You may have entered the lockdown clean-shaven with a freshly groomed head of hair, but chances are your quarantine quiff is becoming more unruly than you want.

People have been talking about giving themselves haircuts, trying new things with their facial hair, and just generally letting their beards go wild like Tom Hanks in Cast Away.

But there’s no reason to become a messy caveman, rather there are plenty of ways to remain prim and proper, and ready for when the doors to the public finally open—whenever that may be.

How do I deal with my mane problem?

Every man has his preference: fades, short, long, tight, short back and sides; all haircuts require different treatment. According to The New BarBer’s Sonam Sherpa, balding is a bit of a blessing during the lockdown, but if you have something more demanding, it’s time to be realistic.

“If you’re trying to do a fade haircut, then let me tell you, it’s going to be really hard. I’ve once tried to cut my own hair but it took me more than two hours and still couldn’t finish it properly,” says Sherpa. “Even after being a barber for nine years, I still cannot cut my own hair.”

While some sites, like The Manual, will tell you it’s possible to trim, maintain an undercut or buzzcut. If you visit your barber weekly, like some do at The New BarBer, then you’re going to have to resign yourself to reality.

“As far as the current situation is concerned, there’s no option other than letting it grow. If you have someone who can cut your hair then awesome, but most people don’t have that privilege,” says Sherpa. One small victory, however, is for those who have clippers—clean up your sideburns and you’ll find you look a whole lot better, he says. But it’s more than just length we should be worrying about.

What do you have in the bathroom to take care of your hair? Oils, moisturisers, or just plain shampoo? Chances are you have something, but the best is oils, according to Sherpa.

“It helps in the overall blood circulation on your scalp, which is the primary factor for healthy hair and a healthy scalp. But make sure not to wash your hair too often,” says Sherpa. “As it might deplete the natural oils on your scalp and cause dryness and itching. Washing your hair a couple of times a week is great.”

In the nose

Scissors are your friend, hairy-nosed folk. But don’t go cutting it all out and mowing your nasal lawn to close—it’s a “natural shield” according to Sherpa

“It is there for a reason. It protects us from bacteria and harmful viruses, as it works as a wall for not letting them enter inside our body,” says Sherpa. And, for the older and wiser men out there, if ear hair is becoming a problem, you might just need to wait it out for a trimmer.

What about pruning my whiskers?

The head is one thing, but the beard is another. If you’ve just got a razor at home, and if you’re confident you can use it to clean up the lines on your cheeks, lip and neck, then go for it, says Sherpa. If you’ve got clippers, even better.

“It depends on how short you want it too. If you want to keep it super clean then you’ve got to have a razor or shaver. But if you just want a trim, scissors help a lot,” he says. “If you’re using a clipper then make sure to remember the guard number so you get a consistent length.”

It’s just as important to look after your facial hair, not just pruning it. That means giving it as much care and attention as the hair on your head, albeit in a different manner.

“If you’re someone with a long beard, having a proper beard oil is a must. But it depends on how you want your beard to look—one might like it super sharp on all sides and others might like a natural one,” says Sherpa. “Whatever the case, beard oil helps in not only maintaining it but also keeps it healthy and moisturised throughout the day.”

If you don’t have any fancy beard oils lying around the house, fear not—any household oils should do the trick, such as olive, sunflower, or even mustard oils. Use it sparingly, however, as the smell may be overwhelming.