A poll commissioned by Kaya clinic among women in Mumbai and Delhi suggests that women like their men well groomed, not just because they are sick of sloppy Joes, but because they are willing to bet that a man who takes charge of his appearance, has what it takes to take charge of his life
Au00a0poll commissioned by Kaya clinic among women in Mumbai and Delhi suggests that women like their men well groomed, not just because they are sick of sloppy Joes, but because they are willing to bet that a man who takes charge of his appearance, has what it takes to take charge of his life
In February this year, rapper 50 Cent's decision to release a "butch" range of cosmetics for men, including moisturisers, night creams and health supplements, got more than its share of giggles and "WTF!"s on the net.
Yet, over here, even a few years ago, actor Shahrukh Khan had no trouble coaxing men to use a Fair and Handsome cream with the tagline "Chhup chhup ke kaahe ko ladkiyon ki cream lagaaye?" The men's grooming industry that's considered to rate among "India's fastest growing consumer sectors and averages 20% annual growth" evidences the average Indian man's interest in his appearance. In fact, according to a recent IRS survey, results for which were announced at a conference arranged by Kaya skin clinic, a massive 83.5% women said those menu00a0 who took care of their appearance had more control over their professional
success. 
Men say suncreen is for sissies
Skin aesthetician Diya Dembla admits that a stigma continues to be attached to men frequenting salons.
Narrating how one of her male clients comes in for acne treatments as though it were a top secret spy mission, she says Indian men use basic creams or go for that occasional clean-up, but they need tons of encouragement to take up serious and a regular grooming regime. Skincare issues can only be addressed by consulting a specialist rather than an off-the-counter cream that's hardly likely to do the trick. Sunscreens are a product Diya finds men hesitant to use. "One of my clients refuses to use a sunscreen. He insists it's a product for sissies. That's why most Indian men suffer from pigmentation and sport discoloured patches on their skin. Black-heads and white-heads are common concerns." In fact, Divya has christened one of her male-centric treatments, The He Man treatment. It involves exfoliation with dead sea salt that's a natural exfoliating agent.
It's followed by suitable soothing packs and creams with peppermint content that works as a natural anti-irritant, antiseptic and antifungal.
The guy women will love
Thirty five year-old Mohan Baweja, proprietor of VMB Relocations, a company that specialises in international relocations, says in his profession "presentation is paramount". He says he follows a skin-care regime that involves regular use of moisturiser, Multani Mitti packs and occasional steaming. "How you look is directly related to how you feel and act. Confidence levels are directly linked to your appearance," he believes.
Women say they take well groomed men seriously
Nafisa Khambatta, 32, homemaker: What adds to a man's appeal is his sense of humour, but grooming, fitness and good skin add to the whole package.
Meghana Sood, 33, homemaker: A well groomed, well dressed man makes a better first-impression, than an unkempt, sloppy guy.
The guys say, it's no big deal
Dipankar Zalpuri, 29, entrepreneur: Grooming has nothing to do with efficiency, but your appearance can affect how you are perceived, and that's crucial if you are in a job that involves interaction with clients. Otherwise, all that matters is whether you are good at what you do.
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Parag Khatri, 37, handwriting analyst: Grooming is important, but skills are paramount. Grooming is like the icing on a cake; it enhances, but it's not the definingu00a0 factor.
Survey stats
The findings of a recent IRS study have revealed how urban Indian women feel about male grooming
u00a0
98% of women feel skincare should play an important part in male grooming
87% said men need to take care of their skin since good skin makes them look attractiveu00a0
94.5% said men should use skincare products designed especially for their skin
91.5% said men should opt for skincare services that help improve their skin
83.5% said men who take care of their appearance have more control over their professional lives than men who don'tu00a0
57% felt grooming is important for men in their personal relationships
70% said men who take care of their appearance are more dependable and responsible than those who don'tu00a0
86.5% women think men who take care of their appearance are more confident than men who don't
For 81.5% women, skin colour is a consideration in assessing a man's attractivenessu00a0
69% women are more likely to give a second look to a guy who is well groomedu00a0
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Who was surveyed?u00a0
SEC A1, female, age group: 25-40, Monthly Income: Rs 35,000 +, married/single/working/non working. Goes shopping to a mall at least two times a month, spends at least Rs 1,000 on eating out every month with friends/family, visits a beauty parlour at least once a month, uses skincare products regularly.
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