-.jpg)
This story is from Manual, GQ’s flagship newsletter offering useful advice on style, health, and more, four days a week. Sign up here to get it in your inbox.
There are some days that you simply don't get any do-overs on. Your wedding. Your best friend's wedding. The shoot for the work headshot that's going to represent you on LinkedIn for the next decade or so. So ask yourself: Do you want your beloved life partner (or a recruiter for your dream job, or the only single bridesmaid) to see you sporting an awkward, brand-new haircut, the kind that makes you look like you're headed to the first day of fourth grade? Didn't think so.
1. Nothing Borrowed, Nothing New
When it comes to grooming, it always pays to stick with what you’re used to. You don’t want to navigate any learning curves with a new haircut or styling product, an unfamiliar razor or, God forbid, your first trip to a tanning bed. As much as you might like to sport a truly memorable mustache or freshly shorn face for the event—why now? You have likely had months leading up to this event to experiment with a new style. On the day of, you want to feel the most like yourself. No curveballs!
2. Plan Big Treatments Weeks or Months Ahead
That's not to say you shouldn't take steps to look your best. If you want the brightest skin and the whitest smile, you may have to schedule a cosmetic treatment or two.
Facial treatments: If you want to book anything from a facial peel to a standard-fare tune-up, you have to plan ahead. A peel needs to be scheduled months before (two or three, even) to resurface your brightest, clearest skin without worrying about irritation and redness. Meanwhile, a regular facial can have you looking radiant, but needs a full week to settle in—so schedule that one for about seven days out. If you get any fillers or Botox—no shame, these days—give it a buffer of at least a few weeks.
Acne mitigation: If you struggle with acne and want to get rid of it for the day, visit your board-certified dermatologist months ahead of time to consider clinical-grade treatments. Then, keep your derm on speed dial in the days leading up, in case you get any sudden unsightly blemishes that need an injectable deflation. (They can sometimes work miracles.)
Teeth whitening: For a white smile, give it at least a week. You’re likely to have some sensitivity in the days after a whitening treatment, plus you need to cut back on things that can stain your teeth, like wine and coffee. That way you can enjoy the day without any painful “zingers”—and without second guessing everything you eat and drink.
3. Get a Haircut Several Days Before (Probably)
I typically advise guys to visit their trusted and reliable barber or stylist at least a few days ahead of the event. (If you don't have one of those, it's past time to find one and build some rapport.) You want your flow to settle.
This may not apply to you: Some guys look their best with a brand-new, crispy cut. If that's you, go ahead and get shaped up the morning of—and make sure your barber won't be on vacation.
If you shave your face or head, consider using a razor two or three days before, then relying on a gentle electric shaver the day of—unless you're so dialed that you can clean yourself up without any worry about redness, shaving bumps, or cuts. (Nothing ruins a special moment like blood.)