13 At-Home Grooming Routine for Men Before Going on a Date with a Lady

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So you’ve finally scored a lady, congratulations! Except you’re the kind of guy that knows his way around ladies, I know how stressful it can get for one to get a lady to say those magical words “Yes”.

And after getting your answer, you have to start thinking of how to make your first date a one to remember. And the genesis of it is that you have to look good to wow her on the date because they say the first impression is the lasting impression. 

I know you’ve met before, as that’s how you asked her out in the first place, and also how that requires you to look your best. But on your first date, you need to take looking your best into another level – I’m talking about her seeing you and thinking, ‘Wow, this guy is really hot.’ 

To achieve that, you need to take your grooming routine to another level. 

In this article, I’m going to reveal the absolute best pre-date grooming checklist for men.

By following this checklist to the brim, you’re not only going to wow her, but it’s also going to be a huge contributing factor in her decision to accept you as a boyfriend. 

Even if she’s already your girlfriend and you’re going on a casual date or a date during Valentine’s or any other occasion worth celebrating, this will help you a lot. 

Why wouldn’t you want your girlfriend to feel like she’s the luckiest girl in the world because she has the most dashing boyfriend ever.” [Read – 13 Ways to Impress a Lady on a First Date]

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Impress your date with this easy grooming routine

1. Grooming your hair

First things first, give your hair a good wash with a shampoo that suits your type – whether oily, dry, or somewhere in between. Get your hair squeaky-clean. A quick conditioner follow-up will keep your strands smooth and would also tame those pesky flyaways.

Now, grab your wax or gel. Get a small dollop on your palm, rub both of your hands together, and boom – you’ve got definition and control. 

If you want a classic style, you can sweep your hair to the side, or go sleek and smooth with a comb-over. Even if you want something edgier, a messy top knot or a cool-guy quiff never disappoints.

Ugh, flyaways! Don’t let them ruin your look. Remove them with a finishing spray or you can get crafty with a toothbrush and hairspray – just a dab’ll smooth those rebels right down. A bonus tip: using coconut oil works like magic too!

Now for the fun part – picking the perfect hairstyle! You need to get a hairstyle that fits your face. For example, if you have a round face, add height with a spiky top or cool quiff. 

If you’ve got an oval face, you’re lucky because any hairstyle would fit perfectly. If you have a square face, You can soften things up with a side part or messy fringe. And if you’ve got a heart face, balance it out with waves or a textured top.

2. Having a beard buff

Grab a beard-specific wash to cleanse without stripping away natural oils. Massage it in, rinse, and pat dry – the aim is to get it fresh, not squeaky-clean.

Now for the sculpting! Get a beard trimmer and map out your desired neckline and cheek lines. Keep it natural, just banishing strays and evening things out.

Time to tackle those unruly hairs. Use beard scissors for precision trimming, focusing on the mustache and any flyaways. Remember, less is more – you can always take more off, but you can’t put it back!

Buff away those flakes with a gentle beard scrub to reveal a smoother, softer skin underneath. Don’t forget to follow up with a beard oil – a dime-sized drop massaged in will add hydration, shine, and a touch of irresistible scent.

3. Fixing your eyebrows

Sculpt your brows into date-worthy perfection with this quick at-home routine! 

Grab a pair of tweezers with good lighting and magnification. Start by gently plucking any stray hairs that fall outside your desired brow shape. 

Now, brush your brows into place with a spoolie brush (if you don’t have one, an old toothbrush would do). This will help tame any unruly hairs and give your brows a more polished look. 

If you want extra hold and definition, apply a small amount of brow gel or wax. Brush the hairs upwards and outwards for a natural, yet groomed look.

4. Washing your face

Before washing your face, identify and ditch any harsh soap in your possession, and grab a gentle cleanser that’s just right for your skin (oily, dry, normal – you get the idea). 

Then, splash some water, massage it in, rinse, and pat dry. You want smooth, not squeaky!

Now, grab your moisturizer. Pinch in pea-sized dollop on your hands, spread it around evenly, and boom – you’ve successfully hydrated your face.

5. Getting rid of dark circles

Panda eyes are the absolute worst, and if you’ve got them, you’d know what I’m talking about. Getting rid of dark circles before a date is an absolute must, and I’m going to show you how.

First, grab a couple of chilled spoons from the freezer or soak a washcloth in cold milk or tea. Then press gently under your eyes for 5-10 minutes. The coolness will constrict blood vessels, reducing puffiness and dark circles.

Apply a pea-sized amount of eye cream around your orbital bone (the bony area around your eye socket), while avoiding the actual eyeball. Then gently massage the cream in until it’s fully absorbed.

This would help in getting rid of dark circles if you have one.

6. Having a radiant smile

Getting your smile right is absolutely important in making your date a memorable one, and you won’t be able to do that if teeth don’t endorse it. Get yourself a radiant smile with these steps.

First, Arm yourself with your trusty whitening toothpaste – think minty freshness with a brightening boost. Give your teeth a good ol’ two-minute scrub, focusing on those coffee and tea-stained corners. Remember, consistency is key – brushing twice a day is your smile’s BFF.

Coffee, tea, red wine – they might be delicious, but they’re not your smile’s best friends. For a few days before your date, try to lay off the stain-causing culprits. Think sparkling water, crisp fruits, and leafy greens – your teeth will thank you (and so will your date!).

Rock your dazzling smile with confidence – even a hint of imperfection adds character. Let your genuine happiness and enthusiasm do the talking, and watch your date’s eyes sparkle in response.

7. Cleaning your nails

When gearing up for a date, your nails are definitely going to need polishing. 

Grab a top-notch nail clipper to nail that neat shape, and don’t forget to file those edges for a sleek finish. For a post-trim, it’s all about indulging in a hand cream with some serious moisturizing mojo. 

Work that cream into your nails and cuticles, giving them that extra dose of care. This straightforward routine levels up your hand game, ensuring you’re well-groomed and date-ready.

8. Applying cologne

In the pre-date grooming routine, applying cologne the right way is a game-changer. 

Opt for a light fragrance cologne and hit your pulse points – those are your wrists, neck, and also behind the ears. A gentle spritz in these spots guarantees a subtle, lingering scent that doesn’t overpower.

Cologne isn’t just a fragrance, it’s an attraction potion. Although it depends on her preference, regardless, a well picked scent can evoke emotions, memories, or simply contribute to overall attractiveness.

But here’s the catch: finding the sweet spot is crucial. If you spray too much? You risk going from irresistible to overpowering. 

It’s all about that perfect balance for a scent that leaves a lasting impact without knocking anyone out.

9. Wash your body

Here’s a pre-date shower routine you can follow that’s as simple as pie:

When you’re about to take your shower, the first thing is to crank up the heat and let the steam wash away your worries. Because who doesn’t like bathing in warm steamy water, right?

Then, grab a body wash – the kind that’d make you feel like a smooth new stone. Rub it all over your body, especially on your knees and elbows where your skin is the hardest. Then, rinse off and admire your newfound glow.

If you’ve got unwanted hair on your legs, chest, or anywhere else. Lather up with some shaving cream and go slow. Remember, short strokes are your friend. This time, rinse with clean water and feel how that coolness wakes you up.

This one might come across as a bit unusual because I know there’s no way in hell you’d go on a date with a girl without showering. But you need to know how to do it right, which most people don’t.

10. Dressing up

Now to your dressing, Opt for clean, well-fitted clothes that not only complement your personal style but also make you feel confident and comfortable. Tailored pieces that skim your body without clinging are your best friends.

Choose colors that suit your skin tone and attire that aligns with the date venue, showcasing your attention to detail. Think crisp chinos, a well-pressed button-down, or a blazer that hugs your shoulders just right.

For the colors, don’t shy away from a little personality! While classic neutrals like navy and black are always a safe bet, don’t be afraid to incorporate a pop of color that reflects your taste. A cool-toned blue shirt against those chinos, or a statement watch with a vibrant face can add a touch of individuality.

Also, don’t forget your accessories. The right accessories can elevate your look from “meh” to “magnificent.” A sleek belt, a timeless watch, or a pair of shoes that shine brighter than your date’s eyes can add that finishing touch of sophistication.

11. Having a last-minute touch-up

Before you dash out the door to your date, make sure to have a last minute touch up. I’m not talking magic spells here, just a couple of pocket-sized heroes to keep you feeling fresh and confident all night long.

First up, chapstick. Dry, cracked lips are about as unromantic as a bad hair day. Stash your favorite balm in your pocket and give them a quick swipe before that big first kiss. Trust me, your date will thank you. 

Next, the knight in shining (or rather, minty) armor: breath mints. You had garlic knots during your date? No worries. Pop a couple of these bad boys in your mouth and say goodbye to dragon breath. 

Also, Pack a compact comb or pocket-sized hairspray for a quick midway touch-up. Spiffing up your mane shows you care about the little details, and that’s always a winning move.

Now, for the real pro tip: you don’t wait until the last minute to do this. Integrate these essentials into your pre-date grooming routine. 

Apply chapstick after your morning shower to keep those lips fresh and plump and keep a pack of mints in your car’s center console – that way, they’re always within arm’s reach.

12. Have confidence in yourself 

Before arriving for your date, you need to develop a confident body language at home. 

Think of it as your superpower. 

Imagine possessing a limp handshake, a mumbled greeting, and your eyes glued to the floor when speaking, not so great right? Instead, stand tall with your shoulders back, and head held high. 

By developing this kind of body language, you’re not just adjusting your posture, you’re indirectly putting out a message saying “I’m comfortable in my own skin” & “I’m here, I’m engaged, and I’m excited to meet you.” It’s magic, trust me.

You might be wondering why all this matters. Well, ladies are drawn to confidence like moths to a flame. It’s not about being arrogant, it’s about being self-assured, having self-respect, and the ability to own your space.

It shows you really believe in yourself, and that’s wildly attractive. Think about it for a second: would you rather hang out with someone who shrinks into the background or someone who lights up the room? 

Exactly! Just what I thought.

13. Develop positive vibes

Remember that pre-date shower routine with the exfoliating body wash and fresh shave? It wasn’t just about looking sharp, it was about setting the tone for self-care. 

That feeling of accomplishment? Bottle it! Carry it with you as you step out the door. Feeling good in your own skin is the foundation of positive vibes.

Also, while heading to the date venue, create a soothing atmosphere by listening to calming music. Ditch the head-banging rock! Instead, blast those pre-date playlists with the chill vibes (Get those here). 

Classical melodies, smooth jazz, nature sounds – whatever washes away your worries and fuels your inner confidence. Let the music transport you to a peaceful space where nerves can’t reach.

A date can never become a success without developing a positive mindset at home or on the way before the date. You need to know how to relax and de-stress before a date. Trust me, it makes you hotter than any fancy cologne. [Read – 13 Ways to be a Dominant Male Who Commands Respect From Women]

Bonus Tips

Before you head out for your date, give yourself a confidence boost by doing this:

# Power pose: Stand tall with your feet at shoulder-width, and both your hands on hips. Hold that posture for a minute. This actually increases your testosterone level and reduces stress hormones.

# Smile! because a genuine smile is contagious and instantly puts everyone at ease.

# Practice making eye contact. Hold that gaze, not in a creepy way, but with warmth and interest.

# Speak clearly and confidently. Stay calm and avoid mumbling and filler words.

# Listen actively. Lean in, nod, and ask questions to show you’re engaged.

You can practice all this in front of a mirror at home.

FAQS related to at-home grooming routine for men before going on a date with a girl

How much time do I need for this at-home grooming routine?

This routine can be tailored to your available time. You can achieve a basic refresh in 15-20 minutes, while a more thorough routine might take 30-45 minutes. Focus on prioritizing key areas like hair, skin, and teeth for maximum impact.

I don’t have fancy products. Can I still look good for my date?

Absolutely! Many effective grooming staples are surprisingly affordable. You can utilize basic items like a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, comb, and deodorant for a polished look. Consider DIY options like using avocado as a natural hair mask or coconut oil for beard conditioning.

What should I do if I have visible blemishes or dark circles?

Don’t panic! For minor blemishes, use a spot concealer to camouflage them. For dark circles, a cooling eye mask or brightening cream can temporarily reduce their appearance. Remember, everyone has imperfections, and embracing authenticity is often more attractive than hiding flaws.

I’m not confident in my hair styling skills. What can I do?

Keep it simple! Low-maintenance styles like a textured comb-over, a clean side part, or a classic short back and sides are easy to achieve and look effortlessly stylish. Practice beforehand to ensure you’re comfortable with the style.

How can I smell good without overdoing it with cologne?

Less is often more when it comes to cologne. Apply a light spritz or two to pulse points like your wrists and neck. Opt for a clean, fresh scent that complements your body chemistry. Remember, smelling clean and neutral is always preferable to an overpowering fragrance.