Massage is as far as many men will go in the business of 'beauty treatments', it seems, writes Michael Kelly
MASSAGE is a big part of the Leinster rugby set-up, but try telling 6ft 10in Devin Toner that this qualifies as a "beauty treatment". Go on, I dare you.
Squad members avail of two massages per week, and although the focus is on dealing with knocks and strains, it's also about relaxation.
"You can put your name down and basically it's really about what you want out of it yourself," says Toner. "If you want a relaxation massage, you can get that."
Beyond massage, however, he's reticent about the beauty and relaxation treatments available to the modern Irish man. "I'd be interested in hot-towel shaves, but beauty treatments would be a bridge too far for me anyway.
"I wouldn't say too many rugby fellas would be into facials and manicures, but you never know."
On the other hand, 22-year-old Daniel Kelly from Castleknock has lots of friends who avail of treatments and uses grooming and beauty products himself.
"A sister of a friend of mine is a beautician, so I get my chest waxed fairly regularly with her. I just like how it looks, and shaving it is just too much hassle."
Kelly has had quite a few massages in the past but has never had a facial, manicure or pedicure, though he is not averse to the idea. "I know quite a few guys, both gay and straight, who have got them and I would get one myself but they are expensive.
"I really don't mind these things, so long as you feel that you get a result from them. I do my own nails to stop me from biting them."
Kelly is also a fan of tanning products, though he feels that cosmetics companies have been somewhat manipulative in creating a new market segment when it comes to men's products.
"I think they saw a niche with guys who want to look good and take pride in their appearance, and they just went for it.
"I got a spray-on tan a few times and I use the L'Oreal tinted moisturiser on my face and arms."