When it comes to hair, men seem to be locked in this paradox: losing the hair on their heads more quickly than they’d like while chest and back hair seems to sprout with just like dandelions in the neighbor’s yard. And be just about as welcomed.
Back when Dear Abby was still Abby, men sought advice at both ends of the spectrum, from the bald…
DEAR ABBY: I am a professional man in my early 40s. When I was in my late teens, I started losing my hair. By the time I was 22, I was almost completely bald.
Someone suggested that I get a wig, so I did. I have been wearing it for years. Now, however, I’m uncomfortable with the wig. I think it’s obvious that it’s not my own hair, and I’m self-conscious about it.
I’d like to stop wearing the wig, but I wonder what my co-workers will think. Also, my mother tells me that my head is shaped a little “funny.” But I feel like a fraud when I’m wearing the darn thing. What do you suggest?
– BALD IN BALTIMORE
…to the hairy-chested:
DEAR ABBY: I am a fairly husky and hairy man, and I am sick of people who stare at me or are outspoken about the “grossness” of my hairy chest or back when I’m at the beach.
Recently a couple of friendly looking young women approached me at the beach. One of them smiled and said sarcastically, “I love your sweater!” Since that is an old joke, I smiled and said nothing. Then she grabbed a handful of my hair on my belly and give it a really hard tug! I was speechless and appalled that anyone could be that rude. Then as they walked away laughing, the other girl said, “Gross! How could you touch that ape?”
Abby, having hair is natural, and it’s no indication of being Neanderthal. Could you please ask your readers to keep their opinions of other people’s bodies to themselves?
– BEAR-CHESTED IN SAN ANTONIO
Laser Hair Removal for Men?
In this new millennium, BEAR-CHESTED IN SAN ANTONIO would have more options. Including laser hair removal which has become increasingly popular with men.
A 2009 study cited by Ravalli Republic, found 84% of men getting treatment for hair removal besides shaving facial hair. Contributing factors to men’s growing interest in hair removal are:
Shifts in Cultural Norms:
For generations, a key concern for men about their hair was losing it, as the note from “Bald in Baltimore” reflected. This concern seems to have faded considerably, even with many men intentionally shaving their heads. As the Ravalli Republic article relates, more attention now rests on excessive body hair, particularly on the back.
Comfort and Practicality:
Athletes, professional and leisure time enthusiasts alike, see advantages in laser hair removal. Swimmers and cyclists at least believe, if not actually experience, that smooth skin provides an advantage in competition times. More practically, laser hair removal saves grooming time and reduces nicks and cuts that can be subject to potential infection in locker rooms or pools. Finally, greater comfort is a benefit. Other factors can make hair removal appealing: a lot of body hair can cause chafing and irritation that can be further aggravated by certain athletic gear and sweating.
With technology like laser hair removal increasing the ease of treatment, men are simply more interested in eliminating excess hair.
So, if you’re a guy looking for a reason to try laser hair removal, there’s really no reason not to! Or, if you’re a woman, and your special guy seems unconvinced, show him this post. Lots of men have already tried laser hair removal; he wouldn’t be the first, and certainly not alone!
