Just a few years ago, “metrosexuality” was all the rage. In this popular milieu, heterosexual men devoted a degree of time and effort to personal grooming and fashion previously seen only among urban homosexuals.

Celebrities like David Beckham drove the trend, and in their wake followed a surge of new fashion and beauty products geared toward metrosexuals and their needs. Despite its popularity and marketability, we haven’t heard much about metrosexuality recently in the media, certainly nothing new. Where did it go? Did the whole trend disappear?

I don’t think metrosexuality has gone anywhere. In fact, quite the opposite, I think it is here to stay. What was once a trend has now been fully assimilated into popular culture. We have moved away from the macho, stern, rugged image of manliness prominent in the last century. Cultural icons like John Wayne, Mel Gibson, and Arnold Schwarzenegger have been replaced by the likes of David Beckham, Ryan Seacrest, and Dominic Monaghan. It is now socially acceptable for men to pamper themselves, to indulge their feminine side. Certainly, no one looks at me funny when I buy hair color or face cream in the grocery store anymore. And for that, I am very grateful to David!