Grooming the groom

Shahnaz Husain
Weddings are one time when the bridegroom also shares a good part of the limelight. Today, men do not shy away from treatments to look their best. Grooming involves a total “top-to-toe” effort.  It shows that attention has been paid to every detail and it certainly does not detract from masculinity at all. Since the wedding date has been set in advance, start taking care of the skin and hair 2 to 3 months before the wedding. Weekly facials are recommended to refine and revitalize the skin. Professional deep cleansing, with exfoliation, toning and massage help to remove the dead skin cells, stimulate circulation and nourish the skin. The skin becomes much clearer and more translucent. The improved blood circulation gives the skin a healthy glow. Facial massages also help to reduce stress and fatigue as the important day approaches.
The hair also deserves attention. Salons also offer head massage, with oil. This is yet another treatment which will help relaxation and get rid of anxiety and fatigue.  For hair problems, like dandruff and hair loss, clinical treatments are recommended, once or twice a week. Many last-minute problems can be avoided by taking advice in good time.
Have your haircut at least two weeks in advance, so that your hair and the style have settled by the wedding date. Your hair should have a well-conditioned, manageable look. You should have a shampoo on the day of the wedding. First shampoo the hair and rinse it well with water. Then apply a few drops of conditioner, massaging it lightly into the hair. Wash off with plain water after 2 minutes. Or use a leave on conditioner, or hair serum.
Many hair grooming preparations, like creams and gels, are also available. These impart a high degree of sheen to the hair, but they can also make your hair look greasy. You should try out new hair grooming aids much before the wedding, to see what suits your hair.
Like every other day, you will definitely have your shave. But, on this special day, you should have another one, just before you start getting ready. It will help you look fresh and bright. You should take more care than usual, to avoid those nicks and cuts. Washing your face with hot water, prior to applying shaving cream, helps to soften the beard and makes shaving easier. After using your after-shave lotion, apply a little liquid moisturizer if the skin feels dry.
Keep more time for your bath, because this is a special day. Pay special attention to the hands and feet, scrub the heels with a pumice stone, or heel scrubber. Add some eau de cologne to your bath water. It has a refreshing effect and makes you feel good too. After your bath, apply talcum powder, or a body lotion, all over, even on your feet. Rub some of the lotion on your hands and nails too and then wipe off with a moist towel. Try cologne, instead of perfume. Colognes have a lighter and more subtle fragrance.
A day before the wedding, or on the day itself, have your manicure and pedicure at a men’s salon. Dispel the idea that this is a feminine pastime. Professional salon treatments for the hands and feet would help to make them look clean and well-groomed. The nails will be cleaned and the dead skin removed.  In fact, a pedicure, with a foot massage, is also extremely relaxing.
Take a look at yourself in the mirror. If your eyes look dull and tired, put a few drops of eye lotion. If you have some time to spare, soak cotton wool pads in rose water or rose-based skin tonic.  Lie down, with eyes closed and the cotton wool pads on the eyelids. Relax for ten to fifteen minutes. It will really help to calm you down and remove fatigue.
Last, but not least, try to get to bed early for the two nights before the wedding. Have all your bachelor parties before that, so that you have enough time to recover. You should feel relaxed and confident as you go forward to face your future.

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