Narcissist? Vain? These tags are from a bygone decade. They really do not stop the Indian male from grooming and preening. Welcome to the times when a man can say he had gone for a facial without anyone sniggering.

Instead, he is likely to be asked if it was a herbal facial or a galvanising one. Male grooming as a concept is flourishing. Hair gels, fairness creams - the 'fair' obsession seems to be prevalent with the men too - deodorants, depilatory creams and other products are merrily jostling for space along with related products for women.
Take a look at what goes behind a well groomed man:

Face off

Dr Sujaya Hegde, dermatologist and cosmetologist, feels that some healthy habits can go a long way for that glowing complexion. According to her, smoking and sun exposure are the major causes of early aging of the skin.

Avoid smoking and apply a sunscreen gel or lotion for protection. Use a moisturiser for dry skin. This can also be used after a shave. Or select an oil free light moisturizing lotion.

Talking of shaving, it is necessary to shave along the direction of the hair follicles, usually downward. Soften the stubble with warm water and a shaving cream or soap before the shave. Wrong shaving methods or an extremely close shave may lead to hair follicle infections.

The doctor also advises to drink plenty of water, about two litres every day. This will keep your skin hydrated and fresh. Soaps, moisturizers and after shaves are available for different skin types. Use a mild soap or a face wash as part of the cleaning regime. Regular application of fairness creams may cause pigmentation of the skin.

Pamper your skin once in a while. Local beauty saloons have a wide array of mind-boggling facials for men, right from 'detanning' facials which claim to take away suntan to ones that concentrate on removing blackheads. Men who have had the right facial would definitely benefit from it.

Back to basics

If sniffs greet your presence in a room, it is time to backtrack. Remember when your mother would knock on the bathroom door and remind you to brush your teeth and wash yourself with soap? Well, the basics are the same but yes, deodorants are included in the body odour (BO) busting regime.

So are clean clothes and socks. A checklist for pleasant BO may look like this: a shower, clean clothes and probably a whiff of deodorant. These are the basics. Manicured nails, flossed teeth, clean hair and well-pressed clothes are required as part of good grooming. Hair too needs some attention. Saloons vouch that men are buying a variety of hair products like hair gels and mousse to either tame the locks or to spike it up for a casual day out.

They are also opting for hair colouring, streaking and hair straightening. Apart from hair and hair styles, stylishly bald is uber-cool. Especially for those blessed with the perfect pate. Facial hair like a moustache or a beard is okay but again the mantra is proper maintenance. Get rid of nasal hair and the hair on the ears.

First impression

The cliché is worn out but holds true. First impression is the last impression. Chitra Nagaraj, CEO of a headhunting firm, relates an anecdote about her client whom she had sent for a job interview. He parked his car across the block and sauntered into the office after traversing a muddy road. The position was for a marketing position in Paris. The feedback that she later got was that the candidate had been rejected because of his dirty shoes.

According to Chitra, companies are very particular about grooming.  Dress to the occasion. A formal meeting will always mean a tie - not too flashy though. You may get away with a t-shirt carrying your company's insignia for a semi-formal meeting on a Friday or a Saturday. Keep a tie and blazer at hand, maybe in your car, for that sudden business meeting. Colouring your hair is okay as long as it is not in punk colours.

And before the interview, add some shine not only to your resume but also to your appearance. You will clear one major hurdle.

TIPS FOR KEEPS

*Have a skincare regime that works for you. Use water soluble face wash for dry skin and foaming face wash for oily skin.

*Protect your skin from the sun. Apply sunscreen (SPF 20 and above) for a day in the sun.

*Drink at least 2 litres water everyday. It takes care of your skin, health and body odour.

*See that your hair is clean, in place and well cut. Do not forget to trim your moustache and beard frequently.

*Brush your teeth twice a day. Floss when required. Charm everyone with your dazzling smile.

*Wear appropriate clothes for the occasion. A well-dressed man has the leading edge to win over people.

*Last but definitely the toughest tip - eat balanced and healthy meals. No binging on food or alcoholic drinks. Take time off to exercise. If not the gym, pick up an activity that burns calories.