A "man's world?"

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
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Yes, in many way this is a man’s world; but not in all areas. For example, men are often left behind in the “medical treatment” area. Men go through “male menopause,” but physicians almost never test our hormone levels. Think about the attention given to women on this subject.

Of course, I’m responding to the several prejudicial comments made regarding young men that want “natural” hair removed. My first response would be: “Is that really any of your business?” And, what’s “natural” anyway?

In The US, in 2004 there were 264,041 known breast augmentation procedures. Dr. Chaplet says at least 150,000 “boob jobs” per year in the US, and 10,000 in the UK. Oh yeah, now that’s “natural!” A woman, who is doing just about everything to herself, telling a man that removing his unwanted hair is “unnatural?” Let’s see, how do you spell “hypocritical?”

Of course, all hair is “natural.” Why is it okay for a woman to shave everywhere and not a man? The physical adornment of the human body is an ancient, even prehistoric, practice: clothing, piercing, tattoo, etc. It’s what we do!

As a young man seeking hair removal I was confronted by the typical female reaction: “You are supposed to have hair, I think it’s sexy!” Seriously, did I need (at age 20) to hear a 50-year-old tell me my back hair was sexy? Anyway, I did have all of it removed (chest too) and I’ve never regretted it. At my age, the old guys are now covered with long grey hair … I’m still smooth and, with my Italian skin, get a great tan.

But more about hair. In my opinion, ALL hair is sexual. Hair on every part of the body communicates age and fertility. Furthermore sexuality is also about how you feel about your own body. Being comfortable and being “adored” by your partner is what “it’s” all about. Men have a right to be beautiful too … and beauty for themselves is in their own mind and it’s our “natural right.”

I just finished the third and final clearing of a young man that is attending the US Army Military Academy at West Point, New York. He’s been invited to join the Rangers. He’s 6’5” and built like a “Greek God.” I did pretty much “everything” on him. On one trip out to California I asked him if the other guys would notice. He said that nearly all the guys shave down their body hair, so the treatments wouldn’t be noticed. Well, there it is: the bastion of American masculinity, and the guys are shaving!

It’s probably time for us to get over our prejudices. All of us have a right to the bodies we want without being criticized. Of course good counsel is appreciated when you are young; but for the most part, people really do know what they want.

Think about it.

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I am proud to say I’ve never tried to influence or dissuade a client (male or female) of his or her desire to remove some or all of the unwanted hairs, except when their desires do not match the proportions established universally.

Working in men has been a discovery for me, usually they are more impatient and constantly challenge you to go faster, that’s fine, because each new session involves a challenge to beat your own record. Of course not at any price, I have to remind each new session that the skin can not be sacrificed for the sake of speed.
The male client has taught me that he knows what he wants and shows more interest in knowing the process and the information you can provide him.
They have taught me to be more professional when I have to work in areas embarrassing. I’m glad know that they do not feel intimidated because, like me, their electrologist is a woman. A simple gesture such as offering a towel and leave enough time to undress in private gives them some confidence and allows them to relax.

Michael, someone will say or think that as electrologist your opinion is not impartial, you might be interested in “capturing” male clients. However, what I think is that you have a modern perspective of what the boys call for today.

MORE electrologists men for MORE male clients, that’s what our profession needs!!

A world without imposition, comes from whom comes, men or women.

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More men are entering the nursing profession and they are awesome and compassionate. I don’t think men know that electrology, as a career, is a possibility for them. I do my small part and talk it up with my young gentlemen especially, when they seem to be floundering about what they want to do when they “grow up”.

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Well said Michael. I second this.

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In my Utopia, people would be able to walk around with as much or as less hair as they feel is desirable for them, without having to worry about what others think.

But group think is just as pervasive in humans as it is in other animals, so that is asking too much. At the moment, less hair is the way to go (though I’ve been seeing a small comeback in full beards, á la 70s style). If people want to get rid of hair they should be able to have it done quickly and efficiently, preferably by someone near by.

Personally I would be very happy if my son decided to become an electrologist. Because of his dyslexia, future employment seems very doubtful. This would be a shame and a big loss to society, since he’s smart, has very good eyesight, steady hands and goes about his work in a calm manner.

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I would like others opinions’ on this. I once refused to remove a females head hair. I had visions of her ending up a very cold old lady, who might not look so trendy any more. If I carried out this treatment for her, I would have spent all my life worrying. that it may not have been in her best longterm interests. I know this digresses from this thread, but now I quetion if I am judgemental. Whar would you have done in this situation?

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Interesting Christine! I had a 18year old girl who had her eyebrows tattooed ((semi permanent tattoo)and wanted to permanently remove all her eyebrows. I refused and explained to her that the way she thinks at 18 will not be the same in 20 years time and once they were removed this cannot be reversed.She actually was so happy that I brought this to her attention and said she never would have thought that way.

Sometimes a client can only see what is infront of them and not what is to come in the longterm. I think as professionals it is our job to bring this to their attention. It should be strictly in the clients best interest.

Are you being judgemental? No i think giving a professional opinion is very important and I would do exactly the same.

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I am truly enjoying this thread. (As is obvious, I often toss out ideas to elicit these nice juicy and thoughtful remarks. Thanks.)

Indeed, I remember two clients with whom I refused treatment. One was a self-proclaimed “witch.” Nothing against witches, (some of my best friends are), but she had her head shaved in a multi-pointed star shape and wanted this permanent. I would not do it. The other prospective client was a huge frightening hairy “biker-guy” with a swastika shaved in his chest. I refused to do it.

I think that as practitioners, we are also able to act in a free manner. I believed the two patients were, somehow, mentally ill and I did not want the association. One of my colleagues in Santa Barbara will not “work below the waist,” and I will. And, that’s her choice. (She sends all of these clients to me and at the moment it seems that’s ALL I’m doing! Oh, my poor back!)

I love the comments by Dee and agree that “more men in women’s professions” is a good thing. Although, I often see that men in our profession often try to dominate the group. It’s probably just a male trait? Mr. Hinkel taught me to always remember that “this is a Woman’s profession, so let them take the lead.” He also said: “Bono, remember you can never ‘beat’ the ladies!” Hinkel was right!

And about dyslexia (“notadelphin”)? Well, I know an electrologist with this condition who has done fairly well. It’s ME! Despite my learning disability, I was able to graduate from the University and was a school teacher (along with other careers). For some reason, electrolysis has been the most satisfying career choice and, frankly, I would do it for free. My underlying “conditions” seem to be helped by the focus and detail. (Although sometimes I have a problem when someone asks me to work on the “left side.”) BTW, John Fantz, another CA electrologist, also has dyslexia. We joke about it all the time.

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Question for Harvey

I remember that Harvey worked for a major pharmaceutical company; and I’d like his opinion.

At the moment, HRT (hormone replacement therapy) is routine for women. HRT for men is more complicated, mainly because it can only be administered by weekly injections. However, the “instant” a major pharma discovers and develops a tablet for male hormone therapy, we will see this as the biggest thing since sliced bread. Ads, physician interest, the whole deal. Anyway, just my opinion on the real reason Male HRT is not part of most practices: no big money, and physicians don’t want to bother giving weekly injections.

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Michael, I had no idea! Your story gives me hope, thank you.

Personally I’ve no dyslexia that I know of…really! :blush: :smiley:

My username was a total brainfart.

German = Delfin
English = Dolphin

By the time I realized my mistake it was too late. :grin:

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Although mainstream pharmaceutical companies, have not yet produced suitable male replacement hormones, bioidentical hormones, prescribed by some MD’s would be available through compounding pharmacies, and made to order. And they do not use pregnant mares urine (premarin), a cruel practise in my opinion.

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I would have done the same, Christine, luckily I have not received many requests to go against the aesthetic rules . Sometimes, some clients ask me eliminate some of the gray hairs that grow on her eyebrows. I only do when the gray hairs appear on the outer edges of the brow line.
In any case, the refusal to act against your ethical principles, is not to judge, it is to exercise as a fundamental principle of any person, freedom.

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You are talking of testosterone, aren’t You? In that case there are gel based possibilities which should be sufficient to compensate for the loss during age - a physician is just needed to control it. And there is Nebido - an injection lasting 3 months, suitable even for full replacement.

Premarine and the synthetical replacemts (like ethinylestradiol) should no be used at all because of the enhanced risks (cancer, thromboembolies). And they need not be. It is easy to synthesize the substances identical to the ones found in humans, and this has been established for decades. (BTW: i am using transdermal estradiol-hemi-hydrate designed for postmenopausal HRT in women, and luckily, the pretty significant hair growth on my back has nearly gone…)

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Lysdexics untie!! :smiley:

(Apologies, I just couldn’t resist.)

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I apreciate your opinions and am pleased that we are in agreement, about the longterm, best interests of our clients.

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Just adding my 2 cents worth. I noticed the huge cultural shift on what was acceptable in men’s grooming in basic training. As you all know we do the community shower thing. Well one of our guys continued to shave his legs every day he could while in Basic. He didn’t even seem to get a second glance.
While I shaved and groomed more at home, i put it on hold when I went to training to avoid ridicule. Then the day we graduated and everyone was getting ready to see their girlfriends and wives you would think the barracks was a day spa. Guys were helping each other get their eyebrows back right, guys were shaving their chests and legs and trying to get their hair lined up. It was nice and a bit shocking to see the change in the stance on a " man’s man".
I just graduated from a 2 week leadership course and it was the same. Guys shaved their arms, chests, and did some “manscaping” before returning to their wives. I hate to hear things like “well, it’s natural for a man to be…” or “well, that’s because she’s a girl…” when all of this is only cultural. I’m glad that I no longer have to worry that good grooming habits will make you less manly. yay for progress…and electrologists

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Yes indeed, things have certainly changed in this way.

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Went into the bank to deposit an insurance check (huge hail storm damage) …the bank officer was obviously (to me) into the man-grooming thing. His arms were “after-growth” from shaving…I was sooooo tempted to give him my card. I even had my sparkly “electrologist” shirt on…

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Barbara, your shirt sounds great,any chance of a photo?