On International Men's Grooming Day, five suave professionals reveal personal tips they swear by
"To be, or not to be, that is the question." Although Prince Hamlet's soliloquy written by Shakespeare was more than just a dilemma, life in the city is too short to be drowning in existentialism. For, you step out with you hair well-cut and they call you "polished"; pull off the dishevelled look, and you're equally welcome. So, to groom or not to groom, that is the question.
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Ranveer Allahbadia
The Ayurvedic edge
Ranveer Allahbadia, 25, behind popular YouTube channel BeerBiceps, wasn't exposed to the grooming world during his engineering days, but realised its importance after he began researching for his videos. And Allahbadia maintains, "My girlfriend taught me all of it." For him, choosing a good cologne is essential, and so is a daily face cleansing routine. "A lot of Indian guys deal with acne, and battle pollution. I use a herbal face wash every day by a pure ayurvedic brand," he says. In addition, Allahbadia uses a mild shampoo, specifically for moisture-repair. "With the climate here, a skin moisturiser isn't really required. But, my hair is dry and wavy. It's important to understand what works for you," he says.
Nikhil Chib
Good groom, good food
When we mention the word grooming to restaurateur Nikhil Chib, he quickly counters us, "Are you sure you're asking the right person?" At 37, he considers himself old-fashioned, and prefers both his shave and food, clean. "I don't use anything on my face. Not even soap. It's weird, I know. But, I'm really just a Gillette guy," he quips. Chib advocates for greater self-care, which for him includes a balanced diet made with fresh produce. The cargo pants are also a classic. Fitness plays an important role, too, especially when one is trying to defy age, according to Chib. "I box, swim and also play tennis and squash, in addition to practising Krav Maga," he tells us. Chib mentions that consistency with food or anything else, is an important factor when it comes to self-care, and he's a purist. He adds, "There is joy in going to the market and seeing what is going into your stomach."
Pablo Naranjo Agular
Beard necessities
For Colombian chef Pablo Naranjo Agular of Le 15 Cafe, the beard routine reigns supreme over all others due to his professional commitment. "I use a beard shampoo every day and comb it a little once it's dry to remove any shedding so it doesn't fall while I'm cooking. I also apply beard wax every two days," he says. Agular, 30, who has worked in France before has very sensitive skin, which is also a reason behind the beard. "With my skin, it actually hurts to shave. So, after the strict rule in France [of chefs having to be clean-shaven] and after working for other chefs, I broke away from shaving and then it kind of stayed, I like the beard."
Amit Ranjan
Keep it minimal
Model Amit Ranjan has a dedicated mantra when it bottles down to being considered a well-groomed person. "Being natural is the best," he says, even when being part of the fashion world compels you to believe otherwise. The 29-year-old eats organic and carries home-cooked meals wherever he goes. Despite his long locks and beard, Ranjan requires no chemicals or a hair spa, to keep them luscious. "I do focus on my hair but I'm really not metrosexual. I keep it simple by oiling, shampooing and conditioning it once a week. Just plain coconut oil does wonders for the hair," he says. As for his fitness routine, he likes to surprise his body. "I'm either doing yoga, cycling, swimming or working out at the gym," he says.
Sapan Verma
For profession's sake
Comedian Sapan Verma, 29, would experiment a lot, and had an unhealthy lifestyle before he took grooming seriously. "Over the last year, I've consulted dermatologists and trichologists. Now I stick to very specific and limited products. For me, it's extremely important to be well groomed. That's the least you can do to look presentable. It almost defines your personality. And since I'm in a profession where I'm constantly on stage where people come to watch me, and in videos that are consumed online, I have to look neat," he tells us. Verma maintains that sticking to products that suit you is the mantra to live by. "A lot of guys don't pay enough attention to facial hair. Growing a beard doesn't mean you don't groom it from time to time. Please get a trim, use some products and make it look presentable."
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