Find out the change in grooming in India over the span of 100 years. From the beginning of grooming practices to the evolution of skincare practices and then to men’s grooming, discover the evolution of Indian grooming and know about some of the best Indian grooming brands influencing the grooming trend in the current era.
Grooming has changed drastically in India in the last century. Every decade has witnessed some change in grooming, starting from simple grooming practices to skincare and now grooming products. Nowadays, grooming is not limited to cleanliness but extends beyond that to include confidence and self-respect.
1920s: The Era of Natural Living
The Indian grooming trend from the era of the 1920s was only been traditional. Everything was organic, and people relied on what was available at home. Grooming products had not come into existence, and everything was homemade according to conventional practices.
Hair oils consisted of coconut and mustard oil, whereas for face care, ingredients like sandalwood, turmeric, and multani mitti were used. People did not use soap to cleanse themselves, but used herb powder. Men seldom shaved because this practice took place when they paid a visit to the barber nearby.
1930s: Continuation of Traditional Practices
The same natural grooming practices prevailed in the 1930s, too. The use of natural and Ayurvedic remedies to take care of their skin and hair had not been compromised.
While women applied ubtans at home for radiant skin, men adopted the practice of maintaining a minimalist appearance through regular grooming and occasional trips to the barber shop. There were no branded grooming products then. Nevertheless, some formality in grooming practices began to emerge among urban residents during this period.
1940s: Influence of Changing Lifestyles
In the 1940s, due to the changes in the world along with pre-independence changes, there was an alteration in the practice of grooming. Although natural ingredients continued to play a vital role, grooming became more regular.
The barbershop gained popularity, and clean shaving became essential for men. Appearance started becoming more important, especially for professionals. Though the availability of products was still scarce, the idea of grooming was transforming.
1950s: Grooming Becomes a Routine
During the post-independence era, the 1950s marked the beginning of grooming practices in India. Maintaining cleanliness and grooming oneself became a necessary aspect of a person’s life.
The application of hair oil, soap, and talcum powder became a crucial part of one’s grooming habits. The shaving process was imperative, and the barbershop became the main spot for grooming activities. Therefore, the year 1950s has become an indispensable part of today’s grooming practices.
1960s: Rise of Personal Care Awareness
During the 1960s, knowledge regarding personal care became prevalent. Individuals started taking care of their looks, particularly those living in urban centers.
There were hair creams and styling products that became popular. Although not extensively used, the trend of caring about one’s appearance for fashion purposes emerged. Men wore styled haircuts, while women engaged in simple beauty care routines. Grooming was an extension of one’s personality.
1970s: Style Meets Grooming
However, the 1970s witnessed a clear trend in the style of grooming. People began trying out new styles and grooming themselves according to their tastes, which were influenced by films and fashion.
Hairdos began to become more extravagant, and grooming itself took on a social purpose. The barbershops changed, and grooming practices also underwent improvements. Although the range of grooming products remained small, the approach towards grooming began to change.
1980s: Entry of Commercial Grooming Products
The 1980s can be said to be an important decade when branded personal care products became available for the Indian consumers. Personal care products such as shampoos, shaving creams, and many other skin care products were very popular.
The decade marked the period when people became aware of convenience rather than sticking to the traditional practice of using home-made products. Products that made personal grooming affordable and convenient became very popular in those times.
1990s: Grooming Becomes Mainstream
During the 1990s, there was an explosion in the field of grooming because of liberalization. The number of brands increased, as did the choice for consumers.
Deodorant sprays, perfumes, and face washes became widely used products among people. People started grooming themselves by using different products. Both men and women began to be conscious of their looks. Grooming had become an important part of people’s lives.
2000s: The Rise of Modern Grooming
Grooming in India became a way of life during the 2000s due to exposure to international fashions. Men began to incorporate face wash, hair gel, and skin care products as part of their routine.
Cosmetics firms extended their line of products to incorporate shaving creams and skin care products along with deodorants. The 2000s were the decade that made grooming an important aspect of day-to-day life.
2010s: The Grooming Revolution
The other trend that took place during this decade was that of social media and how it impacted the grooming trends. Many celebrities were influential in shaping the grooming trends during this decade.
The application of grooming on the face and facial care became very popular. There was a great need for such products as serums, masks, and sunscreen cream, all of which contained charcoal. The consumer knew that the ingredients in the product would matter a great deal.
2020s: Smart, Natural & Personalized Grooming
Grooming has attained a new height in the current decade. People are better informed, aware, and selective when it comes to choosing their products.
The desire for products that are natural, dermatologically tested, and free from chemicals is quite high. The consumers seek products that address issues such as acne, pigmentation, hair fall, and dryness.
Foaming face washes, vitamin C serum, hair tonic, and conditioner are some of the products that have become a part of their everyday life. Vi-John continues to introduce new products designed to meet the demands of the Indian consumers. Grooming in today’s world is no longer about aesthetics but about confidence and self-care.
Grooming is Now a Way of Life
In the last one hundred years, grooming in India has not only been confined to an act but rather developed into an entire routine for life. There is no restriction on gender or age in the case of grooming in India.
From students to working professionals, everyone sticks to their individual grooming routine. Money spent on skincare, haircare, and personal grooming is an important expense in their lives.
Final Thoughts
Right from the traditional grooming methods to modern grooming methods, the history of grooming in India has been a reflection of time and lifestyle changes. There is, however, one thing that remains the same amid these changes, and that is the basic purpose that lies behind the grooming activity and involves cleanliness, confidence, and satisfaction with oneself.
