Hi everyone!

I've been thinking about this a lot and I hope I don't offend any of the ladies (my apologies in advance if I do) but I'd like everyone to keep an open mind about this one. I think one of the reasons that some women don't like hairless men is that this might make them somehow feel insecure or less feminine, especially if they consider themselves hairy. This might be unconscious and they might feel threatened by a very smooth man or maybe, it just comes down to tradition or personal preference. I'd really appreciate your feedback on this one!

As I've said before, I really think we need to do what makes us happy and not worry about what others think is "normal". I really feel that the media has created some very "unrealistic and harmful" ideas that women must be hairless. Lots of men in this forum don't have a problem with some hair on women and I think it's important that women are able to discuss this with their partners and not hide it--check out the "hair is sexy" thread! In the same vein, I would like to think that women could understand why men like being smooth too.

Hi Jane

As you say in the United States Malaria is not so compelling as Africa. For us it is the biggest killer on the continent, far surpassing AIDS.

Nonetheless for active sportspeople of all countries it helps to know when you have been bitten or stung in the field. Legs are the most common for mountain bikers, joggers etc. I think it is practical for a man to shave his legs for quick identification of bites and possibly serious infections from partaking in such outdoor sports or activities that involve exposure.

Even so it is a lot more comfortable without hair and a lot more hygenic when camping and washing facilities are limited and rudimentary.

Regards
Stuart

Hi caramel

Back hair is very repulsive to me as a man. Standing sideways to a mirror and seeing hairs bristlling all over your shoulders is not a good feeling. I trim this off much for the same reason as I shave my legs, it serves no purpose and looks bad.

I must add that some men look very natural with heavy body hair and that might appeal to women on a level I can't understand. Tom Selleck was one of my teenage heros in Magnum PI. Unfortunatly I have his amount of chest hair and need to trim just to feel I can breath properly.

Legs are similar in my case and apart from sporting reasons it is more comfortable to sleep in hot climates without very hairy legs.

Regards
Stuart

hi Stuart

well i don't think it's repulsive or strange when men shave, i was just stating my opinion. but u know, to each his/her own! if u feel more comfortable being hairless, go for it, if not then don't worry about it -- that's all i meant to say. in ur case, i can imagin how u feel. i know hair is really REALLY annoying in warm/humid climates, it's quite irritating, i understand.

Hi caramel

Thanks for your reply. It's not easy for men to shave their bodies generally as we have all seen, but some measure of commen sense must prevail where climate and conditions dictate this. All factors aside hair is quite gross on anybody and has already been said unhygenic in most body areas.

Personally I much prefer smooth legs to very hairy ones. I remember clearly waking up in my early teens and feeling my legs dreanched in sweat (yuck). Despite some extra time in the bathroom it's well worth it.

Fortunatly in SA (and other African countries) male shaving is not as taboo as elsewhere, so I supposes we can count ourselves lucky in this regard.

All the best
Stuart

I am new to this forum - how refreshing to find this forum - I am from Cape Town and have noticed the trend here follows what Stuart has been saying - more and more guys are shaving their legs and other parts of their bodies.

There are many reasons for this - I am actually a serious cyclist and started shaving my legs to become more accepted in cycling circles (you cannot believe how fellow cyclists frown on unshaved legs). Anyway here is the dilemna - how far does one actually shave your legs - I have seen some only shave below the shorts which is so gross.

I keep all of my legs smooth and keep my pubic area well groomed - not sure if we can discuss this here but I would be interested to know what guys think about keeping their pubic area smooth/trimmed. From what I have seen this seems to be a trend.