Hairy men are back, and don’t ask for forgiveness for the natural smells of their bodies. Beyond any trends, here are some tips for today’s men…
WHEN IT SEEMED METROSEXUALITY was the final fate as to the appearance of city boys, a “new”kind of men has arisen: the retro sexual. And we have put in quotations the word “new” because in fact it is not that new.
FOR A WHILE NOW, a male archetype has emerged in international runways: in contrast with the extreme sophistication of usual mannequins, bearded men with messy hairs and a slovenly appearance and hairy bodies are walking down the runways. The trend of male depilation, creams and rigorous shaves are being attacked. It seems we are going back to the old concept of men as bears “the hairier, the prettier”.
LOOKING BACK IN HISTORY, these trends are not that new. Men have looked into the mirror every once in a while throughout history. Fops from the baroque period wore a lot of powder and wigs, their makeup was excessive; they wore fake beauty spots, heels and clothes with lot of lace and ribbons. By the end of the 19th century, dandies used to walk down the street, bourgeois gentlemen for whom male beauty and elegance was essential. In the times of Jazz, happy young boys used to show off their gelled hair and tight outfits while smoking cigarettes with holders. After all that, while some people looked with amazement at the first metrosexuals wearing purses and makeup, others just thought: “that’s not new”.
METROSEXUALS are nothing but a stylization of yuppies, those middle-class professionals who have existed for decades, with an impeccable appearance and briefcase in hand through city centers. Metrosexuality unscrupulously took over exclusive rituals of women: completely waxed bodies, skins treated with all kinds of creams, hair dyes and nail polish, eyebrows done with tweezers and even some lip gloss and color. Of course they dress impeccably and they smell exquisitely. Metrosexuals like themselves and are not ashamed of exposing their feminine side. They are compulsive buyers and spend their incomes in boutiques, gyms, hairdressers’ and clubs. Summing up, they are materialistic in fashion.
THIS VARIANT HAS EXPANDED in a so-called techno-sexuality, which includes the use of the latest technology and computers, and in metro-emotionality , which is about men open to all their feelings, men who are tender and hypersensitive and don’t mind crying in public out of pain or joy.
IN A NARCISIST CONTEXT LIKE THIS ONE, the emergence of retro is not odd. They have come to remind us that life is about constant coming and going, action-reaction, and that we live in cycles. Retro men, besides hairy, blatantly assume everything that once reminded us of “macho” man: they don’t need to be beautiful; they are never afraid and stand up to any obstacle; they can use any kind of tool and can be handy men around the house; they smoke and drink without caring about getting old; they always pay the check, never allowing women to help; they are hunters and they would rather have beef steak than fish. Retrosexuals assume responsibility for their actions, without blaming anyone else for their mistakes, they don’t wash their hands every ten minutes, and they can open a bottle in no time, they don’t mind being alone and don’t share their feelings.
ANYWAY, WHETHER METRO OR RETRO, men must know the first thing they should take care of– and they are inflexible in this regard—is their personal hygiene. Being hairy, bearded and have a mustache doesn’t imply lack of hygiene. Hydrated skin is also a sign of good health and strength. It is necessary to drink at least two liters of water and orange or watermelon juices so that it doesn’t look withered. Vitamin C is very good for the skin because it is a perfect antioxidant; it protects the action of free radicals;it stimulates the metabolism of the dermis, the production of collagenous and capillary permeability. Men should pay special attention to oral hygiene: clean and healthy teeth; fresh breath is one of the best credits in social life.
REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY ARE, whether they are metro or retro, the important thing is to have a healthy body and mind and not becoming slaves of styles because it is obvious from these style trends wars that we are living an era in which everything is allowed in terms of physical appearance.
Author
Lester Vila Pereira
