As the male grooming industry grows bigger than ever in India, experts talk about change in attitudes and factors that guys should look out for to make heads turn for all the right reasons
Daniel Craig and George Clooney
The Indian man is investing more time and money in shaping his hair, filing his cuticles and getting rid of body odour than ever before, according to a report by AC Nielson. This report states that India's male grooming market is poised to hit Rs 5,000 crore this year. And the number certainly carries weight according to experts from the industry.
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According to Truefit and Hill's international barber Genovel Rusu, James Bond is the most impeccably groomed Hollywood character. Pic/AFP
Celebrity stylist Nitasha Gaurav, who has styled the likes of Arjun Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, points out the way things have changed. "Earlier, men dressed conservatively and were not much into personal care but that has changed dramatically now. There is also an evident proliferation of beauty salons targeting men all over Mumbai," she says.
Mirror, mirror
In an egg-chicken riddle fashion, availability too has led to interest and now, according to Gaurav, male grooming here is almost comparable to women's grooming as a market. Celebrity stylist Shiraz Siddique says that he most significantly sees the difference when he passes his alma mater, Jai Hind College in Churchgate. "I graduated in 1995; at the time we were hardly aware of fashion and grooming. Now, I see the college kids so impeccably groomed. From their bags to hair, everything has a touch of thought," he says.
Gaurav, however, points out that good grooming is not fussing too much about appearance but a regular doable regimen involving hair cuts, pedicures and such.
George Clooney is unequivocally accepted as well groomed by stylists. Pic/AFP
Her opinion finds echo in Truefitt & Hill's international barber, Genovel Rusu, who warns that when going for grooming options, one should always look for quality and for places which can suit different standards.
Flow, don't sway
The other problem people make, according to Rusu, is to not consult professional barbers or hairdressers. "They get confused between consultation and information, getting swayed by sales people and advertising gimmicks," he shares.
A man gets a shave at a popular city salon
Siddique adds that finally grooming is a thing that is personal and should be that way. "One should get groomed the way one is comfortable. Even cheaper brands make really good and comfortable clothes now and if you exercise a bit and are fit you look good even in jeans and a T-shirt," he signs off.
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