Popular TikTok creators let us in on their grooming styles

Get Ready with Men! Yes, that’s right! We are excited to launch an exciting twist to the popular hashtag #GRWM (Get Ready with Me) with an amazing group of South African content creators who are sharing their thoughts on self-care, grooming and developing great content for their audiences on TikTok alongside GQ Magazine.

Over the last few years, we have aimed to become a one-stop hub for beauty and fashion enthusiasts looking for tips and advice on updated styles, time-saving beauty hacks, and interactive 'how-to' videos. Globally, #GRWM has amassed nearly 40 billion views in-app as creators share their videos showing everything from morning routines to evening looks.

The meteoric rise of the #GRWM hashtag has seen men from all walks of life sharing useful tips with their followers while setting trends that become part of our very own routines. Contributing to this rise are some of Mzansi’s very own content creators.

We recently chatted to a few creators from different corners of South Africa, who got an opportunity to be featured in the latest GQ Magazine, available in South Africa. It was interesting to get to know them and their TikTok content better, while they let us in on their grooming secrets. True to our diverse community, one is in the styling business, another creator is using fashion to inspire and others are using this space for self-expression and discovery. To them, grooming comes in many forms, and these include physical appearance, mental health, enjoying a balanced diet and investing in self-care.

@gq_southafrica Go behind the scenes of GQ x @tiktok.southafrica’s #GRWM shoot featuring @bafanamthembu3, @chadhaupt_ , @joshuathenatural, @thozimusic and @joe_x_style. 🔥 #fyp #bts #gqsouthafrica ♬ original sound - GQ South Africa

Want to get to know these men a little better? Check out the Q&A below.


Chad Dillon Haupt

Age: 29

Hometown: Cape Town

Favourite #GRWM song right now: Volare (New Blu Di Pinto Blu) by Dean Martin


  1. If you had to describe your TikTok content in three words, what would those be?

Inspiring, educational, impactful.

  1. What makes your TikTok content different from other creators?

My mission is to inspire and help shape the ideal gentleman that society needs. I share many messages around this and how men shouldn’t only dress well but should take care of their health by eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, have a good grooming routine and most importantly - poses impeccable manners and etiquette.

  1. How has TikTok made it easy for you to create content?

TikTok has given me and many other creators the opportunity to reach a wide audience even with a small following. It’s like no other platform with some of the features such as in-app editing, where you don't have to leave the app to create your content. All you need is the idea, a positive attitude and the will to succeed.

  1. What does grooming mean to you?

It means to present yourself in the best way possible – and it doesn’t need to cost as much as people think. For me, it means getting a regular haircut, trimming my beard, clipping my nails and having a good skincare regimen.

  1. Describe your grooming routine.

I make sure my hair is always cut and neat. I also take care of my skin as it’s the first thing people see.

  1. One grooming or fashion item you can't live without.

One fashion item is definitely a classic slim fit navy suit and for grooming, a blow-dryer is a must.

  1. Describe your creativity process before posting content.

I ask myself the following questions: what is my audience looking for, why do they follow my account and how can I provide value. I then list the topics, research each of them, find trending sounds and then it’s time to shoot.


Joshua the Natural 

Age: 23

Hometown: Cape Town

Favourite #GRWM song right now: It has to be all the songs from Beyonce’s Renaissance album – it’s too hard to choose one. 🤭


  1. Describe your TikTok content in 3 words.

Fun. Insightful. Unique.

  1. What makes your TikTok content different from other creators?

I am a guy in the Natural Hair Community; that is already differentiating myself and my content from other creators as it isn’t something you just see on TikTok every day.

  1. How has TikTok made it easy for you to create this kind of content?

TikTok has really cool in-app features which means I don’t need to use any third-party apps to achieve the content edits that I want. One couldn’t ask for a better creatively driven platform! TikTok has a broad perimeter of audience that will see your content. This definitely helps to increase your engagement, reach and followers.

  1. What does grooming mean to you?

It is something that boosts my confidence, something that’s extremely therapeutic and gives me time to tune into some self-care.

  1. Describe your grooming routine.

My grooming routine is very basic. I literally wash my face, apply moisturiser and keep going. The simpler, the better. Rumour has it that I’ve got nice skin, so I don’t want to mess it up! I do however spend more time taking care of my hair and making sure the curls are always bouncing.

  1. One grooming or fashion item you can't live without.

My hydrating cleanser.

  1. Describe your creativity process before putting out content.

I first google some hair inspiration and styles that are trendy, easy and that I like and can achieve. Thereafter, I find a song that fits with my content and aesthetic. Once that’s complete, I write down the transitions that I would love to include in the TikTok and the hairstyle steps according to the beat of the song. Lastly, I use the in-app features to enhance each frame that gets filmed.


Bafana Mthembu 

Age: 30

Hometown: Soweto Orlando East

Favourite #GRWM song right now: Inkos’yamagcokama – Ngixolele


  1. If you had to describe your TikTok content in three words, what would those be?

Authentic, fun and fresh.

  1. What makes your TikTok content different from other creators?

My content highly focuses on shining a spotlight on the Ibhinca subculture – the music, the dance and fashion.

I use a fusion of all these elements to create a “get ready with me” video, understanding that it caters to different individuals. Some people watch it for the dance moves, others watch it for fashion. In my views, this content is different because it doesn’t focus on one element.

  1. How has TikTok made it easy for you to create this kind of content?

TikTok is user friendly, but more than anything it became a place to find inspiration when there’s a creative block.

  1. What does grooming mean to you?

Taking care of myself.

  1. Describe your grooming routine.

I don’t like using too many products on my face. I follow a basic skincare routine to keep myself looking fresh.

  1. One grooming or fashion item you can't live without.

Roll on deodorant.

  1. Describe your creativity process before putting out content.

A lot of thinking takes place and then I write everything down to remember… Okay, I’m kidding! All these ideas come while shooting. I’d say it’s inspirations from other people and making it fit my style and story.


Thozi Music 

Age: 27

Hometown: Bronkhorstspruit, a small town in the east of Pretoria

Favourite #GRWM song right now: Aymos – Mama


  1. If you had to describe your TikTok content in three words, what would those be?

Music-related videos.

  1. What makes your TikTok content different from other creators?

Authenticity and originality. I have found that most creators are always searching for what’s trending, while I always find myself trying to figure out what I can do, that hasn’t been done before.

  1. How has TikTok made it easy for you to create this kind of content?

The concept of going viral without having a large following is pretty insane. So, with TikTok, I know my videos have a chance to reach thousands and millions of people around the globe.

  1. What does grooming mean to you?

Taking care of something – it can be self, mind, health, art.

  1. Describe your grooming routine.

I use beard oil to keep my beard moist. Trust me, you don’t want your beard to dry out, otherwise, it’ll break. I then run through with wooden comb to avoid damaging my facial hair.

  1. One grooming or fashion item you can't live without.

My wooden comb.

  1. Describe your creativity process before putting out content.

First, I write down some ideas and if it’s a song, I then go into the studio and create it. I spend time after that listening to whatever I have recorded repeatedly and if I don’t like it, I start over with the process. In most cases, for every 5 ideas I come up with, only one video is a success.6.One grooming or fashion item you can't live without.


Joe x Style 

Age: 45

Hometown: Johannesburg

Favourite #GRWM song right now: Leave Before You Love Me by Marshmello & Jonas Brothers


  1. If you had to describe your TikTok content in three words, what would those be?

Fashion, style and life.

  1. What makes your TikTok content different from other creators?

Having me as the main ingredient is what makes me different.

  1. How has TikTok made it easy for you to create this kind of content?

The platform has organic reach that any and all creators can enjoy.

  1. What does grooming mean to you?

It’s definitely hygiene and making sure you’re looking your best.

  1. Describe your grooming routine.

I like to use a facial scrub every couple of days, but not frequently, which could have the opposite effect if I use it too much. And I do a bit of manscaping now and then.

  1. One grooming or fashion item you can't live without.

My electric razor.

  1. Describe your creativity process before putting out content.

I put out things that I think people would like help with and structuring it in a way that is easy to follow.