Simultaneous detection of three hypoxia-inducible factor stabilizers-molidustat, roxadustat, and vadadustat-in multiple keratinized matrices and its application in a doping context.

In a doping case, a top athlete challenged an anti-doping rule violation, involving molidustat. Molidustat is a stabilizing agent of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) recently developed. It is currently undergoing clinical trials for anemia associated with chronic kidney disease. HIF stabilizers are banned at all times by the World Anti-Doping Agency (class S2). Because of their pharmacological proprieties, these new drugs can enhance athletic performance. The athlete's defense wanted to analyze multiple keratinized matrices as they allow long-term investigations. Requests concerning HIF stabilizers are constantly growing. We have therefore developed a liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry method to identify and quantify three molecules of this class: molidustat, vadadustat, and roxadustat. Thirty milligrams of keratinized matrices were incubated in 1 mL of pH 8.4 diammonium hydrogen phosphate buffer for 16 h at 40°C with 1 ng of testosterone-D3, used as internal standard. After extraction with ethyl acetate/diethyl ether (80/20), the organic phase was evaporated, and the dry residue was reconstituted in 30 µL of initial phase. The method was linear from 5 to 1000 pg/mg for the three analytes. Limits of quantification were 2, 0.5, and 5 pg/mg for molidustat, roxadustat, and vadadustat, respectively. The analysis of the athlete's head hair (collected 1 month after the urine test) showed a concentration of molidustat of 135 pg/mg, and his beard hair and his fingernails clippings contained 55 and 40 pg/mg, respectively.

Testing for clomiphene in keratinous matrices using LC-MS/MS in doping purpose: Is a single intake of clomiphene detectable in hair and nail clippings?

Clomiphene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator. It is indicated for the treatment of female infertility issues but in sport, it can be misused to stimulate endogenous testosterone secretion in men. Therefore, it has been prohibited at all times by the World Anti-doping Agency. The aim of this study was to get data to be able to interpret concentrations in athletes. A healthy volunteer (male, 62 years-old) ingested a single therapeutic dose of clomiphene (Clomid™, 50 mg). Strands of hair (blond, 4 cm) were collected one month after the ingestion. Body hair (beard, axillary, pubic and chest hair), and finger and toenails were collected over 4-5 months. A previous method was modified to identify and quantify clomiphene in keratinous matrices. 30 mg of specimen were sonicated and incubated in 1 mL of methanol, in presence of 200 pg of clomiphene-D5 (internal standard). After centrifugation and evaporation of the organic phase, the samples were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. Linearity was verified in hair and nail clippings between 1 and 500 pg/mg. The limits of detection and quantification were determined at 0.3 and 1 pg/mg respectively. The study demonstrated that clomiphene tested positive in all the analyzed specimens at 9 pg/mg in head hair, from 28 to 486 pg/mg (body hair) and from 4 to 57 pg/mg (nails). Clomiphene was identified for the first time in multiple keratinous matrices. This study demonstrated that a single oral therapeutic dose is detectable in keratinous matrices over a long period of time.

Multidimensional Profiling of Human Body Hairs Using Qualitative and Semi-Quantitative Approaches with SR-XRF, ATR-FTIR, DSC, and SEM-EDX.

This study aimed to assess the potential of a multidimensional approach to differentiate body hairs based on their physico-chemical properties and whether body hairs can replace the use of scalp hair in studies linked to forensic and systemic intoxication. This is the first case report controlling for confounding variables to explore the utility of multidimensional profiling of body hair using synchrotron synchrotron microbeam X-ray fluorescence (SR-XRF) for longitudinal and hair morphological region mapping) and benchtop methods, including attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) (complemented with chemometrics analysis), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) (complemented with heatmap analysis), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis (complemented by descriptive statistics) to profile different body hairs in terms of their elemental, biochemical, thermal, and cuticle properties. This multidimensional approach provided supportive information to emphasize the intricate and rather complex interplay between the organization and levels of elements and biomolecules within the crystalline and amorphous matrix of different body hairs responsible for the differences in physico-chemical properties between body hairs that are predominantly affected by the growth rate, follicle or apocrine gland activity, and external factors such as cosmetic use and exposure to environmental xenobiotics. The data from this study may have important implications for forensic science, toxicology and systemic intoxication, or other studies involving hair as a research matrix.

Effects of hormonal treatment on dermatological outcome in transgender people: a multicentric prospective study (ENIGI).

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to assess dermatological changes in transgender people after the start of gender-affirming hormonal treatment (GAHT) and to investigate whether various hormonal preparations differently affect dermatological changes in trans AFAB (assigned female at birth) people. METHODS: In a multicenter prospective study, 484 participants (193 assigned male at birth/AMAB and 291 AFAB) were evaluated at baseline (T0), 6 (T1) and 12 months (T2) after the start of GAHT. Hair growth was assessed by the Ferriman-Gallwey (FG) score, acne by the Global Acne Grading Scale (GAGS), and alopecia by the Norwood Hamilton (NH) score. RESULTS: In AFAB people, a significant increase in FG score and NH grade was observed across time, as well as in GAGS score in a subsample of 71 individuals (p < 0.001). Testosterone (T) undecanoate and esters showed a higher increase in hair distribution at T2 vs. T1 as compared to T gel (p < 0.01). T esters showed a significantly higher impact in GAGS score modifications at T1 and at T2 vs. T0 compared to T gel (p = 0.021 and p = 0.003, respectively). In trans AMAB people, a significant decrease of FG score was observed across time (p < 0.001), although 51.3% of individuals still reported an FG score higher than eight after 12 months. CONCLUSION: T treatment increased hair growth, acne and alopecia prevalence in AFAB people, with T undecanoate and esters influencing hair growth more than T gel. Opposite dermatological changes were observed in AMAB people.

Circle Hairs in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma.

Circle hair is a rare body-hair disorder of unknown etiology, typically characterized by perfectly or nearly perfectly coiled hair located below the cornified layer of the skin. Its main histopathological features are dilated hair-follicle infundibula and entrapped hair shafts. After its first description in 1963, there have only been a small number of reported cases, and its pathophysiology remains unclear. Herein, we report a case of an 80-year-old woman with skin lesions and abnormal hairs on both legs. We also propose a possible mechanism of her circle hairs: it may have occurred as an effect of her acquired ichthyosis secondary to her underlying multiple myeloma. There is no specific treatment for circle hairs, and reassurance that it is a harmless condition is sufficient. We prescribed a topical humectant and keratolytic agent to moisten the skin and lessen the hair entrapment, which resulted in clinical improvement. As the pathogenesis of the disease is unknown, further studies are warranted.

A Novel Follicular Unit Excision Device for All-Purpose Hair Graft Harvesting.

PURPOSE: A challenge in follicular unit excision (FUE) is the lack of a single device that can adequately meet the requirements of a range of patient donor variables, such as hair curliness, race, body and head hair locations, and non-shaven short- and long-hair FUE. This study aimed to describe a novel FUE device developed based on skin responsiveness to serve as a single all-purpose FUE donor harvester. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We describe an all-purpose FUE device that consists of an all-purpose punch and a functionally complementing punch driver. The mechanism of action and method of use are reported. Several patients with a diversity of FUE challenges for three experienced FUE practitioners using the novel device are presented using photos and videos. The practitioners also reported their comparative experiences with using prior FUE systems in similar situations. RESULTS: The novel device demonstrated success in a variety of FUE scenarios without requiring specialized provider skills. The device responds to changing skin firmness and thickness, which are the primary causes of inconsistent performance in FUE devices between patients and within patients from one body/head area to another. It also minimized challenges of unpredictable hair curliness and angles by its innate ability to self-navigate the subsurface course of hair follicles, to which the FUE practitioner is typically blinded. CONCLUSION: We describe a novel FUE device that overcomes the challenges of previous FUE technologies and has potential applicability to a diverse range of FUE scenarios. Our experience suggests that further validation is warranted.

Comedone-Like Lesions as a Manifestation of Lichen Planopilaris beyond the Scalp: A Case Report with Dermoscopic Features and Literature Review.

Lichen planopilaris is a rare inflammatory condition that is also known as follicular lichen planus. Although the condition commonly affects the scalp, it sometimes involves the other regions of the body with a variety of clinical presentations. The involvement beyond the scalp is considered to be a generalized nature of disease process. In this report, we present a case of generalized follicular lichen planus in a 34-year-old Thai female presenting with comedone-like lesions on the trunk and extremities as well as scarring alopecia on the scalp. Dermoscopic features were also discussed.

Simultaneous testing for anabolic steroids in human hair specimens collected from various anatomic locations has several advantages when compared with the standard head hair analysis.

Since the late 90s, hair testing for anabolic steroids in humans has found numerous forensic, clinical, and anti-doping applications. In most cases, analyses were performed on head hair, collected in the vertex regions. However, for various reasons (shaved subject, bald subject, religious belief, cosmetic treatment and aesthetic reason), hair collectors can face the lack of head hair, and therefore, body hair can be the unique alternative choice. Although there is no possibility to perform segmental analyses with body hair, their use has two major advantages: (1) In most cases, anabolic steroids are more concentrated in body hair when compared with head hair, which allows detecting abuse at lower frequency and for lower dosages; and (2) the window of drug detection is generally much longer in body hair when compared with head hair, particularly in male athlete presenting short head hair. To document the relevance of simultaneous collection of head and body hair, the authors present eight authentic cases of anabolic steroids abuse, including clostebol (one case), drostanolone (one case), metandienone (one case), 19-norandrostenedione (one case), stanozolol (two cases) and trenbolone (three cases). In all cases, body hair concentrations were higher than head hair concentrations. Even in three cases, no steroid was identified in head hair, although present in body hair.

Using Nonscalp Hair in Scalp Hair Restoration-Theory and Execution.

Harvesting of beard and body hair follicles for transplantation can be an effective form of treatment for appropriate patients. These patients may have had prior scalp transplantation and require repair but do not have sufficient scalp donor follicles remaining. Other patients will have these hairs mixed with scalp hairs to produce a greater density of hair on the bald scalp. Follicular unit excision (FUE) is preferred for body and beard follicle harvesting. Not all body hair is suitable for transplantation. Only hairs that are similar in appearance and behavior to scalp hair are suitable for transplantation to the scalp. The best nonscalp sources are the beard and anterior torso. Hairs from other body sites may be used for transplantation to the eyebrows. The standard techniques of FUE harvesting and anesthesia must be modified from those used in scalp harvesting to be safe and effective. With proper patient selection and technique, a significant cosmetic benefit can be achieved from these procedures.

Trichostasis Spinulosa: A Case Report with an Unusual Presentation.

Trichostasis spinulosa (TS) is a follicular disorder characterized by the retention of multiple vellus hairs in a hyperkeratotic dilated hair follicle. TS is considered as a common disorder; however, it is often underdiagnosed due to its asymptomatic nature. Although the condition frequently affects the face or extremities, the widespread distribution of TS over the entire body has been once reported in a patient with chronic renal failure. To emphasize the infrequent presentation of TS, we herein report a 57-year-old male with an unusual location of TS.

"Combination Grafting" of Scalp and Body Hair to Enhance the Visual Density of Hair Transplant and Coverage of Higher Grade of Baldness.

Hair transplant is becoming the most common cosmetic procedure across the world with demand for higher density and coverage of baldness. This needs more number of donor hair follicles. Scalp donor has limitations to fulfill the required number of follicles for Norwood Grade VI and VII baldness. The body hair follicles can be used to cover up the deficit.The objective of this study was to observe the use of body hair follicles to increase the visual density and for better coverage for higher grades of baldness as an adjuvant to scalp hair follicles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 16 patients were evaluated for the availability of body donor hair, and consent for body hair harvesting was obtained from them. The beard was the first preference and then chest and abdomen hair follicles were used in combination with scalp hair follicles to cover bald area of Norwood grade IV and above baldness. Body hairs were harvested using follicular unit extraction (FUE) technique. Postoperative pictures were taken, and patient satisfaction, doctor's observation, and global photographic evaluation was carried out. OBSERVATIONS: The patient's photographs were taken after 4, 8, and 12 months of hair transplant. The results were analyzed on the basis of global photography. The use of body hair with scalp has enhanced the visual density, leaving to better coverage in even higher grades of baldness.

Body hair removal: Prevalence, demographics, and body experience among men and women in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Body hair removal is an increasing trend that has an impact on the individual's body image. AIMS: To characterize current body hair removal practices in Germany and the extent to which body hair removal was related to demographic characteristics, body image, and body mass index. PATIENTS/METHODS: A national survey was conducted from September to October 2016 in men and women in Germany. Body experience was measured by a standardized questionnaire. In addition to sociodemographic data, age, gender, education, marital status, monthly income, and body mass index were collected. RESULTS: A total of n = 2510 participants aged 14 to 94 years (Mage = 48.4 years (SD = 18.2), 53.4% females) were randomly selected from the general population. 69% of the questioned women removed their body hair while only 41% of men do. The gender effect is statistically significant (χ2  = 203.43; df = 1; P < .001). Income, a higher level of education, and living in an urban region were significantly associated with body hair removal in both, men and women. Furthermore, significant differences with regard to body image were found between hair removers and nonremovers which are associated with a different attitude toward the own body. CONCLUSIONS: Germans were likely to remove body hair if they were of younger age, better educated, and with high income. Hair removal is above all a women's issue. Especially, female hair removers experience their body as an esthetic entity with the need of active reshaping. There is a "shift" from ideal of a naturally hairy body to an increased hairlessness in Germany.

Distribution of Body Hair in Young Australian Women and Associations With Serum Androgen Concentrations.

CONTEXT: An important element of the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome is hyperandrogenism. OBJECTIVE: To determine the distribution of modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mF-G) scores, as a measure of facial and body hair growth, and associations between the mF-G scores and serum androgen concentrations, including 11-oxygenated androgens. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of non-health-care-seeking women, aged 18 to 39 years, recruited from the eastern states of Australia from November 2016 to July 2017. PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS: Participants provided an mF-G self-assessment that corresponded to their appearance when not using treatment for excess hair. Androgens were measured in 710 women by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The distribution of the mF-G scores was right-skewed. The median (range) mF-G score of all participants (73.1% Caucasian) was 5 (0-36). The mF-G scores were negatively associated with age (rs = 0.124; P < 0.0001) and positively associated with body mass index (BMI) (rs = 0.073; P < 0.0001). Only androstenedione remained significantly associated with mF-G scores when controlling for age and BMI. Cluster analysis identified 2 groups with mF-G score of < 10 and ≥ 10. Repeating the cluster analysis using the combined vector of mF-G score and androstenedione returned a similar cluster structure, and again separated the 2 groups at a mF-G score < 10 versus ≥ 10. CONCLUSIONS: A self-assessed mF-G score ≥ 10 is indicative of excess body hair. Androstenedione, as well as testosterone, should be measured when hyperandrogenism is being evaluated. The lack of association between mF-G scores and the 11-oxygenated androgens highlights the need for a better understanding of these steroids.

A Comparative Study on the Rate of Anagen Effluvium and Survival Rates of Scalp, Beard, and Chest Hair in Hair Restoration Procedure of Scalp.

BACKGROUND: The use of non-scalp donor hair is considered in situations of a relative or absolute lack of head donor hair supply. Till now, very few published works are present on body hair transplant. None of them have compared scalp and non-scalp hair in terms of survival as well as characteristics. OBJECTIVE: To compare the characteristics such as rate of anagen effluvium and survival rates of scalp, beard, and chest hair in hair restoration procedure of scalp. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three blocks of 1cm2 were marked on a non-frontal area. Thirty slits with a 0.9mm blade were made in each block. Single follicular unit was taken from scalp, beard, and chest area and was implanted simultaneously in each block, respectively. The areas were evaluated for any graft loss, anagen effluvium, and survival rate. RESULTS: During initial period of 2 months, anagen effluvium in scalp (40%) and beard (30%) were significantly less than body (53.3%) hair with excellent survival rate of beard (95%), followed by scalp (89%) and then followed by chest hair (76%) at 1 year. CONCLUSION: Non-scalp hair can become an excellent source of donor area for hair restoration procedure.

Time course detection of dihydrocodeine in body hair after a single dose.

BACKGROUND: When head hair is not suitable or not available, body hair, such as leg or beard hair might be the most suitable sample for drug hair analysis. Information about the time course of drugs in hair, from the different anatomical body sites, should still be well documented. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine and compare (a) the detection window of dihydrocodeine in frequently shaved legs and beard, (b) in unshaved hair from head hair, chest hair, leg hair, and/or arm hair, and (c) the distribution concentrations over the scalp, after a single dihydrocodeine intake. METHOD: Before a single intake of 12 mg dihydrocodeine by subject 1 (woman), both legs hair were shaved in the morning. The subject 2 (man) shaved his beard in the morning and 30 min later he had a dose of 10 mg of dihydrocodeine. The samples were washed with water and shampoo, dried and collected as follows: Subject 1: every 3-days shaved leg hair (n = 9) and 1-month-later head hair (n = 1). Subject 2: daily shaved beard hair (n = 15), 2 months later head hair (n = 145), and every 20 days unshaved arm, leg and chest hair (from different areas) (n = 4/area). The samples were analysed for dihydrocodeine using a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 15.6 pg/mg for dihydrocodeine. About 20 mg of hair samples were weighted, washed with dichloromethane, centrifuged, dried, and pulverized in the same disposable tubes. Then the samples were incubated with methanol (under sonication at 45 °C) during 4 h. After centrifugation, the supernatant was evaporated and a cation exchange solid phase extraction followed by separation and quantification using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ULC-MS/MS) was carried out. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a BEH phenyl column eluted with 0.1% formic acid: methanol (0.1% formic acid). The UPLC-MS/MS method was validated and used in routine for drug hair analysis for already several years. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In the present study leg hair was collected every 3 days, as an average of frequent shaved hair in western woman population. Shaved leg hair was very limited and only one hair sample was available per analysis. Beard was collected daily and in a higher amount. Dihydrocodeine was detected in leg hair from the first sample (3 days after the intake). Maximum concentration at 68 pg/mg for the single intake was obtained after 15 days (±2 days), decreasing later to the LOQ from the 21th day. Beard hair was positive from the first day sample, and the maximum concentration was observed at 66 pg/mg, 6 days after the intake, decreasing later to the LOQ from day 13. This may be explained by growth rate and the amount of growing hairs, in anagen phase. In other body hair samples, dihydrocodeine was negative or detected from 1 month after the intake. No significant differences in dihydrocodeine concentrations over the scalp in the different regions were observed (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Body hair presents different time course window detection due to the different growth rates. Frequently shaved leg and beard hair may be suitable samples for recent single dihydrocodeine dose detection from the first days up to 2-3 weeks after the intake, respectively, when a LOQ of 15.6 pg/mg is applied.

Exploring some characteristics (density, anagen ratio, growth rate) of human body hairs. Variations with skin sites, gender and ethnics.

OBJECTIVE: To determine, in vivo, the density, growth rate and percentage of anagen phase follicles of body hairs present on five different skin sites (axilla, cheek, chin, leg, upper-lip) of women and men from four different ethnics (African, Caucasian, Chinese, North African). The same characteristics of terminal hairs from the nape of all subjects were recorded as references. METHODS: The photo-trichogram technique was used on all skin sites (of different sizes) at variable times (2 or 3 days) post shaving of small skin areas (a few cm2 ). Digital photographs were then analysed through a dedicated software that allows to record the density of body hairs (N cm-2 ), the % of growing hairs (Anagen phase) and their growth rates (in µm day-1 ). RESULTS: The densities of terminal hairs (on nape) found on all subjects were similar to those previously observed on much larger populations. The same ranking of a decreased density of body hairs in the five skin sites was observed in men, irrespective with ethnics. Body hairs seem homogeneously distributed among ethnics on armpit and leg with slight gender-related differences. In men, a significantly higher anagen phase percentage (> 85%) is found on terminal hairs, cheek and upper-lip region in Caucasians and North Africans, as compared to African and Chinese men. The technique used cannot precisely determine the very thin hairs present on the faces of all women. The anagen phase percentage appears higher in all women on leg and armpit. Hair body growth rates ranged from 180 to 485 µm day-1 and were found, on axilla, close to those of terminal hairs. CONCLUSION: The abundance of body hairs, in the studied skin sites, appears similar, irrespective with ethnic groups, whereas their functional characteristics (anagen ratio, growth rate) are more driven by individual/gender influences. RÉSUMÉ: Objectif Déterminer, in vivo, la densité, la vitesse de pousse et le pourcentage de follicules en phase anagènes des poils corporels présents sur 5 sites cutanés différents (l'aisselle, la joue, le menton, la jambe, la lèvre supérieure) de femmes et d'hommes issus de 4 groupes ethniques différents (Africain, Caucasien, Chinois, Nord-africain). Ces mêmes caractéristiques ont été enregistrées pour les cheveux (poils terminaux) en nuque de tous les sujets en tant que références. Méthodes la technique du photo-trichogramme a été utilisée sur tous les sites cutanés (de tailles différentes) après un temps variable (2 ou 3 jours) suivant le rasage de petites zones cutanées (quelques cm-2 ). Les photographies numériques ont été alors analysées par un logiciel spécifique qui permet d'enregistrer la densité de poils corporels (N.cm-2 ), le pourcentage de poils en phase de croissance (la phase Anagène) et leur vitesse de pousse (en µm/jour). Résultats la densité de cheveux (en nuque) trouvée sur tous les sujets était semblable à celle précédemment observée sur des populations beaucoup plus larges. On retrouve chez les hommes le même classement entre les 5 sites cutanés en termes de densité de poils corporels, indépendamment du groupe ethnique étudié. Les poils corporels semblent distribués de manière homogène parmi les membres d'un groupe ethnique sur l'aisselle et la jambe avec des légères différences liées au genre. Chez les hommes, les Caucasiens et les Nord-Africains présentent un pourcentage de poils terminaux en phase anagène significativement plus élevé (>85%) sur la joue et la région de la lèvre supérieure que les hommes Africains et Chinois. La technique utilisée ne permet pas précisément de déterminer la présence de poils très minces sur les visages des femmes. Le pourcentage de poils en phase anagène paraît plus élevé chez les femmes sur la jambe et l'aisselle. Les vitesses de pousse des poils corporels s'étendent de 180 à 485 µm/jours et se trouvent, sur les aisselles, proches de celles des cheveux. Conclusion la densité de poils corporels, dans les sites cutanés étudiés, présente une variabilité de sites indépendante du groupe ethnique considéré, tandis que leurs caractéristiques fonctionnelles (le ratio de poils en phase anagène, la vitesse de pousse) sont plus dirigées par des influences d'individu/genre.

Body to Scalp: Evolving Trends in Body Hair Transplantation.

Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is becoming an increasingly popular method for hair restoration. As FUE leaves behind no linear scars, it is more suitable to harvest from various body areas including beard, chest, and extremities in hirsute individuals. Body hair characteristics such as thickness, length, and hair cycle may not completely match to that of the scalp hair. The techniques of harvesting body hairs are more time consuming, requiring higher degree of skill than regular scalp FUE. Body hair transplantation can be successfully used either alone or in combination with scalp hair in advanced grades of baldness, for improving the cosmetic appearance of hairlines and in scarring alopecia when there is paucity of donor scalp hair. Harvesting of body hairs opens up a new viable donor source for hair restoration surgeons, especially in cases of advanced Norwood grades five and above of androgenetic alopecia.

"I think gorilla-like back effusions of hair are rather a turn-off": 'Excessive hair' and male body hair (removal) discourse.

Men's hair removal practices are becoming mainstream, seen as a consequence of changing masculine norms and men's relationships to their bodies. This is often presented as a straightforward 'shift' from men's ideal bodies as naturally hairy, to increased hairlessness, and the consequence on men's body concerns as inevitable. This paper analyses qualitative survey data from Aotearoa/New Zealand using critical thematic analysis, and describes three themes. Two themes capture contradictory ideas: that men's body hair is natural, and that men's body hair is unpleasant. A third theme introduces the concept of 'excess' hair, which allowed sense-making of this contradiction, mandating men's grooming of 'excessive' hair. However its vagueness as a concept may provoke anxiety for men resulting in hair removal. This paper adds to a body of research demonstrating a cultural transition: the ways changing masculinities, increased commodification of male bodies, and shifting gender roles impact on men's hair removal practices.