For years, personal grooming for men has been something of a taboo subject – many of us do it, but hardly anyone talks about it. Lately though, that has started to change and now below-the-waist men’s grooming company Manscaped has become an official sponsor to not one but two UK football clubs.

Both Wolves FC and Scotland’s Hibernian have partnered with the California-based company, suggesting that ‘manscaping’ really is becoming something every man is aware of.

What is ‘manscaping’?

Manscaping is the term used to describe male grooming below the waist. Just as there are for women, myriad options are available, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling: you can go for the fully shaven look, or just neaten up with a trim. Some men even like to opt for a fade to keep things looking super sharp down there.

Many men prefer to leave these things to the professionals, with regular salon trips. Manscaped, however, is aimed at those who like to tackle their own tackle, as it were. The brand produces everything from razors to ‘Ball Toner’, disposable shaving mats – to catch the clippings – to anti-chaffing boxers.

Why would you do that?

Obviously, it’s a very personal thing, and plenty of men still like to go au naturel down below. But for some of us, it’s nice to look like you’ve made an effort. Particularly as our female counterparts have been shaving, plucking and waxing themselves into oblivion since time immemorial.

There’s also a practical element, with many men reporting feeling cleaner and more comfortable with less pubic hair.

What’s the link with football?

It’s fitting that the brand should have chosen sports clubs to team up with – and not just because of the obvious ‘balls’ analogy.

Sportsmen are the most likely candidates for manscaping, as hairlessness makes them more aerodynamic. In fact, male athletes have been shaving their privates, backs and chests – even their legs – since long before it hit the mainstream.

What’s the best way to manscape?

While waxing produces longer-lasting results, it’s no secret that the area we’re talking about is pretty sensitive, and most men shy away from the kind of pain involved in the waxing process. Regular shaving, therefore, is the most commonly used manscaping method.

There are some tips to follow, however, if you want to ensure that you get maximal results with minimal fuss:

• Pick your razor carefully; even if you’re not going to opt for a manscaping-specific razor (and you really don’t have to), it’s a good idea to use one that is designed to be used on sensitive areas. And change it regularly! Some men also find clippers to be better than a disposable razor, as they offer more flexibility
• Protect your skin; it’s advisable to prepare your skin before shaving. As previously mentioned, this is a sensitive area with delicate skin, and the last thing you want to do is cause irritation. A pre-shave oil will help keep things lubricated
• Pre-empt the regrowth discomfort; as with any kind of shaving, there will be stubble, and this can be uncomfortable as it grows back in. If you use hair conditioner on your body post shave, it will help to coat the hairs as they grow, reducing the itch.