The act of taking care of oneself does not understand gender and what until recently was seen as unnecessary is increasingly important: personal care.
The saying "taking care of yourself is a woman's thing" is increasingly left behind. The truth is that in recent years, we have witnessed a more than notable transformation in the cultural and social norms surrounding male grooming.
What was once considered exclusively the domain of women, has now evolved into a territory where men are also playing a more active and committed role, emerging the movement genderless , not only in personal care but in many other aspects of life. This evolution not only reflects a shift in perceptions of masculinity, but also indicates a growing awareness of the importance of self-care and overall well-being in modern life.
Men also take care of themselves
Men's grooming is no longer limited to simply the traditional quick shave and a daily shower. Mencare has flourished as a diverse field spanning everything from skin and hair care to fashion and fitness. This change has been driven by a series of interconnected factors that have converged to create a landscape in which men are increasingly concerned about their appearance and well-being, in a society that increasingly advocates self-care.
One of the main drivers of this trend is the change in social and gender expectations. As cultural norms evolve, become more flexible and therefore more inclusive, a series of changes have occurred in the perception of what constitutes the idea of masculinity. Men no longer feel obligated to adhere to rigid stereotypes of strength and virility, and are instead encouraged to fully explore and express their individuality. Not surprisingly, many men are adopting a more open attitude towards self-care, recognizing it as an integral and basic part of their identity and well-being.
Another important factor is the explosive growth of the men's grooming industry. Brands have responded to this growing demand with a wide range of products designed specifically for men, from facial cleansers to moisturizers and hair treatments. This proliferation of options has made self-care more accessible and attractive to men of all ages and backgrounds.
Beauty is increasingly "social"
Furthermore, the role of social media and media cannot be underestimated in this cultural shift. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube have given voice to a new generation of male influencers who openly and passionately share their grooming routines, style tips, and personal experiences. This visibility has helped demystify men's grooming, encouraging more men to participate and experiment with different products and practices.
But beyond trends and social pressure, the rise of men's grooming also reflects a deeper shift in the collective mindset toward self-care and overall well-being. In an increasingly fast-paced and stressful world, men are recognizing the importance of taking time to care for themselves, both physically and mentally. Self-care has become a way to restore balance amidst everyday chaos and cultivate a sense of lasting self-esteem and confidence.
A phenomenon that has been sweeping Asia for some time
Men in many Asian countries have been the subject of recent studies for being considered the most concerned about personal care compared to other regions of the world.
On the one hand, we find that in many Asian cultures, self-care is considered an integral part of overall well-being. This is how personal care practices, such as the use of skin and hair products, are often passed down from generation to generation as part of family traditions. Additionally, in some Asian cultures, careful personal presentation is valued as a sign of respect for oneself and others.
In some Asian societies, there is strong social pressure to meet certain standards of beauty and personal presentation. This may include the expectation of having clear, blemish-free skin, healthy, well-groomed hair, and an overall polished appearance. This pressure can motivate men to take more care of their personal appearance.
The beauty world: too mediatized?
Media, including television shows, movies, and social media, has a large impact on the perception of beauty and self-care in many Asian cultures. Exposure to models and celebrities with a well-groomed and stylish appearance may influence men's attitudes toward self-care and personal presentation.
In recent decades, the men's beauty products industry has seen significant growth in Asia. Brands have launched a wide range of products designed specifically for the skin and hair care needs of Asian men, making personal care more accessible and appealing to a wider audience. In this regard, Male self-care goes far beyond superficial vanity.
It's about taking pressure off men to feel comfortable and confident in their own skins, so they can face the world with a positive and confident attitude. Whether through a meticulous skincare routine, a fresh haircut, or simply taking time to relax and recharge, self-care has become a fundamental aspect of the modern lifestyle for many men.
Uphill and without brakes
In conclusion, the growing concern for self-care among men is not simply a passing fad, but rather a reflection of deeper changes in society and culture. As gender norms evolve, social expectations change, and awareness around wellness intensifies, men's grooming has become an increasingly important aspect of modern life. And as we continue to move forward in this new era of masculinity, we are likely to see this trend continue to grow and prosper, enriching the lives of men around the world.
References
Adams, J. (2019). The Rise of Male Beauty Bloggers. GQ. https://www.gq.com/story/the-rise-of-male-beauty-bloggers
Evans, A. (2018). The Changing Face of Men's Skincare. Men's Health, 33(6), 45-49.
Gordon, A.R., & Riger, S. (2017). How male body image concerns affect men's grooming behaviors. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 64(1), 93-101.
Jones, R. C. (2020). Masculinity in the Mirror: Male Grooming Practices and Identity Construction. The Journal of Men's Studies, 28(3), 278-293.
Smith, T.J., & Johnson, L. (2016). Exploring the Psychological Effects of Male Grooming Practices. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/groomed-success/201608/exploring-the-psychological-effects-male-grooming-practices