By Liz Gill Thu, August 14, 2008, 12:01 am PDT

(Photo by saintbob) Our media culture tends to devote a greater focus on women's appearances than on men's. This gives some men a pass, though their coifs still make news once in a while. For many men, grooming involves a brief visit to the barber for a trim every six weeks, and the occasional angst over whether to grow a mustache. But in the age of the metrosexual, there are enough men cultivating fins and fauxhawks to create a boon for the men's hair product industry -- enough so that we now celebrate National Men’s Grooming Day. Some men take grooming to the extremes. A man in India has cultivated the world’s longest ear hair, and journalist Christopher Hitchens recently subjected himself to the public removal of body hair. Many employers, particularly in the service sector, include specifications for grooming in their company policies. Usually this is to maintain a wholesome appearance. Other times one absolutely must be sleek in order to perform. U.S. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps was probably under more pressure than most to go clean-shaven and eliminate possible drag. And hey -- it paid off! From mutton chops to sideburns, men's grooming has enjoyed a long and storied evolution. Not everyone is ready to commit to a new look, but keep in mind: a well designed hairstyle can truly speak for itself. Suggested Sites... Details Magazine - start here for some ideas. SlickVille - online community for greasers and other fans of men's hair products. National Beard Registry - stand up and be counted! Register your beard. How to Shave on wikiHow - or just shave it all off. Here's how.

Directory categories: Facial Hair, Men's Hairstyles, Celebrity Hairstyles, Metrosexuals, Hair Removal

Archived under: Beauty, Celebrities, Events, Facial Hair, Hair, Men, Mustaches, Society and Culture

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