Countdown to looking sharp on your summer getaway
Whether you’re jetting off to a beach resort, heading to a destination wedding, or getting festival-ready, one thing’s for sure — your grooming routine needs to match the vibe. Here’s the ultimate pre-holiday grooming checklist for men, designed in countdown style to have you looking your best, right on time.
7 Days Before: Shape UP
- Haircut: Book your appointment a week out so your cut has time to settle. Go for a low-maintenance style that handles heat and humidity well — think textured crops, fades, or a clean buzz.
- Beard Trim: If you’ve got facial hair, tidy it up now. Define the neckline and cheek lines and start applying beard oil daily for softness and shine.
- Exfoliation: Start exfoliating 2–3 times a week to remove dead skin and prep for an even tan or sun exposure.
5 Days Before: Waxing & Manscaping
- Body Grooming: Now’s the time to tidy up the chest, back, or anywhere else you want smooth. Waxing? Do it 4–5 days in advance to allow redness and sensitivity to subside.
- Eyebrows & Nose Hair: Tame those unruly brows and trim any stray nose or ear hairs. Subtle, but game-changing.
3 Days Before: Skin Tune-Up
- Facial Mask: Hydrate and brighten your complexion with a face mask. It’s like a mini spa moment before the chaos of packing.
- Moisturise Religiously: Use a light moisturiser with SPF to prep your skin for sun exposure and reduce the risk of peeling.
1 Day Before: Final Touches
- Nails: Clip and clean your nails — hands and feet. You might be in sandals, after all.
- Shave or Edge Up: If you’re clean-shaven or like a sharp edge, now’s the time to smooth it out.
- Pack Your Grooming Kit: Include travel-sized skincare, SPF, deodorant, hair product, and fragrance. Don’t forget a comb and clippers if you’re away for more than a few days.
Looking good isn’t just about vanity — it’s about confidence. Stick to this countdown grooming checklist and you’ll not only look sharp, but you’ll feel fully prepped to make the most of your holiday, wedding, or festival.
Time to turn heads — now go enjoy that trip. ✈️🧴💈
The UK’s leading male grooming expert and creator of the Jason Shankey range of hair and skincare products, Jason Shankey also developed the first luxury, all services modern men’s only concept grooming salon in Europe, back in 1997. From extensive appearances as an expert on TV shows such as 10 Years Younger, The Apprentice, Celebrity Scissorhands, The Vanessa Show, LK Today, GMTV and dozens more, to consulting with giants including Gillette, Braun and the Honda Formula 1 team, Jason’s 30+ years of expertise in the male grooming business has positioned him as a true pioneer in the industry. His salons became synonymous with high-end grooming services, offering everything from haircuts and skincare to massage and grooming advice tailored specifically for men. Jason’s innovative approach to male grooming not only redefined the standards but also paved the way for the booming men’s grooming market seen today.
In addition to his work in salons and on television, Jason has designed and developed quality men’s grooming products and penned numerous articles on men’s grooming, sharing his expertise with a wider audience. His brand, the Jason Shankey range, continues to reflect his passion for quality and innovation, offering a curated selection of products designed to meet the modern man’s grooming needs.
Jason remains a sought-after consultant and public speaker, regularly sharing insights into the future of male grooming, wellness, and self-care. With over three decades of experience, he continues to lead the conversation around men’s grooming, setting trends and standards that others follow.