In the 1960s and '70s men and women everywhere allowed their hair to grow freely, both on their heads and below the belt. Nowadays, it seems the ladies have left the lads behind. While many women have embraced v-styling (up to 60 percent according to research from Indiana University researchers Debby Herbenick and Vanessa Schick), many men are still reluctant to reach for the razor. According to a 2012 survey by the Skin Health Alliance, only about 32 percent shave, pluck or wax their short and curlies. So what's with the double standard?
Manscaping Through History
Manscaping might seem like a new trend, but it’s actually been practiced through the ages. The ancient Egyptians shaved their pubic hair to avoid flea and lice infestations (good call). For the Romans, removing the hair of adolescent boys was a ritual marking the passage into adulthood. And in 16th century Europe, people weren’t affronted by the sight of the statue of David’s naked member - they just couldn’t believe Michelangelo had given him an "ungodly" tuft of hair!