To shave or not to shave, that’s the gay question

The r/AskGayMen subreddit recently became a hotspot of discussion following a post by a user named AuNaturellee, who questioned the waning popularity of body hair among gay men. This query prompted a diverse range of responses and opinions, reflecting a spectrum of personal grooming habits and cultural shifts over the decades.

AuNaturellee’s post looked back nostalgically at a time when body hair was a marker of masculinity. The user reminisced about an era when movie stars and average men alike sported bushy hairstyles, mutton chops, and chest hair. They observed how the fashion trends have evolved, noting that cleaner-cut styles have become more prevalent. However, despite a resurgence in long hair and moustaches, manscaping practices like shaving, waxing, and depilating body hair remain popular.

The ensuing conversation among subreddit members revealed a broad range of grooming preferences. Responses varied from those who prefer a natural look to those who meticulously trim or completely remove their body hair.

Several members expressed a preference for keeping their body hair natural, with one user arguing, “Nothing at all because I prefer to look natural,” while another added, “I go natural. My bush doesn’t get super bushy, and I don’t like the feel of being shaven. I also prefer a full bush on a guy and do not like hairless crotches.”

This sentiment was echoed by another individual who said, “All natural everywhere, really. The only hair I trim (besides the hair on my head) is my beard when it gets a little too wild. Otherwise, I prefer the feel of body hair. That prickly or smooth feel anywhere ain’t for me.”

Tidy Trimmers

Others choose a middle ground, opting for trimming rather than complete hair removal.

One user shared their grooming routine: “I’m in my 40s. I trim, but as I’m not a porn star and my work needs a lot of movement and is often sweaty, so I leave 5 mm.” Another participant described how they manage their body hair: “I leave the patch over the dick, shave the balls, trim the tummy so the pecs are a bit hairier, and will sometimes do the shoulders, but it’s not crazy up there—just a few extras since I turned 40.”

The pain and inconvenience of complete hair removal seem to influence some individuals’ grooming choices. “I’m hairy AF. I never shave anything completely. I used to when I was younger, but it took forever, and when it grew back in, the itching was agonizing,” one user explained.

On the other end of the spectrum, some users prefer to go completely smooth. For these individuals, comfort and personal preference play a significant role in their decision to remove body hair.

A user recounted their long-term grooming habit: “I personally prefer to be completely smooth. I just don’t like body hair on my person.” Health concerns also surfaced in the discussion: “I’ve been shaved smooth for 20 years, as I ended up in the ER with a throat infection caused by pubic hair that they removed 11 days after I thought I got rid of it.”

Another Redditor detailed their specific preferences: “I shave my balls, taint, and hole. I have no chest hair to speak of, and I can’t grow facial hair. I shave what I shave because it feels good to me.”

Geographical and cultural factors also figured into the discussion. A user from Italy observed, “In the past ten years, I’d say I’ve been able to recognize gay guys in the locker room because they’re more likely to not shave anything; straight guys are the total opposite. Stereotypes are weird.”

The conversation highlighted the ongoing evolution of beauty standards and personal preference within the gay community. Whether for aesthetic reasons, comfort, or cultural influences, the practices and preferences around body hair vary widely, fostering a rich and diverse discourse on this often personal topic.

With such a variety of perspectives, it becomes clear that there is no single approach to grooming within the community, reflecting broader trends and individual tastes.