What are some unexpected expenses for single man that younger guys don't think of?

Can I just say, and this is something more men could hear more often, invest in your self care a bit more now that you are making money. You are only 19, so your body feels indestructible. But things like skin and hair start showing signs of wear real soon. As a culture we don't expect our men to take care of themselves (it's definitely getting better).

I am not talking about makeup (if you are into it, great!). Just about things we should do to keep our skin and hair healthy. We should probably invest in that and to do it right it takes a non-negligible amount of money.

I never used to do it until the past few months/year (I'm 28). I recently started growing my hair out and realized that I had very curly hair. Also realized I was using the completely wrong type of shampoo, conditioner etc.

My newbie recommendations. OP may do all this and more, but there may be others who could get something out of this:

  • Try to find out what type of hair you have. The generic catch all shampoo and conditioner may work for some but not all. Also, don't use shampoo everyday. Use it when you need it. Also, use some sort of oil/lotion or product occasionally to massage your scalp before you shower. Coconut oil is supposed to be really good for your hair. It helps reduce protein loss in hair. Source: https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/12715094

  • I really cannot stress the importance of moisturizing skin enough. We are all so used to warm or hot showers and living in warm, de-humidified rooms. The skin gets really dry in these situations. Liberal application of moisturizers after shower and before sleep ensures that the skin stays hydrated. Skin hydration is a sign of healthy skin. You could get some of the more clinical ones without fragrances. Lubriderm and Cerave are popular brands. Source: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/29f8/5e7b925f71483995027c89bf7d757c64f1a0.pdf

  • Use sunscreen. Skin cancer is no joke. If you work out in the sun, or have periods of time with sun exposure, you definitely need sunscreen. Get a product that does not feel greasy or sticky. The good ones are a little more expensive. This is more important if you are Caucasian, although everybody can get skin cancer. Source: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/ask-the-experts/can-darker-skinned-people-get-skin-cancer Note: You can get moisturizers with SPF. However, a lot of chemical sunscreens have avobenzene that people are allergic to (me included). So check anything that goes on or in you is not causing allergies to act up.

  • Use chapstick. Bloody lips suck.

Depending on bottle/tube sizes, I need new shampoo and conditioner maybe once every two months. That's about $10-$15. Moisutizers cost about $10 and last a few months. Sunscreen, if you are using it right and regular, should last maybe a month for a tube? Another $5-10. I buy chapstick every other month because I always lose them. If you are more responsible, it should be around $5 every quarter. Shaving cream, after shave, deodorant, oils etc add some more. I would say thats another $20 on the high end that you could expect to spend to take good care of yourself. I think we all should.

Other seasoned folk/professionals please add recommendations below!

/r/AskMen Thread