No-Shave November or Movember can easily pass off as the Christmas of beards. It is essentially a moment in time when all men —who love to grow their mug-rug out — are at their lazy best. So is the case for designer and suit connoisseur, Gaurav Khanijo whose love for beards is seasonless (and maybe...timeless?!). Mr. Khanijo — who could easily pass off as a promiscuous lover to a screen siren in the 70s — has not kept a beard. He has in fact grown it out, trimmed it, chopped it and clipped it to an inch in order to make it look phresh!
© MensXP, Style Partner: Park Avenue
But this time, when we caught up with Gaurav, he was actually growing his hair and beard out. An unlikely feat for Indian men trying to cope with the heat chamber that is our country. But Gaurav came in like a breeze — easy, cool and effortless. There's nothing heavy and overwhelming about his beard and hair combo. In fact, they act together — seamlessly — making him look like a polite little gangster!
For our second edition of '30 Days, 30 Beards', we bring you Gaurav's charming love with beards and how he really wants to look like Wolverine!
Do you think beards are overrated?Yes, it is. We men have the option of growing a beard or keeping it clean, basically, we can experiment with our beard. It's like makeup for men and we don't have to buy expensive paint brushes or colors.
© MensXP, Style Partner: Park Avenue
How has growing a full beard changed your life?To be really honest — it hasn't changed my life but I guess you don't choose the beard, the beard chooses you.
What does Perfect Fit mean to you?Whatever lets you eat, breathe, dance and feel fabulous is the right fit!
What made you grow it in the first place?I remember in school there were boys who'd have beards at a very early age (something most of us would envy) and I waited for mine to fully arrive, which took a long time (blame it on my genes). But once I got a full blown mug-rug, it just stayed with me!
© MensXP, Style Partner: Park Avenue
Do women dig the beard or clean-shaven men?It's all relative, but I'm assuming most women dig clean-shaven men. But you never know…
Ever thought of a name for your beard?Never! But if I ever did, it'd be called a 'MO'
Razor or trimmer? And how often...I often always use a trimmer because it helps shape the excess hair around my neck. And, I'm really old-school so I prefer scissors and guess what, I'm actually very good with them. A tedious exercise which requires a lot of patience, it's like meditation for me.
© MensXP, Style Partner: Park Avenue
Beards need care. What's your regimen like?Because I don't keep a full grown Gandalf beard, I don't need too much care, but yes I use this Tasmanian Handmade wax. It's really good!
Ever tried beard oils, shampoos, conditioners etc?I tried this recent brand which was marketing like crazy, and I hated it. So, yeah I'm very picky-choosy about the stuff I put on my face.
Your best and worst beard phase?I think when you hit puberty, it's essentially the worst. It's all patchy and you can literally count the random hair (disgusting!). The best phase always comes when you give it time and care and be patient. Last year, around this time, I had gone all out, the longest I've gone. Would try that again but only after I cut my hair short, I guess.
The razor/trimmer you're using right now?Trimmer Philips, and Razor Gillette. Of course, I use a razor for other unwanted areas.
© MensXP, Style Partner: Park Avenue
According to you, the most iconic celebrity beard in the world?If it's iconic, it's got to be Rabindranath Tagore for me.
What's your next big beard move?I'd love to rock the Zappa Beard style with long sideburns. Like Frank Zappa-meets-Wolverine-gone-rogue!
Gaurav wears three-piece suit; dark washed jeans, all from Park Avenue;
Photography Anubhav Sood
Creative Direction Santu Misra
Styling Siddharth Batra
Grooming Shallu Chandla
Location The Jug Mug Thella
Produced by Anand Pratap Singh
Style Partner — Park Avenue
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