Men's grooming Q&A

Grooming Q&A

Q “I want to look tanned in the photos. Does that fake tan stuff work?

A: The key with any kind of fake tan is to practise the application. There are many fantastic products available that you can use yourself. Choose something that is easy to apply and that leaves you with a natural-looking, non-streaky tan. Alternatively, you could have a fake tan applied professionally. Again, it's worth having a practise run before the wedding to make sure you like the end result. And, be sure to tell your bride. If you're going to turn up with a tan, she might like to as well!

Q: To be frank, I find suits uncomfortable and they make me sweat. Is there anything I can do?

A: “Most men find suits uncomfortable if they are ill-fitting,” says Tony, an ex-Savile Row tailor. If you can't afford a tailored suit, make sure you spend plenty of time trying some on. Pay for alterations if necessary. The biggest mistake men make is with their shirt. If you're going to spend money, spend it on a tailored shirt. As for overheating, buy a pure cotton suit -- it's the only way to beat it.'

Q: Am I just going over the top having a manicure?

A: “I would advise getting a manicure,” says Barry Klein. “They're inexpensive and a really nice touch. People notice badly kept and dirty fingernails -- you'd be surprised. Most of my clients go for a tidy up when they come in. Hands often feature in photos -- the signing of the register, cutting of the cake -- and nothing looks worse than grotty nails on the groom.”

Q: And a facial -- surely not?

A: “A facial treatment on the day,” continues Barry, “can be a great way to finish off the preparations. It gives the skin a real radiance, it feels great and many of my clients say that it was the thing that relaxed them the most. Some guys get all macho about the whole thing, but 10 minutes in to the treatment they're purring like kittens.”

Q: Some of my friends said I should get contact lenses for the wedding -- maybe coloured ones. Should I bother?

A: “I got contacts for my wedding,” says recent groom Johnny Cantor. “But, to be honest, they were a mistake. I didn't give myself a chance to get used to them and I ended up not wearing them in case they made my eyes sore on the day. If you're going to get them, do it well in advance. You won't know for at least a month whether you're suited to them.”

When it comes to coloured lenses, the most important thing is to make sure they suit you and don't look too artificial. Your bride doesn't want to look at a complete stranger when she's saying her vows!