Once upon a time, a bloke could waggle an old bar of soap at their face and consider that a skincare routine. Indeed, a chap who did any more than this, might even have been thought of as weird. But (thankfully) times have changed.

Globally, according to researchandmarkets.com, the men’s grooming products industry was worth an estimated US$57.7 billion in 2017 and is expected to increase to $78.6 billion by 2023. Products have diversified from generic hair & body wash, deodorant, shaving cream and hair gel to include moisturisers, serums and face masks designed to tackle specific male skincare issues.

ShoreLines spoke to three Bays professionals who’re helping gentlemen look good and feel great. With Christmas just around the corner, we’ve assembled a few gift ideas too. But we do need to start with a serious word…

The health message As well as wanting to look good, there are valid reasons for blokes to get into the habit of a daily skincare routine which includes an element of sun protection.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand, with more than 80,000 Kiwis getting non-melanoma skin cancer every year.

Ministry of Health latest figures (2013) Melanoma reported 2366 people 489 deaths from skin cancer 1226 men 320 men 1140 women 169 women

Of these, 356 deaths were from melanoma and 133 deaths from non-melanoma skin cancer.

If you’re working long hours, out of doors (or even if you’re just spending more time on the golf course) it might seem like a lot of fuss to apply sunscreen every couple of hours. But, gents, you are precious, and you need to take care of yourselves!

Look out for each other; remind your team and your mates to protect their skin – and to Be SunSmart. For more information about the Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap message, please visit sunsmart.org.nz

The barber’s view The rise in popularity of men’s grooming is reflected by Browns Bay now having at least three specialist barber shops, with styling and shaving products and services to cater for many different looks.

José Ramos has been barbering for more than 30 years, and opened the Browns Bay Traditional Barber Shop in 2000. He’s seen styles come and go – and come back again, and says that this is often driven by sports personalities. “Defined shaved side partings are popular because of league players and Ronaldo, but we’re also seeing a return to the classic cuts of the 1940s and 1950s. The ‘Peaky Blinders’ style of ‘high and tight’ is definitely trending now.” José is also a fan of the mullet. “It’s business at the front, party at the back!” he laughs.

Having been in business for three decades, José has generations of clients. Lads who first came aged five or six with their dads are now bringing their own sons to the barber shop. José regards this as a genuine privilege, and has noticed a change of attitude in his younger customers. “It used to be that a kiddy would just sit down in the chair, not move and not say a word. But now, a lot of boys know exactly what they want, and they’ll voice their opinion.” He acknowledges that social media and “the selfie generation” could be at least partly responsible for this.

Beards have surged in popularity over recent years as hipster culture has gained momentum, and screen icons like Captain America and Thor have been rocking the facial hair. José encourages his clients to wash and condition their beards as they would the hair on their head. “I’d recommend using a quality beard oil too. It maintains your beard in tip-top condition and can also protect the skin underneath from getting dry or itchy.”

How often should you wash your hair? José reckons three times a week, but remarks that this might not be enough for someone who works in hot or grimy conditions. He also observes that as hair matures it may need extra care. “Grey hair is finer but it has a rougher texture, so a hair tonic can be useful to smooth and soften it, and help with styling.”

José offers this final word of reassurance. “Whatever your age – 20 or 80 – there’s no shame if your hair is thinning, and a combover is absolutely not your only option! Talk to your barber, and don’t be afraid to say what you like and what you don’t. They might not be miracle workers, but they’ll understand what’s possible and do their best to create a style to suit you.”

The skin technician’s view Men can have just as many skin issues as women. In fact, they could even have a few more, because higher levels of testosterone can result in oilier skin and clogged pores, and regular shaving can cause uneven skin tones.

Rutu Paladia says that about one third of her clients at Kyra (see advert on pg. 4), in Clyde Road are men, and feels this might be above the norm. She agrees that there’s still a stigma around men visiting spas and salons, and a perception of “I don’t need that; beauty treatments are just for women.”

While her male clientele might not know the technical terminology, they certainly know what they don’t like! “Gentlemen are not happy when they notice their neck sagging slightly or fine lines around their eyes. They want time-efficient, cost-effective options to deal with these issues – and that’s great because that’s why skin technicians exist: we’re here to fix problems, without judgment.”

(First published and permission to post by ShoreLines Magazine)