Why Men Use Talc

Written with skincare therapist Rebecca

Have you ever been to a barber and noticed you’re being massaged or brushed with a special, great-smelling powder? Sometimes hairdressers use it on the neck and nape as well. If you’re an athlete, you may have used talcum powder in connection with competitions. But do you actually know why it’s used? And that you can recreate this pleasant procedure at home in your own bathroom too? Because talc is more useful than you think.

When you say talc, many people might think of baby powder—and that’s not wrong, because the purpose is the same. But in barbershops, they often prefer a talc powder specifically made for men, with the right ingredients for the job and often fragranced to enhance the whole barbershop experience—it becomes the finishing touch to your treatment. But what is talc actually for?

Areas of use

Helps prevent moisture and irritation
Talc is most commonly associated with sports and activity—and for good reason, since its main job is to counteract and prevent moisture and sweat that can otherwise cause irritation and chafing. For runners and cyclists, talc is often an indispensable accessory once you’ve discovered what it can do. And you’ve probably seen weightlifters and pole vaulters rub talc into their hands to keep their palms dry and maintain a firm grip.

Talc is especially effective for intimate sweat, meaning between the thighs, between the buttocks, and in the groin—areas where heat can build up during sports, leading to sweat, which in turn causes redness and angry chafing. For the same reason, it’s used on feet, with the added bonus that reducing the risk of sweaty feet also means shoes smell less unpleasant, while helping prevent blisters and chafing.

In countries with a warm climate, using talc is a common part of body care to avoid heat rash and help prevent moisture. It also has a cooling effect that feels pleasant. Men who wear shirts in summer, for example, have everything to gain from applying talc to the neck, nape, and shoulders to avoid sweaty collars. Plus, talc helps you feel fresh and well-scented.

After shaving
Just as a hairdresser may brush a little talc onto the neck and nape as a finishing touch after removing the neck strip, barbers also use talc as a soothing and dehumidifying step during and after shaving. There are several reasons for this:

• Keeps the skin free from excess moisture and sweat (from, for example, warm lamps). Also helps the face look less shiny.
• Soothes the skin and helps reduce irritation and redness
• Makes it easier to remove loose, leftover hairs from shaving; otherwise they tend to work their way into the skin, causing irritation and, in the worst case, infection.

The sandalwood version from Taylor of Old Bond Streets is very popular, as is the fresh, effective powder from the Italian