Introduction
There is a cliché that men are not supposed to care about their looks, but the modern world is witnessing a growing awareness of male grooming. The Indian male grooming market is worth Rs. 500 crore today and continues to grow. A decade ago, such a scenario might be considered unrealistic or laughed upon, but the realm of men’s grooming has come a long way in recent years. Increasing awareness of grooming essentials and products, consumer sophistication, exposure to international trends, and attitude change towards masculinity, along with an additional interest in personal appearance, are some of the reasons for this change.
As public opinion towards masculinity is changing and people are becoming less concerned about the socially acceptable boundaries of masculinity, grooming has certainly come out as a way to break down gender stereotypes.
Grooming has been an essential part of human history; albeit, for a long time, it was viewed as a predominantly female activity. Men were expected to look rough and untidy, with little emphasis on their appearance beyond basic hygiene. But in the 20th century, men’s grooming again gained importance as social and cultural norms changed and evolved. The rise of Hollywood/Bollywood and other media outlets brought the concept of the “leading man” into the mainstream, and men began to take more notice of their appearance. But in the past two decades, the idea of male grooming has gone beyond just deodorant and body wash and now focuses significantly on self-care and wellness.
Fun fact: Ancient Egyptians used natural ingredients to take care of themselves. Bathing in milk, using scented oils and fragrances, and applying aloe vera were some of the common practices. Also, did you know the Roman men were the first to experiment with hair dye.
In this article, we will delve into the importance of men’s grooming, what men can do to take care of themselves, and which products to use for optimal results.
Grooming isn’t just about superficial beauty but is a crucial aspect of confidence and self-care. It helps individuals to maintain their physical appearance and overall hygiene. Taking care of your skin, hair, and body can also make you feel more comfortable and confident in your skin. Overall, grooming plays a major role in boosting your self-confidence and it defines your personality.
What Can You Do to Take Care of Yourself?
There are several things you can do to take care of yourself and elevate your grooming habits[6]. Some fundamental tips include:
-Maintain good hygiene: Take a shower or bath regularly to keep your body clean. Use soap and shampoo to wash your body and hair.
-Trim your hair: Whether it’s on your head, face, or body, keeping your hair trimmed can make you look more put together. You can use clippers, scissors, or a razor depending on what you’re trimming.
-Take care of your skin: Moisturize your skin regularly, especially after shaving, to prevent dryness and irritation. Use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
-Maintain your nails: Keep your nails trimmed and clean. Use a nail file to shape them and remove any rough edges.
-Take care of your teeth: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Use mouthwash to freshen your breath.
-Take care of your groin area: Grooming the groin area is a personal choice and can vary depending on individual preferences. However, the groin area needs careful cleaning to prevent rashes and infections. Therefore, clean the area daily and let it dry for some time before putting on new clothes, as rashes are most likely to form in the moist area[7].
-Exercise: Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and improve your overall health. It can also help you feel more confident and energized.
-Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can improve the appearance of your skin, hair, and nails. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day.
-Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help you feel rested and refreshed.
Which Products to Use?
When it comes to men’s grooming products, the options are vast. Some popular products include:
-Facial cleanser: A good facial cleanser is essential for removing dirt and oil from the skin. Look for a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser appropriate for your skin type.
Looking for a mild cleanser that cleans as well as moisturizes your skin? Check here
-Body wash: A good body wash can help keep your skin clean and moisturized. Look for a wash that is gentle and hydrating.
Check out our range of men’s body wash and find your perfect fit.
-Moisturizer: Keeping your skin hydrated is vital for maintaining skin health and appearance. Look for a moisturizer that suits your skin type.
-Sunscreen: Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential for preventing skin damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that suits your skin issues.
Want to know which sunscreen suits your skin? Learn more about it here
-Deodorant: A good deodorant can help keep you smelling fresh all day. Look for a deodorant that is aluminum-free and gentle on the skin.
-Hair care products: Depending on your hair type and style, you may need a styling product, like pomade, oil, gel, or wax.
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-Shaving cream: If you shave, using a good shaving cream can help prevent razor burn and irritation. Look for a cream that is rich and moisturizing.
Pick a shaving product that fits your needs from our range of products.
-Beard oil: If you have a beard, use beard oil to help keep it soft and healthy. Look for an oil containing natural ingredients, like jojoba oil, argan oil, or coconut oil.
Check and find a beard oil that fulfills your needs
-Intimate wash: Not cleaning your groin area from time to time can lead to complications. Therefore, use an intimate wash or fragrance-free mild soap to wash your groin region routinely and prevent rashes and infections.
Looking for a mild product to keep your groin area clean and dry? Check here
Remember, everyone’s grooming needs are different, so it’s important to choose products that work for you and your unique needs.
Conclusion
In current years, the perspective towards male grooming has evolved significantly. Men are now giving equal importance to their appearance, looks, and hygiene as women. As a result, brands have introduced several individualistic and exclusive products along with some generic ones. By following a few basic grooming tips and using the right products, you can look and feel your best every day. So, take some time to invest in yourself and your grooming routine.
(The article is written by Namita Singh, Team Leader, and reviewed by Monalisa Deka, Senior Health Content Editor)
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