Once proud of their Neanderthal and caveman looks, men are changing in the 21st century. Along with expensive face moisturisers, skinny jeans and a definite rejection of the classic ‘short back and sides’ haircut, male waxing is now firmly on the agenda for the less fair species.
Contrary to common misconception, this trend is not just prevalent among gay men, and is not even confined to the uber-trendy uber-young man about town. Waxing salons report that men across the whole age and lifestyle spectrum are now switching on to the benefits of smooth, hair-free skin. In fact, they report that it is just as common — if not even more so — to receive bookings from middle-aged or elderly gentleman, perhaps because younger men sometimes lack confidence.
Although the male waxing trend started back in the 1980s, it has evolved beyond recognition since then. The pretty poster boy ‘Athena’ look probably sparked off interest in back, chest and shoulder waxing for men. While upper body waxes for men still remain popular, the last five years has seen a huge explosion in demand for intimate male waxing. No longer the exclusive domain of brave females, an increasing number of men are opting for the infamous ‘back, sack and crack’ intimate wax or choosing to take even more off with a Brazilian or Hollywood. It is not even that uncommon anymore for some men to go in for a full body wax, having pretty much all the hair from their big toes to their monobrow stripped off!
