Blogger Nikhil Kandhari On His Best Beard Phase & How Growing One Has Changed His Life

Right now, blogger-ly known as 'I AM NKHL', Nikhil is probably downing a few beers with his buds—in Bandra, Mumbai or in and around the coolest hangs. This Saturday, he'd possibly be spinning some tunes at an upmarket pub, making the indie girls and townies groove alike. Yet, hungover as hell, the next morning, he'd be shooting his next, big sartorial series for the blog. Clearly, a juggling maverick of sorts, Kandhari lives the life of the first season of any TV series—eventful, exciting and full of twists. But amidst his trickery of joking with time, his tryst with the beard is our pick of the day. Robust, tamed and cutting his cheekbones right; there's something that gets you to notice it in public (and on his dope Instagram). Looks like, he has a zen view of what the grooming gods do. So, for our second edition of '30 Days 30 Beards', he lays down his relationship with his buddy ol' pal, the beard. © MensXP, Wardrobe Partner: Park Avenue Do you think beards are overrated? There's a reason why women say, 'Beards make men more attractive'. You either go hard or go home (without a score). How has growing a beard changed your life? Well, in a hell lot of ways—I look older than usual, feel more confident, and it has also brought the women closer to me. Besides, a lot of other things, of course (lol). What made you grow it in the first place? Name one man who doesn't want to look good? And then, a man who doesn't want to grow a beard (at least once in life). Do women dig the beard or clean shaven men? Besides my mom, every girl loves the beard on me. Ever thought of a name for your beard? It's like a part of me, don't want to name it. © MensXP, Wardrobe Partner: Park Avenue Razor or trimmer? And how often... A trimmer, every two days. Beards need care. What's your regime like? I've been using Himalaya's Men Face and Beard wash for a while now. And I must say, it's one of the best products I've used. It has completely eliminated the need of a beard shampoo/conditioner in my life. Your best and worst beard phase? I'm basking in the glory of my best phase right now—fully blown and absolutely in control. However, my days back at college were the worst ones for me. I had no option but to go clean, the beard was literally that patchy. The razor/trimmer you're using right now? Philips' Norelco Beard Trimmer. © MensXP, Wardrobe Partner: Park Avenue According to you, the most iconic celebrity beard in the world? 'Hagrid' from Harry Potter. And the worst... Ryan Gosling, with a booming beard. He looks best with a stubble! Your next big beard move? I'm very orthodox when it comes to experimenting with my beard. But for now, I'd say, I really want to try my hand at maintaining a two/three-days-old stubble. --- Nikhil wears a camouflage-print bomber jacket, classic wash jeans, knitted turtleneck; all from Park Avenue. Photography: Manasi Sawant Creative Direction: Santu Misra Styling: Siddharth Batra Grooming: Jean Claude Biguine Production: Anand Pratap Singh Wardrobe Partner: Park Avenue