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The need to look her fashionable best is no longer just a woman’s priority. Men seem to be cashing in on the benefits of facials too. Shaili Dhagat reports.
New trends, unconventional looks and fascinating styles — are being sported by the men in metros, with Bangalore and Delhi being no exceptions. Gone are the days when men simply bathed, dressed, oiled and combed their hair and left for work.
Nowadays, whether in senior school, college or working, men are paying a lot of attention to the way they look. They are willing to spend both time as well as money to look well-groomed, presentable and chic, age definitely being no bar. This mantra has given a sizzling turn to how men can groom themselves.
This has been an eventful decade as far as style and fashion are concerned. Special parlours for men have opened all over the city. While some prefer to focus on hairstyles, others choose to go in for a complete makeover. The influence of Bollywood can not be denied in this regard. Men-centric flicks and action movies flaunt the beauty and brawn of actors, showing off their well-toned bodies and drop-dead good looks.
Men in metros are very particular about their appearance and go that extra mile to look classy and original. They are selective about the right hairstyle, and also opt for facials, pedicures and manicures, and sometimes, waxing too. Some also visit men’s parlours for a complete makeover, rejuvenation, relaxation and massage.
Everything from a blackheads-removal treatment, dark circles treatment, anti-pigmentation, de-tan, double-chin treatment to waxing, skin-polishing and facial treatment are a rage among the menfolk. Hair and foot spas, including the usage of chocolate and fruits, lymphatic drainage and hot stone therapy are in vogue. An effective facial could range anywhere between Rs 500 to Rs 1,500. The price of a pedicure ranges between Rs 300 and Rs 600, while a complete clean-up would cost Rs 600 or more. The rates vary from parlour to parlour.
Romi Hongsha, the manager at VLCC, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi, says, “Guys these days are very conscious of their looks. They look after their skin and hair and like the glowing and radiant look. The spa and scrubs, aroma massages, aroma pedicure and manicure are very popular. Some customers ask for wraps and rituals — a treatment that cleanses and exfoliates dry skin, especially in winter. Men also concentrate a great deal on their hair — colouring and highlights. While younger guys like to experiment, older guys want a more conventional and neat look.”
Sidhant Asthana, (25), a young lawyer residing in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, says, “These days, in any profession or for that matter in any sphere of life, it has become very important to look presentable at all times, to make the right impression on people.
As a lawyer, the way I look and conduct myself influences my inter-personal interactions. I visit a parlour once a month and get a facial done along with getting myself a good hair cut and head massage to relax. I am particular about my side-burns.” Point taken.
The feel-good factor has definitely acquired prominence among men. Fashion and style enjoy global appeal these days and accessability to the latest products and international brands of cosmetics is not a problem anymore.
Says the manager of Pure Salon and Spa, Green Park, Hon Kazingmei, “Ours is a unisex parlour and many of our clients are men. A complete facial clean-up, eyebrow trimming, de-tan and anti pigmentation treatment are very popular. A full body massage rejuvenates and hence, is high on demand. While youngsters like the funky or messy look these days, working men go in for the corporate, neat haircut.”