Every year, men get better at grooming, not louder or complicated but smarter. We saw some serious dialogues around effectiveness of products and men taking interest in checking ingredient labels and formulations. However, alongside progress, few tired, high-maintenance, and over complicated grooming trends overstayed their welcome. Here’s what to retire in 2025 before going into the new year
1. Over-styling the beard
The over-sculpted beard like razor-sharp cheek lines, exaggerated fades, look more artificial than natural. It started to feel forced. Men are increasingly opting for beards that look natural and not styled. Softer edges, natural density, are winning. Over-sculpting also increases irritation, ingrown hairs, and patchiness over time.
2. One-Product-Does-Everything Grooming
The all-in-one cleanser for face, body and scalp, one moisturiser for the whole body, one oil for all concerns, this might sound interesting but rarely delivers. Men are now more educated about ingredients and formulation. It’s time to dive into targeting concerns and skin issues.
3. Aiming for perfect hairstyle
It’s time to embrace natural texture of the hair and keep it on for hair looks. While a little bit of product to set it in place doesn’t do any harm, over-styling hair is out of for the upcoming year. It will be all about natural, imperfect look.
4. Jet-Black Beard and Hair Dye
Nothing gives away artificial grooming faster than unnaturally dark hair or beard colour. Subtle grey blending, low-contrast tones, and gradual transitions will be in for 2026.
5. Neglecting Scalp Care
If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that great hair starts at the scalp. And yet, scalp neglect still lingered as a holdover habit. Men focused on styling products while ignoring buildup, inflammation, and thinning signals. This is going to change in the upcoming with equal focus on scalp health.
6. Overly Complicated Grooming Routine
Ten-step routines, constant product switching, and bathroom shelves that look like chemistry labs? 2026 will be about simpler routines, effective care and not much drama. Less will be more and better.
