Grooming for men has been has been something that we've discussed more often recently. It may be thanks to the emergence of a new dating culture that values effort, or man simply investing more into being at his best. Either way, one's not complaining.
Taking care of yourself that way isn't just perfunctorily slapping on some moisturiser, using a random face wash and using sunscreen five weeks out of fifty-two in a year. Some of the most stylish and dapper gentlemen that you probably follow religiously have rigorous grooming and manscaping routines, like the celebrity stylist Aalim Hakim would testify. The Mumbai-based Hakim has been the go-to for actors Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan, among others. His client list also boasts cricketers Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. We sat the 49-year-old—who runs one of the best-known chains of hair and beauty salons in India—down for a chat on men's grooming, essential daily practices that will leave you glowing, and some trends that gentlemen must pay heed to in the current year.
Esquire: How has the perception of men’s grooming changed over the years?
Aalim Hakim: In the ’70s and ’80s, men idolised superstars like Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna and Dharmendra—copying everything, from their hairstyles to the way they walked. The mid-’90s brought a shift, thanks to Channel V and MTV, where individuality gained ground, as seen through their veejays.
Around the same time, stars such as Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and—afterwards—Shahid Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh brought in distinct styles that kept evolving with their roles. Men today, much like popular artists such as Badshah and AP Dhillon, have embraced unique, signature looks instead of copying celebrities. Men now value personal style, making individuality the core of modern grooming.
ESQ: What are essential grooming practices men should follow daily?
AH: Daily showers are non-negotiable. Wash your face and beard every day—especially if you smoke. Smoke lingers in the beard, causing odours, so use a beard balm or oil. Good grooming starts with listening to your barber for trims and maintenance. Learn to blow-dry for volume. Invest in a hair dryer, iron and tongs. If you work out, wash your hair daily. Sweat attracts dirt and grime, and it is not good for the hair follicles. Get a spa treatment and pamper your hair once in a while. Always carry essentials: hair spray, moisturiser, lip balm, deodorant stick and perfume, in a pouch.
ESQ: One product you swear by?
AH: Cleanse, moisturise and apply sunscreen with SPF 50 daily. I swear by this three-step routine. Moisturising your arms and legs matters—people notice everything.
ESQ: How often should men visit their barber?
AH: Every 25 days is ideal. Keeping your sideburns and neck clean is important even if you don’t need a cut.
ESQ: Your take on hair styling products—what to use and avoid?
AH: Try everything! Styling products are like food—you will not know what your hair and skin loves until you have sampled them. Men in India love hair gels, but it's also worth exploring pomades, clays, sea salt sprays and curl creams for natural textures. Get trial sizes to see what works best for you.
ESQ: Your recommended beard care routine?
AH: Wash your beard daily and use serums, balms or oils. Pick a style that complements your jawline, and seek professional advice if unsure.
ESQ: Go-to products and tools for beard grooming?
AH: A high-quality trimmer with attachments and good beard oils. Many cricketers I style manage their beards on their own—anyone can do it with the right tools.
ESQ: How do you prevent razor bumps?
AH: Shave after a shower, use a moisturiser before you start, and never rush through a shave. Proper tools and technique make all the difference.
ESQ: Which stars have the most unique grooming routines?
AH: Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Allu Arjun, Ram Charan, Vicky Kaushal, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya all have distinct approaches.
ESQ: What would the top hairstyle and beard trends for the coming year be?
AH: Sharper structures and more refined beards are in. Hairstyles will focus on textured backs—for example, soft mullets and clean sides.