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How often have you come across two guys chit-chatting about lotion, serum, or any given cosmetic product? The count would most probably range from zero to an extremely small number. Seldom do we find men talking about personal grooming among themselves. Self-care is one of the rare realms where women savour domination. Grooming is self-care and self-care should be practiced by everyone regardless of gender, then why are men hesitant to actively participate in self-grooming?

You’d be surprised to know that, to this day, a lot of men picture self-care and grooming as a woman relaxing in a bubble bath with a glass of champagne in one hand and a magazine in the other. Destigmatising grooming for men basically involves uprooting countless stereotypical notions associated with being a ‘man’ in the eyes of society. From childhood, boys are taught to remain tough in the face of adversity, never ever give up, hustle, manage finances and support the family. Investing time in self-grooming is considered as losing productivity and valuable time, which could otherwise be capitalised, which makes you a perfect man in the first place. 

However, what it means to be a ‘man’ in the modern era is changing. Experts suggest that a significantly large male population is becoming more open to using beauty products majorly because of the privacy and anonymity offered by online shopping platforms, the rise in virtual video calls, increase in the number of brands that primarily focus on self-care products for men and of course, the vastly demanding social media appearances. Men are also combining their forces together on social media networks to discuss grooming routines without any shame. Proving investment in skincare doesn’t challenge manhood, few Indian brands have come forward in promoting a self-care culture, involving daily grooming practices, basic personal hygiene, feeling content and attractive in one’s own skin shunning the preconceived notions of masculinity. 

I personally feel we should always keep a note of a few things in order to look sharp, tidy and appealing. Some of them include keeping your beard and hair well-trimmed at all times, applying sunscreen before heading out in the sun, tidying your eyebrows, matching your belt colour to your shoe colour, using a scrub to exfoliate your facial skin, and keep experimenting with hair and skin care products to find out the best suitable ones for you. 

We’re just a few months away from 2023. The idea that men might want to be their best selves shouldn’t be a topic of conversation. Times are changing. A gentleman doesn’t have to always show up in a neatly ironed suit and tie, a 20-something sporting ripped jeans, funky T-shirts, and flip-flops is also a complete man. While our men are moving past basic grooming practices and the hushed approach toward grooming and skincare, let us also come together as a society, pat them on the back and support their journey of discovering goodness within themselves.

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Views expressed above are the author's own.

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