In today's age, where shouting out from the rooftops about one's metrosexuality doesn't invite chuckles any longer, an increasing number of men are realising the long-term benefits of timely grooming. Here's our ultimate male grooming guide to help you overcome those daily hiccups so you look and feel great every time you step out
Real men don’t cry and they don’t wax their chest hair. Neither they go for sit-ups in salons and parlours to shape their eyebrows.
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Well, this definition could have easily been accepted if we were living in the early, mid or that part of the 20th century, when tobacco and liquor ads were still ruling the hoardings and all other forms of media. But in the 21st century, men are as self-conscious about their appearance as women have been. Is it the pollution, the depleting Ozone layer, melting icebergs, a lower libido or all of them, we’ll never know the answers, but if studies, polls and other means of measuring public opinion are to be believed, men like grooming.
Like women, men these days prefer to shave their legs, chests, armpits, and every possible part that a razor can reach. But looking at the busy schedules, taxing routines and deadlines, most men don’t have the time to leisure into such activities. Since it isn’t perceived as un-macho to rely on grooming, we invited a few grooming experts to suggest tips and tricks that men can use when in a hurry, and still attract the fairer sex without having to apply fairness creams like Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham.
Razor bumps
A typical problem that most men, who shave regularly face, are razor bumps or barber’s itch, which could cause a lot of discomfort if not dealt with properly, warns dermatologist, Dr Swati Srivastava of Sketch Clinics. She, however, feels that razor bumps are easily avoidable by using electric razors or correct shaving techniques, and using antibiotics. Another effective method is to let the beard grow intermittently. In most occasions, lesions subside within three-four weeks.
Acne or rough skin
Most men usually have rough or dry skin issues, and their skin is prone to acne, says Shailza Gulati, creative head stylist at Warren Tricomi. The best way to deal with it, she reveals, is to hydrate the skin regularly using wet wipe tissues. “It keeps the skin refreshing and surprisingly hydrates skin, leaving it non-oily,” she adds.
Body odour
“Men sweat more than woman, hence, body odour is greater in men than it is in women,” says Gulati. However, some people face excessive sweating on the palms and around the armpits. Changing clothes regularly, washing hands, feet and keeping sweat-prone areas clean and dry will help evade such embarrassing situations. She suggests carrying an antiperspirant / deodorant / perfume at all times. “While an antiperspirant helps the glands secrete less sweat, a deo masks the smell,” she adds.
Dr Viral Desai, cosmetic and plastic surgeon, DHI India, says that body odour can lead to social isolation, and if using deodorants / perfumes doesn’t help,
it can be treated with minor surgical process. Another, much easier alternative, says Dr Swati, is to limit the intake of coffee.
Hair thinning and balding
Dr Desai says that most men continue to ignore hair-related issues like baldness till it reaches a very advanced stage. Often, realisation sets in only when people comment on the obvious loss of hair. “A stitch in time saves nine. Acting early can preserve your existing hair. Treatments such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) are lunchtime procedures. Other procedures such as laser combs and cyclical medication for hair can easily be worked into one’s schedule,” he shares.
According to Gulati, baldness is caused because of Dihydro testosterone levels; the solution to this is preventing insulin resistance, which means reducing the intake of carbohydrates, combined with regular exercise and weight loss can help cure baldness. This apart, keeping your hair short, helps in preventing excessive hair fall and thinning of hair. “Get a style called the buzz cut, especially if you are losing hair around the crown and hairline. Growing facial hair is also a good trick with thinning hair. Opt for a cropped or clean-shaven look and then enhance it by growing a beard or a goatee. Be sure to keep it nice and sleek. Also, product-wise, use mousse and creams over hair gel, especially if your hair is thin or you are losing hair,” she reminds.
Dandruff
Washing your hair often is not the solution to dandruff, says Gulati. However, using the right combination of shampoo and conditioner can solve the problem. “Dandruff is caused because of a flaky scalp; this can occur if the scalp is dry or oily. One of the best things to do in case of dandruff is to visit the dermatologist as soon as possible,” she advises.u00a0
The well-groomed list
George Clooney and Amitabh Bachchan
It’s very difficult to maintain one’s look against the forces of nature, but George Clooney and Amitabh Bachchan have managed to maintain their hair, skin and body against the tide of time.
David Beckham
He has always been the epitome of metrosexuality. Perfectly combed back hair, sculpted body and a clean chest are what Beckham flaunts in those Calvin Klein underwear ads. While his wife Victoria Beckham has a big hand in it, we need to give the footballer some credit for the effort in creating brand Beckham.
Barack Obama
Apart from being the President of the United States of America, Barack Obama is highly praised for his trademark Obama Suit, au00a0two-button, single-breasted suit jacket and single pleated pant with inch-and-a-quarter cuffs, a fine addition to Obama’s image.
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