Self-care is no longer just a woman’s concern — yet it is still quick to invite comments when men take part. “As if a man would be less of a man if he spends too much time on his appearance,” explains Riccardo Simonetti (33) at a joint event by Vogue Germany and the luxury hair-care brand Kérastase.
The entertainer and brand ambassador has long carved out space for non-traditional takes on masculinity, which has made him, alongside his advocacy for the queer community, the first Vogue Spotlight personality. Vogue Germany’s new digital format profiles influential figures and brings their stories into focus. In the interview, Simonetti talks about masculinity, beauty routines, and the pressure to look good without it feeling contrived.
Question: For years you’ve shown that beauty and styling are no longer exclusive to women. Why do many men still struggle with it?
Riccardo Simonetti: I think the reason men sometimes struggle to talk about these things or try them is the stigma that still exists for many. As if a man would be less of a man if he spends too much time on his appearance. Society tends to prefer men who look good — but it should not feel forced.
Why does self-care seem natural for women but still stand out or get commented on when men do it?
Because many people like to live under the illusion that men are invulnerable and therefore don’t need self-care.
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How much do beauty ideals shape men today?
I think social media and the media in general now show boys and men very early on that there is basically only one ideal for what a man should look like. Women have already achieved more societal change in this area — even if it’s far from enough. They are at least confronted more often with different body shapes and with the idea that beauty doesn’t follow a single ideal. With men, this breadth of diversity hasn’t fully landed yet.
What do you advise men who wrestle with their appearance?
Not every dissatisfaction is truly about appearance. Mental stability matters. Essentially, you should always invest in things that bolster your self-worth. If you’re at peace with yourself, you should be able to stand up for your needs — even if that means changing something about your appearance.
Did you know early on that you could serve as a role model for many men as well?
I didn’t spend a lot of time on that because my fans were mainly women. Only in recent years, as I’ve grown into a more mature version of my look, have I noticed more attention from men.
Men and hair are often a sensitive topic. Why is there so much insecurity tied to it?
I think hair is seen by many men as a sign of health and youth. If you lose it, you’re perceived as older and weaker. That’s of course nonsense. Still, I feel that among all procedures, hair transplantation — i.e., beauty treatment — has already been the most de-tabooed. Perhaps because there’s less shame and partners often want a man with full hair.
You once said, “My whole week is planned around washing my hair.” How serious was that?
Well, for me hair styling is part of my routine to become the person who appears in public. It doesn’t happen in five minutes. Anyone with curly hair knows it takes a lot more styling effort.
When I get caught in the rain, the hair doesn’t automatically look the same once it dries (laughs). That’s why the week is planned in advance for how much time I’ll need for my hair. It’s less extreme than it sounds, since I often wash my hair only once or twice a week.
What are your essential basics for well-groomed skin and hair that looks healthy?
I think knowing when to put styling on the hair and when to give it a rest is key. I had my scalp analyzed with a Kerastase K-Scan and was advised on which shampoo and conditioner suit me best. A steady routine also makes a difference, I believe.
How do you handle the small changes that aging brings?
Some I welcome, like mental maturity — others I’d like to postpone as long as possible.
What’s your stance on cosmetic procedures and filters on social media?
I view it with some skepticism, because I notice how quickly I start questioning things about my face that are perfectly normal. I first considered a facelift when I turned 30 — after seeing so many people on social media discuss it. Suddenly you wonder: do I need that too?
I also think being transparent is valuable. Seeing that people don’t look perfect all the time helps. And even if I think there’s sometimes too much emphasis on procedures, I’m glad there’s more online education about facelifts. It shows that people don’t become beautiful overnight, but through a long process. That doesn’t mean it scares me — I’ll probably have a facelift someday. I hope I have a few more years or decades before I feel it’s necessary.
Which men have shaped you or remain role models for you today?
I admire men who did their own thing and broke conventions — Elton John, Freddie Mercury, but also Tom Selleck and Ricky Martin. Style-wise, I’ve just discovered, like the rest of the world, the young John F. Kennedy Jr. as an influence. My own husband is also a major role model for me.
