1 week ago
3
In researching a guide to dealing with male body hair, I went straight to my fashion editor colleague Damien Woolnough for the best manscaping trends. “The ’80s continue to influence fashion and men’s grooming with Tom Selleck’s Magnum PI having made him a chest-hair champion for a new generation,” he says. “If you’ve got it, flaunt it. But be prepared to do maintenance; you don’t want to let it run wild. Regular mowing will keep it manicured, but don’t go over the top. It’s not topiary.”
Tom Selleck is a 80s “chest-hair champion for a new generation,” says fashion editor Damien Woolnough.Credit: Getty Images
The first piece of equipment you need, says Woolnough, is “a great set of trimmers with multiple blade guards”. Body grooming is personal and there are no hard and fast rules, but the changing seasons might affect your trimming technique; you might want lots of chest hair in summer, for instance, but none on your back and shoulders. The Panasonic Wet & Dry Body Groomer ($125) is an excellent all-rounder. “Keep it in prime condition by oiling the blades,” says Woolnough.
If you are a beginner, the trick is to use a light touch and a higher guard setting. As you gain skill and confidence, you can keep lowering the guard if you want your hair shorter. Steer clear of using a shaving razor on your body – it can be messy, especially if you use shaving cream, and there’s the risk of cuts. Also, as hair grows out, you will end up with a prickly surface.
For a totally bare look, try a depilatory cream. Woolnough says finding an effective one can depend on a person’s hair type, so you might need to test a few. “You also have to find a smell that you can stomach,” he adds. For a sleek, smooth chest, use a cream that dissolves hair at the root, such as Nad’s Hair Removal Cream for Men ($11). You should get a couple of weeks before regrowth starts to appear; as a bonus, it won’t grow back with a prickly edge.
The final frontier is waxing, but this is pretty high on the ouch factor and can result in skin breakouts without good aftercare. The upside is you get up to six weeks before hair starts to grow back. IDuring that time, keep the area well moisturised with Kiehl’s Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream ($81).
A body trimmer is also best for managing hair on the shoulders. For back hair, it’s best to ask a partner (or other willing party) for help every week or two. If you are after a hairless backside, try a depilatory cream, waxing or laser. And for pubic hair, definitely no razors! Rather, reach for a body groomer like Philips Norelco All-in-One Trimmer Series 7000 ($109), which has rounded teeth guards that sit above the clippers to stop skin catching.
If you want to go down the permanent hair removal path, you could invest in a series of laser hair removal treatments. But remember, as with fashion, body-hair trends change.
ASK STEPH
Where should guys apply fragrance?
The chest is the most effective place as it will be anchored by your shirt and float upwards, while the fabric also helps it to last longer. Other sweet spots include the biceps and crook of the arm. Our latest obsession is Chanel Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif (from $270), a delightful blend of amber, resin and leather.
Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.
Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter.
Most Viewed in Lifestyle
Loading
