I put to my Facebook community the simple question about what they like and dislike about male grooming. You know, the kinds of things they would prefer to see more or less of . . . . and guess what? Many answers centred around 'hair' and the proliferation of it!

'"Please, please guys, hair out of your nose and out of your ears and stray ones out of your eyebrows is a no, no, no! ". Then there was "overly plucked and styled eyebrows are not a good look," to "not sure of the contemporary habits in Oz, but in continental Europe, shaving every day has become passe. Even a two-day growth is normal for board meetings or conferences, which makes sense. Please, get blokes to sort out their ear and nose and what's with all this heavy eyebrow waxing?"

Another FB pal said "I know guys in Sydney who use mineral foundation to have that flawless skin look. Also it's not only girls who are checking into solariums or hitting up the chi-chi fake tan range but also waxing chests and legs."

I also sought some real expert advice from Australia's Next Top Model judge and leading photographer, Jez Smith, himself a seriously well-versed man on the subject of mens grooming.
"Still happening is the beard and stubble thing and no-one (and I mean no-one) I know seems to shave anymore,'' says the Foxtel personality. "Everyone just uses a beard trimmer to keep stubble in check (there are shavers around with built-in vacuum so it sucks all the hair in as you shave with the vacuum feeling nice on your skin.)

"I still swear by the LED Red Light Treatment (available at leading Potts Point salon Next Of Skin in Sydney) which is painless and releases endorphins so you feel totally relaxed afterwards, while it also stimulates collagen."Jez says some more general trends in mens skincare includes the use of more serums (rather than creams) "because they are lighter and less greasy for mens skin" and "more use of 'active' products (AHA's, BHA's, retinols and antioxidants)".

"Blokes don't want to waste money on products with fancy packaging and empty promises but just want simple, proven effective treatments,'' adds Jez."Hair removal in the ears and nose is one of the horrible things about getting older as a man but you can keep it in check.''

So, I think you're getting the idea . . . The general consensus is that men should do some personal grooming and take gentle care. Nothing too over-the-top, as men ageing gracefully, with rugged lines, is still a preferred vibe. But guys, try to remember . . no nose hair, no stray eyebrow hairs and  a good facial scrub once in a while will keep you looking your best.