Why Don’t Indians Wear Deodorant?
India is home to a diverse culture, with people celebrating at traditional festivals and ceremonies every year. Although India is modernizing and adopting a more western lifestyle, there are still certain cultural values that many Indians follow. One such cultural value pertains to the question of why Indians don’t generally wear deodorant.
Cultural Stigma
One of the main reasons why Indians don’t generally wear deodorant is due to the perceived cultural stigma that they might be seen as trying to look like westerners. Historically, Indians have valued their own cultures and detested any attempt to imitate western cultures. Therefore, more traditional Indians are hesitant to adopt anything from western cultures, such as deodorant.
Belief Systems
Additionally, some Indians don’t wear deodorant because of their belief systems. The Ayurvedic practice is based on the belief of living in compassion with nature and its constituents. One of the central tenets of the practice is to apply spices, herbs, and medicinal plants to the body to not just cure illnesses, but nourish it. Thus, many Indians abstain from using western products such as deodorant and opt for more natural solutions to the problem of body odor.
History of Government
Finally, the Indian government has also played a role in the reluctance of Indians to use deodorants. Up until the economic reforms of 1991, most products were heavily taxed and regulated, making them unaffordable to most Indians. With the economic liberalization, foreign investments, and reduction of tariffs, products such as deodorants became more accessible.
In conclusion, Indians have many reasons for not wearing deodorant, from cultural stigma to belief systems. In recent years, however, more Indians have started to wear deodorant as they become more accepting of western products.
5. How has the use of deodorants by Indians changed over time?
The use of deodorants by Indians has increased significantly over the past decade. According to a survey in 2016, over 90% of Indian households used some sort of deodorant products. This is an increase of approximately 20% from the previous survey taken in 2012.
In the last decade, the range and availability of deodorants have also grown significantly. Consumers now have access to a greater variety of deodorant products including deodorant sprays and roll-ons, natural or herbal deodorants, organic deodorants, and sport-focused and long-lasting deodorantic.
The increased accessibility of deodorants and the growth in awareness about personal wellness have also been major factors for the surge in usage of deodorants. The rise of the internet has enabled easier access across the globe, encouraging more consumers to try deodorants and compare their options. Soaring incomes and better access to personal care products in local market have also pushed up the demand for deodorants.
3. Are there any natural alternatives to deodorant that are popular among Indians?
Yes, there are some natural alternatives to deodorant that are becoming increasingly popular among Indians. These include rubbing lemon or cucumber juice or extracts on the skin, using baking soda and talcum powder, and essential oils like tea tree and lavender. Other popular natural alternatives include applying a mixture of equal parts of cornstarch and baking soda, using alum crystal blocks to reduce sweat, and using witch hazel as an astringent.