Men's Facial: What to Expect and How to Choose

What happens during a men's facial?

Every salon and every facial is a little different, but most follow a similar order. Knowing it in advance takes away most of the nerves of a first visit.

1. A short chat. The professional asks about your skin, what you use on it and what you would like to improve.
2. Cleansing. Your face is cleansed to remove oil, sweat and dirt.
3. Exfoliating. A product is used to lift dead skin from the surface.
4. Massage. Often the part people enjoy most, this relaxes the face and neck.
5. Mask. A mask is applied and left on for a while, and you simply rest.
6. Finish. The mask is removed and a moisturiser is applied.

Why do men get facials?

Usually for simple reasons: to feel fresher, to look after their skin, to prepare for an event, or as a relaxing break. Regular shaving and beard growth, sun and pollution are all part of daily life for many men, and a facial gives the skin some time and attention that it does not get at home.

Keep your expectations realistic. A facial is a grooming treatment. It can leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed, but it is not a medical treatment and should not be expected to cure a skin condition.

What should you tell the professional before a facial?

This is the most useful thing you can do, and it takes less than a minute. Mention:

• Whether your skin is sensitive, or reacts easily to fragrance or new products.
• Any allergies you know about.
• Any active skin condition, irritation, cuts or recent treatments.
• Prescription creams or medicines you use on your skin.
• Whether you shaved that day, since freshly shaved skin can feel more sensitive.

If you have a diagnosed skin condition, or a rash that has not settled, check with your doctor or dermatologist before booking.

How do you choose between facial options?

Start with what you want from the visit, then compare what each service includes. The facial page lists the options at Express Cuts, including Type 1 to Type 4 facials and the Hydra Facial.

If this is your first facial

Pick a straightforward option. It will show you how your skin responds, and you can move up from there.

If you also need a haircut and beard trim

Package offers combine a facial with other grooming services. The offers page shows what is included in each one, so you can compare them directly.

What is a Hydra Facial?

A HydraFacial is a machine-based treatment. Cleveland Clinic describes it as using a wand that exfoliates, deep-cleans pores and infuses a serum into the skin. If you are comparing it with a traditional facial, ask the professional how each suits your skin.

If you are still unsure

Ask. Describe your skin and your budget, and let the professional suggest what fits. A good suggestion should make sense to you, and it is fine to take the simpler option.

What should you do after a facial?

• Keep your skin clean and avoid touching your face for the rest of the day.
• Use a mild moisturiser, and wear sunscreen if you are going outdoors.
• Leave strong actives and scrubs for a few days unless you have been told otherwise.
• Avoid shaving straight after a facial, if your skin feels sensitive.
• If you notice lasting redness, stinging or irritation, contact the salon and speak to a doctor if it does not settle.

How do you look after your skin between facials?

A facial works best on top of a simple routine, not instead of one. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a gentle cleanser with your fingertips and lukewarm water, avoiding scrubbing, and limiting washing to twice a day and after sweating. Add a moisturiser if your skin feels dry or itchy.

What mistakes should you avoid?

• Not mentioning sensitivity. The professional can only adjust for what they know about.
• Booking a first facial right before a big event. Try it a week or more ahead, so you know how your skin responds.
• Expecting one visit to change your skin. Think of it as care, not a cure.