Words: Violet
Whilst some of you may already be recoiling in a mixture of fear and disgust at the very thought of this not-so-new trend in the world of mens grooming, hear us out and believe us when we tell that you that the days of the gorilla style chest are on their way out. Obviously we know it’s a personal choice, and we commend those who continue to stay au natural, but for those of you considering the ‘bare-all’ option, then here is our guide to the trends of the moment.
From the various options discussed in our previous post, on ‘how’ to to remove body hair (part 1: thegentlemansjournal.com), such as shaving, waxing, trimming and even electrolysis, your options are endless. We’re not suggestion that you go brazilian just yet, but it’s definitely worth looking at your choices…
EYEBROWS
Luckily for mankind, not too many men are shaping their eyebrows to the full-blown Geordie-shore extreme just yet, but a pluck or wax between the brows will keep any fear of a mono-brow at bay and a trim to shorten the lengthier hairs can really make a difference. For those of you with particularly bushy-brows, a subtle pluck of the rogue hairs that creep down towards your eyelids can also add definition to your face in just a few minutes.
NECK
Necks? Yes, necks. Even if you haven’t even noticed that your head hair is mysteriously creeping its way down your back via your often exposed neck, then believe us when we say that others will have. Fuzzy hair peaking out over your shirt collar is not a good look. Shaving and waxing are definitely the best options to go for to create a generally more groomed appearance.
BACK
While chest and leg hair will always be acceptable, no matter what the current trends are, the back is not up for discussion. Simple as that. From waxing to more permanent procedures, visiting a grooming salon or professional clinic is more than advisable – if not for the fact that you’re after seriously hard to reach areas.
CHEST
Some men – and their other halves – like a smooth, hairless chest, while others still believe that chest hair is a sign of masculinity, but there comes a point when it might be time to think again; Steve Carell in The 40-Year-Old Virgin, anyone?
It’s also considered that a hairless body shows off more muscle definition. So, many guys are now opting for a close chest shave and smooth abs to help show off their muscles. Think David Beckham and the host of male underwear models we see sans hair. Enter: trimming and ab-sculpting. Some men prefer to simply trim chest hair, shortening the lengths to define natural shape, whilst others like the full wax – if opting for the ‘sculpting’ option, we suggest visiting a professional the first time in order to get it just right.
TOES & KNUCKLES
This might come as a shock to some of you, but according to numerous grooming experts in London, they’ve seen a high rise in the number of men coming in to have stray toe and knuckle hair removed. Whilst a hairless chest might be something of a ‘trend’, trust us when we tell you that toe or hand hair will never be in fashion, therefore if you’re serious about removal in these areas have a think about laser hair removal or electrolysis.
BELOW THE BELT
Here is where things get serious. More and more of the male population are exploring their options when it comes to hair removal…err…down there. Believe it or not, laser hair removal is gaining serious air time at the moment, more men are turning to laser hair removal as an option in order to thin or eliminate hair in the pubic area since it lasts so much longer than waxing, is less painful than electrolysis, and skips out on the itchy and unsightly stubble that comes with regrowth from shaving.
To shave or not to shave? That is the question. No longer the realm of models, bodybuilders and porn stars, this now a common trend in the world of bellow the belt grooming. Similarly to the way ‘man-scaping’ can define and enhance a mans chest, the same can be achieved here. If you choose to do it yourself then the only advice we offer is that you trim and shave, if you fancy a longer lasting look or are after those harder to reach areas then we strongly advice visiting a salon.
NB – best to avoid hair removal cream on this occasion.
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