaking.

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Coarse or tough beard

If you feel discomfort while shaving, it could be because you are not shaving in a manner that is most appropriate for your coarse or tough beard. However, rest assured, following are some easy ways you can start enjoying a more comfortable shave.

Wash and hydrate:

Use a face wash or scrub to buff away facial debris, such as oil, dirt and dead skin cells, that can mat down your hair and block your razor's path. Also, to soften your facial hair and make it easier to cut, hydrate with warm water for at least three minutes.

Stick with a shave that's right for you:

Use shave gel products that are specially formulated for tough beards. Gillette Fusion HydraGel Tough Beards, for instance, contains glycerine and beard-hydrating ingredients to soften facial hair before shaving.

Shave daily:

Beard hair is the second fastest-growing part of the body. And keeping on top of it is a smart move. Having a clean-shaven face can prevent your beard from itching as it grows out, as well as reduce skin irritations.

Save the best for last:

Shaving your upper lip and around your mouth at the end of your shave will give the shave gel more time to soak in, further softening your facial hair and making it less of an effort to cut. Also, a single blade is really useful for the tricky places, like under your nose.

Check your blade:

Change your blade when you start to experience tugging or discomfort. Certain shaving systems feature an indicator strip that changes to white when you may no longer get an optimal shave.

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• (These tips were brought to you courtesy of Gillette)

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