India Shining: Indian Men Getting Fairer and Fairer

Daily News: Forcing Indians to look in the mirror

Jamshedpur men spending more time and money on their look

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Parvinder Bhatia | Jamshedpur


Cosmetic sections in the markets are no longer only for women. Men are getting more conscious about their looks and they are willing to splurge on various products, which will help them look good.



Men from smaller cities like Jamshedpur too are not far behind from their counterparts in metros when it comes to spending on looks.

The number of gents' parlour opening in the city over next few months are the indication that the Steel City is fasting catching up the trends of bigger cities. "Previously, most of the guys only used shaving products, but now, there are so many products available for men also. And when there are grooming products available in the market, so why not make use of them. After all everybody wants to look good," said Dilip Choudhary, proprietor of city-based L'Oreal beauty parlour.

He said that though his parlour is both for men and women but over the years the footfalls from men have increased in the city.

"Like the fairer sex, young boys and men too want look attractive. It's great that guys have finally woken up to the world of cosmetics. They are spending more times in parlour for face whitening and facial and bleach," conceded Choudhary.

He further added that men are no longer shy to pick up products like skin creams, face cleansers and lip balms. The sales of the above products had shot up significantly in the stores.

"Youths are spending from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 per month on products like hair gel, hair smoothening creams, deodorants, sunscreen and perfumes," said Kavita Sood, a city-based beautician.

"I mostly spend on my hair products because I have very rough hair. For my face, I don't really need anything more than a moisturiser or sunscreen. I go for good brands for all my products. I use hair products like L'Oreal's Bed Head, and cologne from YSL," pointed out Vikash Sharma an insurance agent.

Moreover in a recent survey conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India, this emerging trend among men has boosted their expenditure by 20 per cent. The survey, which interviewed 5,000 consumers, found that as compared to less than Rs 1,000 in the year 2000, men are now spending over Rs 2,500 per month in more than half of India's families.

I like to buy nice shampoos, conditioners, hair gels, aftershave and perfumes. But I would draw the line when I think something's becoming too girly, confesses Gaurav Johar, a city-based businessman.