From the rise of the metrosexual to the birth of the spornosexual – that is wanting to look a pornstar – men’s grooming trends have in the recent past taken more extreme turns as we seek a twisted sense of perfection. Whilst moisturisers, self-tans and the plethora of haircare products we now reach for on the regular were once a radical addition to the bathroom, grooming brands haven’t rested on their laurels – forever on the hunt for the next big thing. Naturally those research and development departments have taken some pretty strange routes in this search. These are the products that sound odd on paper, stranger in reality, yet you may secretly want to give them a go. Just to see “if they work, honest…”
AB-CARVING GEL
The sculpted six-pack, the peak of physique that seems to forever elude. This Ab-Caving Gel is in no way going to take you from gelatinous to god-like, only an impeccable diet and dedicated training will do that, but it claims to tighten and tone for a firmer look around that midsection. Testimonies seem to indicate it actually works, surprisingly so.
Lab Series Ab Rescue Body Sculpting Gel 200ml, £34.00 from Mankind
BACK HAIR SHAVER
It looks a little ridiculous to say the least, having more than a certain phallic-quality about it. That saying, ‘manscaping’ and keeping our body hair kempt has become more of a concern of late and those who are hirsute in awkward to reach places face an uphill battle keeping it in check. Step forward this body groomer with an extended handle, so you never miss a patch again.
Philips Series 5000 Body Groomer Plus, £36.67 from Amazon
CAFFEINE SHAMPOO
You may have seen the adverts for Alpecin and if you haven’t, you may be a bit perplexed about what caffeine shampoo is all about. Like that cup of Java first thing, the caffeine will stimulate your follicles, prompting structure and growth. If your hair is starting to thin out and difficult to style, you may just want to pick this up.
Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo C1, £5.99 from Mankind
HEADBLADE SCALP RAZOR
Whilst I can’t claim to know too much about shaving your scalp – my head of hair is still thankfully relatively intact – I’m not entirely sure why a scalp razor needs wheels. More so when that addition makes it resemble a child’s toy, as opposed to a grooming product for a grown, balding man.
Headblade Sport Scalp Razor, £16.95 from Mankind
BODY HAIR GROWTH STUNTER
Another product aimed at tackling the issue of men’s body hair, this body hydrator promises to minimise the appearance of hair regrowth. It uses a mushroom derivative that offers lasting hydration and plant proline complex which keeps you looking smoother for longer. The aroma is thankfully not akin to fungi but a scent of young vetiver and forest woods.
Ab Crew Hair Minimizing Body Hydrator, £17.00 from Selfridges
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