Are men ready to get rid of body hair?

Sheetal

“How are you,” asks Manju aunty from Urbanclap and Anubhav Singh Bassi hilariously replies, “I am strong.” While the story was fictional to create humour, we are sure, this stand-up comedian’s experience was real enough the way he introduced guys to ‘Waxing’(name of his stand-up act) or rather waxing to boys. 

Male grooming is not something new. It existed even during the Egyptian civilization. It would not be wrong to say that there are as many ways to groom oneself as there are ways to deal with your stubble, grow it, trim it, style it or shave it away. Without downsizing the fact that men have started addressing personal grooming seriously, we wish to find answers to the question ‘Body hair or body bare’.

It was put forward few days back by none other than actor Kartik Aaryan as he becomes the brand ambassador of a major hair removal cream.

Aaryan Sharma, hairstylist at HabibS-17, explains, “How do I say this? There is a middle path between becoming a bear and too feminine. To soften the blow I would say you need to take a moderate path. Though it is essential to keep your hair growth in check, one should always remember hair on hands and feet are a big no to make a good impression on women or any person.” 

About the ways you wish to get it done, Aaryan’s  preferences in descending order goes— waxing, hair removal cream, trimmer and if you have the money, laser is also an option for those with heavy growth, who don’t have time and energy to undergo the monthly process, which in case of trimmer is a bi-weekly thing.

“Even when I was not into body building, a hairless body was a must for me,” says Sandeep Kumar Pahal, a book-shop owner in Sector 15, Chandigarh. There are men, who have crossed their fifties and have started to take self-care seriously. Dinesh Kumar, a businessman, says, “Two years back, I got myself a manicure and pedicure and ever since, it’s part of my package. As far as body hair is concerned, I don’t think I need it now since the hair growth starts diminishing after a certain age. But, had this been the scenario in my younger days, I would have definitely jumped into the bandwagon and have no shame in saying that.”

An option like laser works for those having heavy body hair and facial hair. Ask Mohit Yadav, the marketing head, North, VLCC Wellness & Beauty, that whether there are many who are getting laser treatment done and he informs, “As compared to women, there will always be lesser number of men who would get it done. But, there is awareness about manscaping now and we see a gradual increase in male clients, especially from the younger and middle-aged groups. I think this particular group gives more emphasis on personality and looks.” 

Yet, manscaping is a hush-hush word. Aaryan explains, “There will be no salon that talks about waxing in men’s packages in entire tricity.” 

A model and actor by profession, Ayush Khurana from Chandigarh, talks how he first used the trimmer to get rid of sudden hair growth after puberty. He says, “After getting into modelling, one project demanded me to shave my legs and I did it. It’s been two years that I switched to body bare and I like it. I have tried both waxing and trimming but waxing lasts longer. I think it’s all about what you are comfortable with and feel confident about.” 

About laser, Ayush holds the view, “My job as an actor needs me to be versatile and being ready for any given role. So, laser will erase me off the list of hairy roles.” Ayush feels the perfectly groomed man in the industry is Ayushmann Khurrana. 

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