Grooming the Guy

From MANicures to waxing to facials, manscaping season is in full swing

Text by Cassandra Bernard/ Photography by Timothy Daniel O’Brien

 

Admit it, guys. You love getting pampered as much as we do. Don’t worry, I won’t blab to your buddies about your fondness for lavender foot soak. It’ll be our little secret.

When it comes to being primped and primed, men are taking a cue from their female counterparts and spending a little extra on their own personal grooming. Ladies know it’s all about the hair, skin, teeth, and, last but not least, relaxation. Guys, you know you want the same things, too. And why not? A little pampering (aka manscaping) is a well deserved treat after a long and tiresome workweek.

Let’s go through the basics, shall we?

When it comes to hair, a trip to the barber for a wash, cut, and shave is just what the stylist ordered. Keeping your thick, unruly, manly locks groomed and maintained is a must. Who wants to hit the town with a caveman? A new cut and style just in time for summer is just what you need to shake that Grizzly Adams look you’ve been sporting all winter.

And depending on what barbershop you go to, you could be getting the ultimate in manscaping luxury with an old-time shave. Just like they did back in the days of saloons and gunfights, barbers are going old school and using sharp razors and a skilled hand to give customers an oh so smooth face and neck shave.

Of course, when it comes to being fashionably groomtastic the hair on your head is the least of your worries. Nicole Mead, owner of Wax!t in Charlottetown, regularly sees male clients coming in to get waxed. From eyebrows to those pesky nose hairs that protrude onto the face, to the chest, back, shoulders – even feet! – guys are shedding their man fur and finding that skin is most definitely in
“I think that guys should pay attention to their appearance,” says Mead, whose walk-in waxing studio is a chic retreat for men and women alike who are new to the world of waxing. “Whether they want to be more prim and proper for their job, for the ladies, or for their partner.”
Not only is keeping body hair to a minimum good for the appearance, it also serves a functional purpose. Take, for instance, armpit hair. The less armpit hair you have, the less you’ll smell due to sweating. Think about it, guys…then do it!

Now that you’ve been shorn and waxed, it’s time to start thinking skincare. If you don’t have a skin care regiment already in place, you should. Everyone can benefit from taking care of their skin, so take the time to invest in a good cleanser that’ll keep your pores clean as well as a good moisturizer with an SPF. Wrinkles may not be as predominant on men’s skin, but that doesn’t mean your skin should have the texture of a leather boot, either. An organic, invigorating facial, like the Savasana Facial from Pure Spa, can do wonders for your skin’s circulation and help reduce breakouts. Plus, facials are relaxing and worth every penny for a full hour of uninterrupted peace and quiet.

Looking a little pasty from hibernating all winter long? Then you might want to consider using a self-tanner. There are a number of great tanning products on the market that will work with your skin type and won’t have you looking like you just fist-pumped your way from the Jersey Shore.

Most guys won’t admit it, but I know plenty of guys who use a touch of concealer to cover up a blemish. Look, if you have the option to cover it up then why would you ever leave it red and raw? A little cover up used ever so sparingly for an important meeting or special occasion won’t make you any less of a man, so I say cover it up – please!

Guys should also be taking good care of their teeth. I don’t think any woman dreams of their knight in shining armour having dull and yellowing teeth. Schedule a trip to the dentist for a check up and cleaning, or if you want to go all out, opt for a whitening treatment. By keeping your teeth clean, healthy, and sparkling, you’ll make a statement without having to say a word.

At this point in your manscaping adventure, you will have had your hair done, your skin primped, and your teeth buffed and shined. The next task is to make sure your finger nails and toe nails are up to par. Keeping under the nails clean, trimmed, and filed, and keeping them shiny and smooth will work wonders for business men and guys playing the dating game. After all, they are called MANicures for a reason.

When all of the physical pampering is finished, that is the time for the mental grooming. Getting a neck, back, or full body massage will literally make you feel like a whole new human. Don’t be shy, strip down, light some candles, and have a long, hot bath with some Epsom salts; everyone, including men, deserve a little pampering!

 

Cassandra Bernard/ @cassandraheaven