Grooming is an essential aspect of self-care, yet it is often viewed through a gendered lens. However, personal care is not exclusive to one gender; everyone should want to look and feel their best. Creating a unisex grooming routine that takes into account all skin and hair types is not only inclusive but also practical and efficient.
Here are some tips and tricks shared by Nija Shah Goswami, CEO, Whiskers India, that will help in setting up a comprehensive and effective grooming regime.
Understanding your skin and hair type
The first step in creating a unisex grooming routine is to understand your skin and hair type. This knowledge is important because it determines the products and techniques that will work best for each individual.
Creating your own unisex grooming routine
After understanding one’s skin and hair type, one can start creating their own routine. Here are the main steps and recommended practices:
Skin Care
1. Cleaning:
○ Face: Use a gentle cleanser according to your skin type. Choose a foaming cleanser for oily skin; choose a hydrating cleanser for dry skin.
○ Body: A mild body wash or soap that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils is ideal. Look for products with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera or shea butter.
2. Exfoliating:
○ Exfoliate the skin 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and promote smooth, glowing skin. Use a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant (such as AHA or BHA) appropriate for your skin type.
3. Moisturizing:
face: No matter the skin type, moisturizing is important. For oily skin, use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. For dry skin, choose a richer cream. Mixed skin may benefit from a gel-based moisturizer.
Body: Apply a body lotion or cream daily to keep your skin hydrated. Ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides are great for retaining moisture.
4. Sun protection:
○ Whatever the weather, apply a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature aging and skin cancer.
5. Special treatment:
○ Face: Include a serum or treatment tailored to your skin issues (e.g., vitamin C for glow, retinol for anti-aging, salicylic acid for acne).
hair care
1. Cleaning:
○ Choose a shampoo according to your hair type. Use a cleansing shampoo for oily hair; use a moisturizing shampoo for dry hair. Avoid washing your hair too often to strip out the natural oils.
2. Moisturizing:
○ Use a conditioner with your shampoo. For extra moisture, use a leave-in conditioner or hair mask once a week.
3. Regular hair care:
StyleUse a heat protectant spray before using hot tools like a hair dryer, straightener or curling iron. Avoid over-styling to avoid damage.
TrimmingGetting a regular haircut every 6-8 weeks helps maintain healthy hair and prevent split ends.
○ Frizz ControlHair serums help smoothen the cuticle layer of the hair, thereby reducing frizz and making the hair look more shiny and polished.
4. Special treatment:
○ Consider a scalp treatment if you have dandruff or other scalp problems. Oils such as argan or jojoba can provide extra nourishment and shine.
