Getting rid of unwanted hair, and keeping it in other places
by sarah o’connor
Takes about 10 minutes. Lasts a couple weeks. Feels amazing.” This was a comment from a male friend after I opened up the “manscaping” conversation. No doubt about it, our male counterparts have unabashedly joined us in the quest to pluck, wax and zap unwanted hair follicles everywhere.
A 2009 study at the University of South Florida found that more than 80 per cent of 360 male students had removed body hair, and these staggering numbers point to a major trend. “There comes a time when you ask yourself, why am I doing this?” says Tim, 31. “You’re a man, it’s normal for you to be hairy. There’s little expense or pain, yet it’s time consuming. When I’m done, I like that I look groomed. It also can accentuate some key features.”
“There are two primary factors that affect hair growth in men: hormones and genetics,” says Dr. Sarah Goudling, N.D. of Nickel Ridge Natural Health in Sudbury, Ontario. Because of the close ties between hair and hormones, Dr. Goudling advises that any men noticing abnormal hair growth should consult their naturopathic doctor to rule out a possible hormonal imbalance.
Chemical hair removal products should be avoided because they can be absorbed into the skin and even act as hormone disruptors that can exacerbate unwanted hair growth. Look for skincare lines for men, such as shaving cream and aftershave, that contain coconut oil, aloe vera and vitamin E. If stubble and razor burn are a concern, men and women alike can try an antiseptic cream with soothing tea tree oil.
Laser hair removal is another popular option that offers permanent reduction of hair growth. Highly concentrated beams of light penetrate hair follicles, are absorbed by pigment and destroy the hair within the follicle. It’s important to note that this technique works best on dark, coarse hair and side effects may include blistering.
Of course, men aren’t solely concerned with hair removal—they are also very interested in hanging onto the hairs on their heads.
“Men are affected by ‘male pattern baldness,’ also known as androgenetic alopecia, which is a hereditary and androgen-dependent condition,” explains Dr. Goudling. She offers the following tips to encourage hair growth:
1. Keep testosterone levels high. There are many botanicals that help boost natural production of testosterone, including tribulus and maca.
2. Discourage the conversion of testosterone to DHT, a byproduct of testosterone that attacks hair follicles, by the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase—black cohosh and saw palmetto for example.
3. Reduce overall inflammation by adhering to an alkaline diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables.
