An expert dissects Virat Kohli’s grooming game and tell us how to ace it

Virat Kohli — captain, icon, soon-to-be-father, and grooming connoisseur. Be it the pitch or the red carpet, he knows how to make a mark.

There’s every reason to believe that Virat Kohli will go down as a legend in cricketing history. His run at the sport has been glorious, starting off as a novice batsman, all the way to spearheading the team in a matter of a few years. However, Kohli has also risen to become one of India’s most fashionable sportsmen, making a mark in athleisure and men’s grooming. His signature undercut has inspired teens and gents across the country and for good reason. To help you achieve the same flair, we spoke to ace men’s hairstylist and artistic head at Enrich Salons, Sareena Acharya to tell us how you could get that look.

“Virat’s hairstyle is suitable for every occasion — it’s perfectly pinned between work, festive, formal, and play. It’s the same reason why the generation perceives it perfect. Same for the beard,” says Acharya.

Kohli’s hairstyle is a true faded undercut. The fade begins at a number 4 and worked down to a number 1 at the temple. Though the trick is connecting that with the beard — see how the length blends with the beard and creates a continuous look? Take note of that.

Acharya points out an important grooming detail: “Apart from the cut, using the right product is vital. Virat keeps his hair really short and evidently uses a gel instead of a wax. This works great with the given length and offers a strong hold too. Bonus: A wet look. It keeps the overall aesthetic more tilted towards the casual side of things and the entire ‘messy/undone’ look. Though waxes and pomade can achieve the same, a gel would definitely be more apt here.” At the same time, don’t go overboard with the amount — less can be more.

Now that we know what to aim for and how to style, let’s talk about the tools of the trade. “You can work with the basics here — a mini hair dryer and brush. I’d actually advise using a natural bristle brush since this hairstyle is based on much shorter length than the usual.”

Next up, the beard. The thing about beards is that yours needs to be unique to you. A style will never work for two people the same way. “What’s important is to use a mild shampoo to keep it clean and hygienic. Indulge in beard oils and waxes for the nourishment — they’ll never disappoint.” When it comes to Virat Kohli’s style, we see the emphasis on the chin, and the length gradually increases from his temple.

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