OK, we have to start this with a quick disclaimer: While interviewing guys for this piece, nearly every single of one of them insisted no man would ever say the word "breakover." Fine, guys, we hear you! But whatever they do or don't call it, men, too, often feel the need to make a major life change following a breakup—particularly where their look is concerned. Some of their stories are hilarious, some are heartfelt, but one thing's for sure, they're all enlightening. And don't worry, we refused to take "go to the gym" as an answer.
It may not have been for a breakover, but who could forget the time Steve Carell left mid-wax in The 40-Year-Old Virgin?
"Revenge hair" is a very real thing...
"My ex-girlfriend of two years always preferred my hair short—like close to bald short. So after we broke up, I started growing it out as long as I could just to spite her. I didn't think I'd like it, but it turns out, it grew on me. Literally." —Shawn, 32
"I'm a strict believer in the saying 'change your hair, change your life.' Which is why I've shaved the dome after a few breakups. It's like shedding skin—it puts you in a different mind-set." —George, 37As are breakup beards...
"I grew a pretty shabby blond beard. Honestly, I looked like Macaulay Culkin. It was equal parts brooding, intentional unkemptness and me trying to change things up to feel a little different. I shaved it off after a few weeks because it looked dumb. But my family still brings up that time I had my 'breakup beard.'" —Joshua, 26
"For some reason, I got really into growing a beard. I put a ton of time into trimming the sides so it looked perfect. I think it paid off, though, because I ended up getting back together with my girlfriend." —Brian, 21
And mustaches...
"Not long after breaking up with my girlfriend, I went through another break: I broke my foot. I couldn't walk and didn't leave my apartment for a week. By the end of it, I'd gone so crazy from cabin fever, I decided to finally rock the mustache my ex would never let me have." —Rob, 28
They also go on the hunt for new products...
"My ex was really into face products, so I became accustomed to her fancy soaps and lotions while we were dating. Then when we broke up, I got * really* into using them. We're talking Kiehl's masks and such here. The good stuff." —Patrick, 25
"I bought a new cologne after my last breakup. A new scent for better times." —Tommy, 30
And have Treat Yo'self days...
"I started getting facials and taking care of my skin." —Guillermo, 26
"Breakups suck, and if my friends asked me to do something that seemed superficial (like getting a full body wax or new haircut), it'd piss me off. But, if I had to give 'makeover' advice to a friend who just went through a breakup, it would be this: 'Get a pedicure. They're nice, and clean feet are quietly empowering.'" —David, 26
Razors play an important role...
"When I found out my girlfriend cheated on me, I did an entire grooming turn around. I started shaving my face, arms, and chest every day. And I stopped going to the local barber and started getting expensive haircuts at salons that required an appointment. I figured if I wanted to attract someone new, I needed to up my game." —Tony, 28
"I trimmed my caveman-like armpit and leg hair." —Peter, 25
They get their glow on...
"After looking in the mirror and seeing how ghostly I looked, I bought self-tanner. I'm not going to lie, all the compliments I've been getting are a huge confidence boost." *—Nick, 26
They get things in order down there...
"I do a lot more manscaping (it's exactly as it sounds) post-breakup because when you're going back into the field, you have to be ready at all times in case you meet someone. Oh, and I always visit my brow guy. That's a must." —Alexander, 23
"One word: manscaping. I can't speak for all guys, but it's pretty much a general take-care-of-yourself thing." —Anthony, 24
"I almost got married a few years ago, and after I called it off, I went through a bad time in my life where I just let my body go. One of my close friends was concerned about me, so she talked me into get my you know what waxed. In her words, I needed to 'stop being a drama queen, and clean myself up before my stuff got dusty.' Yeah, I'll never go near a waxer again." —Maximilian, 25
Glad to know we're not the only ones who have some serious breakover tendencies!
Want to know what's trending in beauty now? Check the Lipstick Index:
