Men’s grooming
Believe it or not, men also enjoy being pampered, with some going for manicures, pedicures and even waxing more frequently than others have their hair cut. JOLENE MARRIAH speaks to three metrosexuals, a men’s grooming expert and a Durban hairstylist about
SANTOSH Beharie, 43, programmes manager at Lotus FM, describes himself as a “metrosexual male”.
“I am a firm believer in male grooming, more so, because I associate grooming with hygiene.
“I also think I am a bit of a ‘lumbersexual’, because while I won’t shave my face daily I still carry off the scruffy look in a presentable, acceptable way.”
For Beharie, a facial once a month and a spa pedicure is a must.
“I have a daily facial routine which entails using an exfoliating face wash and moisturiser. I always say it’s never to early for eye cream. At the spa I enjoy the steam and face extraction for whiteheads and blackheads.”
Beharie admits his biggest indulgence is the paraffin dip pedicure.
“My heels are smoother than a baby’s bottom, so to speak, and I am pedantic about my toenails. When I walk the malls and see men walking around in their flip-flops sporting cracked heels, I immediately associate this with bad hygiene.”
As far as hair is concerned he visits the salon once in six months. “Because of my curls I can get away with longer hair. I condition every second day and I wear a hand band.” Beharie ends his look with perfume. “I don’t bath in perfume, but smelling good is a must. “I also believe in creating my sense of style and I don’t follow trends.” LIAM Karabo Joyce, 24, a Sunday Tribune entertainment journalist, says he is “obsessed” with grooming and looking good generally.
“I think my obsession stemmed from the fact that I am obsessed with cleanliness and am a huge germophobe.
“As a teenager I suffered from bad acne and went to numerous dermatologists and tried products.
“One day while shopping with my mother and two sisters I recall walking into Edgars and being obsessed with the cosmetics on offer.”
Joyce now spends thousands of rand on daily facial care, citing Estée Lauder as his favourite brand.
He has monthly Guinot facials, a pedicure once a month and a manicure twice a month.
“I have my hair done weekly. I enjoy getting it treated and braided and just sitting under the dryer.”
Joyce has his eyebrows waxed – along with most parts of his body. “I hate body hair.”
But there’s more – he’s been so far as having Botox done on his forehead as well as a chemical peel.
“I promised my mom I would hold off the Botox.” VARSHAN Sookhun, 35, a Lotus FM presenter, describes himself as a metrosexual with a bit of “lumbersexual”.
“When I was younger I was metrosexual, but as I got older I realised that it was too taxing to keep up with the routine, so now I am currently lumbersexual, which is a bit easier on me.”
Unlike Beharie and Joyce, Sookhun prefers doing his own facials, manicures and pedicures in the comfort of his home.
“I have bought a range of Lakme products from India which is amazing for Indian skin. I have very dry skin so the products are helpful.”
Sookhun said his daily routine consisted of using a face wash and toner with a moisturiser, but he also did a facial exfoliation twice a week. “I am crazy about eye cream and use the product twice a day.”
Sookhun is pedantic about “feet care” and uses products once a week. He also shaves his head himself. “I began balding 10 years ago and I realised that the trend was to take it all off. I enjoy the look.” He enjoys online shopping. “It’s my latest craze and I find it very convenient.”