ZEN BEAUTY FOR MEN
By Stacey Kumagai
When you look at beauty services today, you can probably rattle off many outlets. There is the week- long or weekend spa retreat, the day spa, massage centers and of course many hair and nail salons
which pepper any major metro area. There are health centers which feature everything from chiropractic care, reflexology and Reiki healing therapies. For the more adventurous, you can get a colonic, refuel your lungs at an oxygen bar, hop in a tanning bed or get some botox at a dermatology center.
These are unisex beauty and health services which have become mainstream even for the guy who is not a metro-sexual.
Part of this evolution of men’s need for beauty/grooming rituals and the growth of the male grooming industry has boomed both in retail products and services is due to the fact that stress levels have
escalated since the start of the new millennium. Fatigue from job stress, traffic, technology overload and lifestyle changes have prompted the need for more Zen beauty rituals for men, just so they have a place to escape to. While middle-aged and senior men are feeling the need to battle aging, Global Warming and environmental factors have prompted the need for escalated efforts in skin care.
The boom of social networking has increased male awareness of the beauty/personal grooming habits of males in Europe, Asia and the U.S. It’s become a competitive marketplace for dating just as
much as it has become a competitive marketplace in business and dressing for success. So with all this competition for success, social status, dating, mating and relating, beyond vanity – there is a
need for Zen beauty rituals for men.
But when you look back through history, Zen beauty for men is not a new discovery. Hair care, skin care, makeup and shaving have always been part of a ritual – not just for hygiene, beauty, grooming,
vanity and cleanliness, but also for health – beyond the physical health. Taking care of yourself can be a calming and mental/emotional health place of Zen and relaxation. Egyptian men took great pride in their appearance and hygiene. And just like with many spa services
of today, it was something men made time to do. Appearance was important – not just to attract a mate, but to be of a certain societal ‘rank.’ Those who took care of themselves stood out prominently
from those who did not. From their hair (often wigs) underneath their headdresses or royalty crowns; to taking care of their skin with milk and other plant extracts to combat environmental effects of the
sun and wind to yes, the ritual of shaving and waxing – Egyptian males practiced all of these things just as much as the women.
Part of the shaving ritual was for extreme vanity. Egyptians also believed that excess hair on the face and the body was unclean and impure, and so hair removal was part of health and hygiene practice,
just as much as social acceptance. Waxing was done with beeswax and sugar to remove hair. Pride was taken in grooming, right down to wearing makeup. Some did this for ceremonial purposes, others
did it for vanity and most wore makeup to protect their skin and eyes much like a bug repellent. Men wanted the Asian almond-shaped eyes, so kohl was used to create this effect. Men would shave
their chests, legs, and faces. Many shaved their heads – and this was not only for religious purposes. Egyptian men even wore makeup.
The Romans and Greeks honored the Zen ritual of baths, hair care and shaving. From bath houses to barber shops, the central focus for men was to accomplish many things at one time, while seeking
Zen in these places of beauty and health. Bathing in wine and perfume became a very cultured way of life. Shaving and other beauty/grooming services were also part of this process. This was more
than just grooming, personal hygiene and vanity – this became part of social status and staying in the loop of news within the community.
Men would sit, relax and basically ‘decompress’ as many services were performed. Barbershops had a multi-purpose function for basic hygiene – cleaning of ears, cleaning underneath fingernails (and
trimming), skin care (much like a dermatologist for cysts, boils and other skin issues), to basic dentistry, surgery and shaving, haircutting and hair styling.
Shaving has been in existence since the Stone Age, but razors have only been around since about 3500 B.C. Long before shaving with the razor, the removal of hair was done with everything from
rocks and stones, to sharp bones and wood. Asian countries have used simple textile threads in an art called ‘threading.’ A bronze or copper razor was used once the razor was incorporated in shaving.
In Colonial times, shaving didn’t just involve shaving the face and neck area. Many men who wore the powdered wigs, and some would shave their heads completely bald in order to accommodate
wearing one. While some of this was due to it being too hot in the South to have a full head of hair and wear the heavy powdered wig, it was also done as something they would do for themselves to be
comfortable, improve their appearance and make time for their own personal care. This was a necessity and part of their own time out away from battles and also part of social practices.
The shaving practice has been one of patience, artistry and relaxation. Today, a full array of beauty and grooming services are available to men.
In Japan, men can get your hair dyed, while being tattooed and pierced, get an extreme pore-
cleansing facial, while getting a lesson on rock star make-up and a massage in one swoop.
In South America’s Latin male market, hair care is on the rise and more men are making trips to the
salon to getting Zen while getting coiffed.
In Europe, men are getting airbrushed spray on tans in addition to the shave in the barbershop,
massages, manicures and pedicures.
In Africa, men are raising eyebrows, literally. They are sitting in chairs taking time out for themselves to get in their Zen space getting their eyebrows, trimmed, groomed, shaped and waxed while also
getting facials, haircuts, a good shave and sauna experience.
Along with the evolution of shaving and personal hygiene, many all-natural, herbal and alcohol-free products are being used. These aren’t as drying on the skin and provide a nice smooth shave.
Today’s Zen beauty market for men is incorporating a diverse line of products for all skin types with healthier, alternative blends using botanicals, aloe, vitamins and minerals which help with many skin
and sensitivity issues as well as beneficial ways to improve health, appearance and provide anti- aging. Add in some aromatherapy elements and you have yourself the ultimate Zen beauty
experience for men.
Special Thanks to Brighton Shave
www.thebrightonshave.com