"I think gorilla-like back effusions of hair are rather a turn-off": 'Excessive hair' and male body hair (removal) discourse. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Terry, Gareth; Braun, Virginia
• Is Part Of: Body image. Volume 17(2016)
• Page Start: 14
• Page End: 24
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: Men -- Masculinity -- Body hair removal -- Qualitative survey data -- Thematic analysis; Body image -- Periodicals; Body image -- Research -- Periodicals; Body Image -- Periodicals; 306.4613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2016.01.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-1445

Abstract

Highlights: Thematic analysis generated three themes 'explaining' men's hair removal. Two contradictory themes: men's hair as natural, men's hair as unpleasant. A third theme: Groom 'excess' hair provides interpretative framework. Men's body hair practices associated with changes in masculinities. Vagueness of notion of excess may provoke anxiety and body hair removal. Abstract: Men's hair removal practices are becoming mainstream, seen as a consequence of changing masculine norms and men's relationships to their bodies. This is often presented as a straightforward 'shift' from men's ideal bodies as naturally hairy, to increased hairlessness, and the consequence on men's body concerns as inevitable. This paper analyses qualitative survey data from Aotearoa/New Zealand using critical thematic analysis, and describes three themes. Two themes capture contradictory ideas: that men's body hair is natural, and that men's body hair is unpleasant. A third theme introduces the concept of 'excess' hair, which allowed sense-making of this contradiction, mandating men's grooming of 'excessive' hair. However its vagueness as a concept may provoke anxiety for men resulting in hair removal. This paper adds to a body of research demonstrating a cultural transition: the ways changing masculinities, increased commodification of male bodies, and shifting gender roles impact on men's hair removal practices.