Everything You Need to Know About Manscaping
(photo: Getty Images)
Pardon the double pun, but it was the hairy topic that couldn’t get enough coverage in 2014: bush. After years of glorifying a bare standard—which required rigorous maintenance, in addition to discomfort—women had had enough. A more natural look crept back into vogue last year, but there was a surprising twist. It stopped short of being completely full.
While New York Magazine dubbed it the “full-bush Brazilian” and Refinery29 referred to the look as the “pubic mullet,” the characteristics were essentially the same: a bushy mound with a bare labia and crack. Followers argued that it was like having the best of both worlds. You had the marks of a mature woman but were also comfortably cleared for extracurriculars (besides straight-up penetration).
Turns out that women aren’t alone in embracing a little strategic grooming. In fact, at San Francisco’s SF Manscaping, owner Gil Colorina has been de-fuzzing men for the past three years. And his business shows zero signs of slowing. (He sees clients five days weekly, including regulars that travel from Europe.) “Manscaping exists, but it’s not as dramatic as you might think,” Colorina explains. “It can be subtle and involve trimming and a little waxing. It’s not about going bare.”
See more: The 8-Step Guide to Getting a Barbershop-Worthy Shave at Home
One also might be surprised by the demographics of men seeking the discreet services. Colorina certainly was. After conducting a client survey last October, he discovered that his customer base was evenly split, when it came to sexual orientation. “If you think my customers are all gay, you’re wrong. When I do the survey again this year, I’m putting money down that three-quarters of my business will be straight.”
In terms of waxing, it’s the back and shoulders that are most popular, followed by what Colorina calls the “intimates.” Trimming is equally popular too. “I do a lot of trims for chests, backs, even underarms.” His most expensive service is a full-body trim, which costs $300.
And though it might seem contradictory, Colorina sees many members of the hirsute set. “I have a very, very hairy guy, who leaves everything ‘au natural’ but his back. And I have another that leaves hair everywhere else but his intimates.” Consider it selective scaping (or better, spotlighting).
No matter how varied his clients’ preferences are, though, Colorina remains firm about one thing: “Manscaping isn’t about going completely bare. I think hair just makes guys look more masculine, so I always steer them in that direction.”
By Katie Chang
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