The new buzz about post-lockdown looks

Newly skilled home hairstylists may not opt for ‘hair today, gone tomorrow’.

By ET Bureau | Updated: Jun 06, 2020, 09.51 AM IST

There was a whopping 1,379% increase in searches for the word ‘haircut’ on Google during these lockdown months, compared to 2019.

The reopening of barber shops and hair salons in many countries in the past few days is anticipated to bring more relief and joy than any other lockdown-halted facet of modern life including restaurants and gyms, according to several recent surveys abroad. Given that people have been known by their faces alone for weeks on end in webinars and video meetings, the importance of hair as their defining feature was obvious. No wonder there was a whopping 1,379% increase in searches for the word ‘haircut’ on Google during these lockdown months, compared to 2019. Inevitably, home haircuts went up exponentially, with couples and families doing the honours with each other’s overgrown mops, often with more enthusiasm than skill. That haircuts became the symbol of defiance by anti-lockdown protesters is not surprising either, with authorities cracking down on surreptitious salon operations.

But it may not be a case of ‘hair today, gone tomorrow’ immediately as predicted. Hairdressers watching those loving snippets on social media must be both amused and uneasy as the buzz is that buzz cuts will be the preferred look for men as many have become handy with the machine at home already. Conversely, some may be happy with their shaggy looks too, so professional shearers will have to wait a while to shape post-lockdown looks.

Trim, Shape & Sculpt: How To Style Your Beard Like A Pro During Lockdown

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As homes have become de facto offices, a number of cozy wardrobes - from pyjamas to yoga pants to sweatsuits - are catching on in isolation. And it’s not just the clothes leading the comfy charge. With limited access to barbershops, it’s become perfectly acceptable to don facial fuzz during a video meeting, within limits.

The same way you need to mind the hair on your head for a flattering style, you also need to tame your beard. If you’re stuck for inspiration or just need a guiding hand, here are a few tips to make sure that even in lockdown, your beard stays sharp.