He’s a former world number one tennis player, has more than a few Bonds underwear campaigns under his belt, and is now the face of the Dove Men+Care range. We have a chat to Aussie icon, Pat Rafer, about men’s grooming, metrosexuals and going on a ‘man date’…
Bh: What are your views on men’s grooming?
PR: I think I became a bit of a metrosexual without even knowing it! Because I do the Bonds stuff, I do have to be conscious of my appearance, but I don’t do any major hair grooming or the shaving of the body. I see guys that shave their arms and I just think it looks strange! I’m not in to that sort of stuff.
Bh: So what grooming do you do?
PR: Well I definitely wouldn’t be having any spray tans or anything! [laughs]. But I always use sunscreen on my face. You have to when you spend as much time outdoors as I do. I’ve also always used face cream too.
Bh: So would you consider face care the most important part of male grooming?
PR: It’s important to look after the skin on your face, but as a guy it’s also important to smell nice and keep clean – use a good deodorant and aftershave, that sort of thing. I personally also like facial hair, so I trim it to keep it manageable.
Bh: What does your wife think of your facial hair?
PR: [laughs] She doesn’t like it. I don’t like shaving, but I’ve shaved it all off for her to keep her happy [laughs again].
Bh: So how do you feel about women and make-up? Do you prefer them to look natural, or make the effort to get done up?
PR: I just like them to be ready on time! [laughs]. They can have as much time as they want to get ready beforehand, as long as they’re ready to go when they say they’ll be ready!
Bh: How long does it take you to get ready?
PR: Two minutes! Ok, maybe four if I have to have a shower.
Bh: If you could go on a ‘man-date’ with anyone, who would it be?
PR: Hugh Jackman for sure. He’s a great bloke, I really like him. I’m a big fan of his.
Bh: If you weren’t a tennis player what would you be?
PR: Hmmm…I guess I’d love to be a spy – you know, like James Bond. But I guess that’s what most guys would say isn’t it? [laughs].
Click here to find out more about the Dove Men+Care product launch…
