In a world that is driven by buzzwords, new-gen lingo, and novel trends, a new kid arrives on the block every few months and becomes the talk of the block town. In the recent past, one such trend that has become not just a talking point in the personal grooming space but also a way of life for men is “manscaping.”
From trimming your beard to grooming your body hair and even pubic hair, men have been taking more pride in their appearance than ever before. So, what in the name of balls is manscaping? Why has it become a key word and a keyword in equal measure among consumers and grooming brands alike?
Read on as we discuss the concept of manscaping and give you five (secret) hacks to make sure your manscaping routine (if you have one) is elevated to an unprecedented level, giving your weekly grooming routine a sweet upgrade.
What On Earth is Manscaping?
Manscaping is a term used to describe the process of grooming, trimming, or removing body hair from a man’s body, particularly below the belt. This term is a portmanteau or a combination of the words "man" and "landscaping," suggesting that just as one might tend to the plants and trees in a yard, a man tends to the hair on his body.
Man + Landscaping = Manscaping
Manscaping can involve different methods and tools, such as trimmers, razors, clippers, waxing, or depilatory creams.
So, why do people indulge in manscaping? Well, you may choose to manscape for a variety of reasons, including:
1. Personal Preference
Yep, there’s no denying the fact that manscaping is a form of self-love. What you do with your body is your choice. If you like keeping your body hairless and clean as a whistle, it’s your choice.
2. Intimate Hygiene
Excessive body hair and a thick bush down there (pubic hair) may lead to sweat buildup, causing infections and foul odour. Some people like to manscape in order to maintain intimate hygiene.
Related: Milind Soman literally schools this student for not being well-groomed
3. Aesthetics
Body hair may or may not appeal to some people. Aesthetics, therefore, become a major reason for men to invest in body hair removal in order to enhance their appearance or sexual appeal.
4. Other Reasons
Some men may also choose to manscape as part of a religious, cultural, or societal norm or expectation. Some others do it because of peer pressure. You will also find those that succumb to it because they see social media influencers advocating it. And then there are those rare few who have open conversations with their romantic partners about their likes and dislikes and take a call accordingly.
The origin of the term "manscaping" is not entirely clear, but it appears to have emerged in the early 2000s. The term is a play on the words "man" and "landscaping," as we mentioned earlier, which suggests the idea of grooming or tidying up a man's body hair similar to how one might maintain a garden or yard.
It's possible that a brilliant young copywriter coined the term in the world of advertising or popular media, as part of a trend of promoting male grooming and personal care products. However, it has since become a more widely recognised term in popular culture and is often used in casual conversation or online forums related to men's grooming and lifestyle.
How to Ensure a Smooth Manscaping Experience: 5 Tricks of the Trade
All right, let’s get down to business. While you might think body hair removal is a no-brainer activity, there are a few things that can help make your grooming routine a tad easier (and more effective).
1. Exfoliate Before Trimming or Shaving
Before you start shaving, it's important to exfoliate the area you're planning to groom. The process of exfoliation removes dead skin cells and helps prevent ingrown hairs. Use a gentle scrub or exfoliating tool to prepare your skin for shaving or trimming. This will also help the blade of your trimmer or shaver glide smoother over your skin and reduce the risk of irritation.
2. Apply a Pre-shave Oil
A pre-shave oil is a great way to soften your hair. It also helps in protecting the skin from burns and irritation. Apply a small amount of pre-shave oil to the area you're grooming and let it soak in for a few minutes before you start mowing the grass. This will make the process smoother and more comfortable.
3. Use the Right Grooming Tool
Choosing the correct tool is crucial for a successful manscaping session. For sensitive areas like the groin and pubic area, consider using a rechargeable intimate grooming trimmer (as opposed to a shaving razor or foil shaver). Using a manscaping trimmer that has soft ceramic blades rather than sharp metal blades can go a long way in ensuring that you prevent nicks and cuts, especially while running it over the different curves and contours of your body.
4. Clean the Blade Frequently
When you start trimming, don’t aim to do everything in one go. Keep switching the trimmer off intermittently so you can inspect the area you’ve used it on. It is also essential that you clean up any hair that might be stuck between the blades (or under the cutting unit). The clogging caused by this hair may affect the performance of your trimmer and that is the last thing you would want. If you use a full-body trimmer that is completely waterproof (check the device’s IPX rating before buying it), it is best to wash the blade under running water. And don't forget to change the blades every few months to ensure maximum performance and optimum hygiene.
5. Moisturise After Grooming
Yeah, we know that most men hate this step. But the advantages of moisturising your body far outweigh the fact that it is a boring task. Once you're finished trimming or shaving, use an alcohol-free formulation (post-shave gel, lotion, or cream) to help soothe the skin, keep it hydrated, and reduce irritation. Avoid products that contain extremely strong fragrances or other potential irritants. A quality aloe vera gel is a great option.
Bonus tip: If you're not comfortable shaving your pubic hair completely, consider trimming it instead. This can help keep the area neat and tidy without the risk of razor burns, cuts, or irritation. Use clippers with a guard to trim the hair to your desired length. This can also make the hair appear thicker and fuller, which can be a turn-on for some partners (although it is best to check with your partner first).
Use these five manscaping tips to ensure a smooth and comfortable grooming experience that leaves you looking and feeling your best. Whether you're prepping for a special occasion (read: date) or just feel like you could do with a neat trim down there, these hacks are sure to come in handy.
Looking for a premium full-body trimmer? Browse through our complete range of intimate care products for men here and take your pick.
Happy manscaping!
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