Introduction To Getting A Men’s Brazilian Wax
Men’s Brazilian Waxes. What was once a “taboo” phrase is not in today’s world. Why should it? As a matter of fact it is not a secret that men have a deeper desire to take better care of their themselves than they did in the past. Men have and are evolving to gravitate towards services that were once thought of as “only for women.”
However, this exclusive service for gentlemen also generates a lot of curiosity and questions. Why? Because it is still a service that is becoming mainstream. Movie clips have given waxing services the persona that it is extremely painful or that it is somewhat embarrassing. However, waxing is an investment in yourself that will provide you with numerous benefits besides the desired hair removal.
This article will explain reasons why men should receive regular waxing services, what to expect during the waxing service, how to prepare for the waxing service, contraindications and much more!
Why Should Gentlemen get a Men’s Brazilian Wax?
Women prefer men who groom – Gentlemen, women prefer men who groom. This is not a secret and should not come as a surprise. However, the percent of women who prefer men who groom may come as a surprise. In a recent study, an astounding 93% of women surveyed preferred a man who performed some type of grooming or manscaping below the waist. Intimacy and appearance were top of the list for women surveyed for their desire for men to groom.
Lasts longer than shaving – As discussed in a previous article, waxing and shaving may have the same visual result (for a short amount of time), but have a completely different mechanism of action. Shaving will remove the hair at the surface of the skin. Generally, this may only last a day as the hair will grow back quickly as stubble begins to form. Waxing, however, pulls hair from the root of the subcutaneous layer of the skin. This results in a much longer lasting smooth feeling and appearance.
Improved self-confidence - Gentlemen who invest in their appearance often report an improved sense of self-esteem. It is not a secret that when you feel good you will often perform your best.
Less maintenance - The main benefit to body waxing is that it can last for 4-6 weeks. Men who desire smooth, glowing skin will experience less daily or weekly maintenance versus those men who shave. As mentioned above, waxing pulls the hair from the root as shaving removes hair from the surface of the skin. In addition, men who wax will notice that the hair that does grow back may not be as dense or thick. This is a result of the hair regrowth cycle:
Anagen- The anagen phase is the longest phase of the hair regrowth cycle which usually lasts 3-5 years but can vary by individual. The anagen phase is the growth phase of the hair regrowth cycle.
Citagen- The citagen phase is classified as the transition phase of the hair regrowth cycle. This is a short phase and generally lasts around 10 days. Hair growth slows during the citagen phase as the hair follicle shrinks.
Telogen- The telogen phase is also referred to as the resting phase during the hair regrowth cycle. This phase lasts on average 3 months. New hair begins to form in the follicles but there is not any new hair growth and hair does not fall out or shed during the telogen phase.
Exogen- The exogen phase is also known as the shedding phase and lasts on average 2-6 months. During the exogen phase new hair grows in while old hair falls out.
Ultimately, as the hair learns to grow on the same cycle, it will give the appearance of becoming less thick and dense.
Safety- Many gentlemen who shave report that they often will experience cuts or nicks while performing their grooming. Ouch!
Healthy skin- Waxing has additional benefits aside from hair removal. Body waxing also has skin exfoliation properties as well. Body exfoliation is a skin treatment that also creates the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that assists in keeping skin looking youthful, keeps it from sagging, reduces skin wrinkles, and adds firmness. Simply put, men who wax will display a glowing and youthful appearance of the skin. Men who choose to shave will not experience this added benefit.
Less pain- After shaving, the cut hair can curl back under the skin and has the potential to create a swollen, inflamed, red pimple that may or may not contain pus. Remember that waxing also exfoliates the skin and has the ability to remove dead skin cells. Ingrown hairs can occur with men’s waxing, however, there is a lesser chance versus those men who shave daily.
General Concerns for Men’s Brazilian Waxing Obviously, men’s brazilian waxing is not a service that every salon and spa offers. Because of this, we as waxing professionals, are asked numerous questions about the waxing process. By far, the three most common questions are:
“Does it hurt?”
The answer to this question is multifaceted. The answer is both yes and no. Let us explain. Some men are simply more sensitive than others or ay have a higher ‘pain tolerance.’ The latter is not intended to scare anyone off. Remember, during the waxing process the hair is being removed from the root and not at the surface of the skin as it is in shaving. The waxing process may have a ‘sting’ associated with it. Also, how well clients prepare for the waxing service will also dictate “if it hurts.” Exfoliation of the targeted waxing area, proper hydration, moisturizing daily, and taking an ibuprofen and an antihistamine can alleviate the ‘sting’ and make the waxing experience more enjoyable.
“What if I get an erection?”
Gentlemen, relax. 99% of the time an erection that occurs during a men’s brazilian wax has nothing to do with sexual arousal. We, as waxing professionals, completely understand this concept. Generally, this is a physiological response that does not last long. We will not in any way make clients feel any type of embarrassment about the situation. Instead, we focus on the professional service that is taking place. However, it should be noted that any clients who cross the line with lewd behavior or verbiage will be asked to leave at once. Remember, we are all professionals. As waxing professionals who perform a professional service have the responsibility to set a relaxing and calming atmosphere and will never purposely cause the client to feel uncomfortable.
“You will talk about me later.”
Again, we are professionals. We have a professional job in a professional environment. We have families to go home to. The point is, we have never nor will ever discuss client services. Confidentiality is guaranteed and this shouldn’t be a concern for clients. Preparing for a Men’s Brazilian Wax
A case can be made that the preparation at home before a waxing service is the most important piece of the entire process. The waxing professionals at Men’s Den, Inc. recommend that clients perform the following steps prior to their waxing service:
Gently exfoliate the genital area a day or two before the waxing service is scheduled to take place. Exfoliation of the target area to be waxed will assist in removing dead skin cells that have collected around the hair follicle resulting in an increased chance of developing ingrown hairs.
Avoid tanning beds or long exposure to direct sunlight before your men’s Brazilian wax service. Damaged skin from ultraviolet rays can become fragile and even lift or tear during the waxing process.
Hydrate. Hydration is a key element to any waxing procedure just as it is for the overall health of the human body. Dehydrated skin creates the opportunity for the skin to tighten which makes it more difficult for the hair to be removed from the root during the waxing process.
Take an antihistamine and ibuprofen prior to your waxing appointment. (Please note that we are not doctors and please discuss your options with your physician prior to taking these medications). Taking ibuprofen will lessen the ‘sting’ associated with waxing and can assist in reducing any minor inflammation that may occur during the waxing process. Further, our bodies can produce histamine any time it senses any trauma has occurred. Histamine also contributes to inflammation as well as itching in the waxed area. Simply put, taking an antihistamine will further assist in reducing inflammation as well as lessening any itch that may occur.
Moisturize. Calm, moisturized skin creates a better and more enjoyable waxing experience for the client both during and after the waxing process. Moisturizing allows the skin to be more flexible and it also prevents skin tearing and scratching.
Avoid alcohol. Yes, this one isn’t fun! However, alcohol acts as a vasodilator and it causes the blood to thin. This creates the opportunity for potential bleeding during the waxing process.
Men’s Brazilian Wax at Men’s Den, Inc.
As clients arrive for their waxing service they will be greeted by a waxing professional. Clients will then be asked to complete a health history questionnaire to ensure that the waxing service is fit for the client. Upon completion, the waxing professional will review the health questionnaire and conduct an in-depth consultation so the client is aware of every step of the waxing process. The consultation is also an excellent time for any questions clients have to be answered. The client is then taken back to the waxing room.
Step 1- Clients will remove only the necessary clothing for the area to be waxed to be exposed.
Step 2- The waxing professional will enter the waxing room.
Step 3- The waxing professional will cleanse and prepare process using the best Cirepil waxing products is administered.
Step 4- The waxing professional applies the Cirepil wax and begins the waxing process.
Step 5- The waxing professional will calm and moisturize the waxed area once the waxing process has been completed.
Step 6- The waxing professional will conduct a post waxing consultation in order to answer any questions clients may have about home care and what steps to take until their next waxing appointment.
Step 7- The waxing professional who performed the men’s brazilian waxing service will contact the client to ensure their needs were met and that they are happy with the waxing service they received.
Products Used for Men’s Brazilian Waxing
The waxing professionals at Men’s Den, Inc. use the best quality body wax: Cirepil. Cirepil is known as the gold standard for body waxing products. The company was created by Perron Rigot and his vision was to create high quality waxing products suitable for all waxing techniques as well as all skin types. Cirepil was a Dermascope Award Winner in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Men’s Brazilian Wax FAQ
Why is waxing a better option for men’s hair removal?
Waxing is effective on just about any area of the body except for the scalp and beard. Men who wax experience that their skin stays smoother for longer periods of time versus shaving. The regrowth of hair is slower and softer and is often less irritating than shaving. Skin that has been waxed can often give the appearance that it is firmer and more toned.
What are the waxing products used at Men’s Den, Inc.?
Cirepil hard and soft wax is used for waxing services at Men’s Den, Inc.
Is waxing popular among men?
Waxing for males has gained popularity. Many men have discovered the benefits of having smooth skin that is hair free. Waxing has longer lasting results than shaving.
Is there anything I need to know after I leave? How should I care for my skin after waxing?
The waxing professional at Men’s Den, Inc. will apply a calming post-treatment Cirepil After Wax Refreshing Gel, however, skin may still be sensitive for up to 24-48 hours. It is advised that during that time clients should avoid tanning (direct sunlight exposure), chlorine (pools and hot tubs), sauna (steam rooms, and intensive exercise workout regimen). Please keep the area as clean and dry as possible. Exfoliation is key to keeping ingrown hairs away. In addition, intimate contact may cause irritation, so it is advised that waxing is scheduled a day before the romantic activity.
How long does my hair have to be in order to wax?
At a minimum, there needs to be at least an 1/8” of hair to wax. Ideally, 1/4” to 1/2” of hair growth is recommended. To put this another way, usually 2 weeks from the last time you shaved. Hair that is too short would have to be waxed over in order to pick up the short, stray hairs which may result in a frustrating and skin irritating experience.
How long will the results last? How often will I need to wax?
Generally, waxing results last for up to 6 weeks. The first 4 times a client comes in for waxing, Men’s Den, Inc. will ask that clients schedule exactly 6 weeks to the day. Why? Hair grows on three different cycles and it is best to sync the cycles together. It is common to experience outgrowth between waxing sessions because the hair is not synced. The goal is to get your hair synced to where clients are clean for 4 weeks and growing out the last 2 weeks. Long term goal is for clients to be able to stretch waxing services to every 8 weeks. However, everyone is different and may experience slightly different results.
Is it normal to experience irritation or swelling?
Men who wax for the first time may experience slight irritation or swelling. The hair follicle has never been disturbed and the roots are deep. This combination may set the table for slight irritation or swelling. Generally, the irritation or swelling will subside within 24-48 hours and as your skin gets used to waxing the irritation or swelling can become less severe to nonexistent over time. Men’s Den, Inc. also uses Cirepil After Wax Refreshing Gel which has anti-inflammatory properties after waxing sessions.
Are there any conditions that will prevent me from getting waxed?
The highly trained staff at Men’s Den, Inc. will conduct an in-depth consultation prior to any waxing service in order to discover if there are any contradictions such as contagious skin conditions or medications.
How should I prepare for my treatment?
Please shower and thoroughly cleanse and dry the area before your waxing appointment. Also, exfoliation of the area that will be waxed will yield the best results. Do not shave the area you plan to have waxed for at least 2-3 weeks prior to your appointment. Wear loose and comfortable clothing to your appointment.
What is a ‘Commando’ wax?
A Commando wax involves waxing and removal of the hair from the groin, penis, scrotum, buttocks, and in between.
Waxing Contraindication Review
For client safety purposes, the professionals at Men’s Den, Inc. have devised a list of body waxing contraindications. It is imperative that clients are aware waxing services will not be performed if any of these medications are present.
Medications:
If you are currently using any of the following prescription medications, you cannot receive a waxing service. Discontinue use of these medications for a minimum of three 3 months prior to waxing. The exception is Accutane: You must be off this medication for a minimum of one 1 year prior to waxing.
*Accutane (Acne medication)
*Adapalene (Acne medication)
*Alustra (Retin A)
*Avage (Acne medication)
*Avita (Retin A)
*Azelex (Peeling agent)
*Clindamycin
*Differin (Acne medication)
*Doxycycline
*Erythromycin
*Isotretinoin (like Accutane)
*Madifloxicine
*Metronidazole
*Prednisone
*Renova (Retin A)
*Retin A (Acne and anti-aging medication)
*Tazarac (Acne medication)
*Tazarotene (Tazorac)
*Tetracycline
*Tretinoin (Retin A)
Conclusion
Forms of manscaping including men’s brazilian waxing have become very popular and are here to stay. An astounding 93% of women prefer men who perform grooming below the waist on their male partners. Although brazilian waxing was once thought to only be a service for women, men have also found this need and are quickly accelerating the waxing market for a variety of reasons. These reasons include:
*Women prefer it
*Longer lasting results than shaving
*Less daily maintenance
*Improved self confidence
*Increased safety
*Healthier looking skin
Some gentlemen may experience more “sting” than others due to their physical makeup. However, the “sting” diminishes with consistent waxing as the hair follicle becomes weaker and has a looser grip on the hair. Also, clients who prepare for their waxing service will experience a more enjoyable service. Tips to prepare for your waxing service include:
*Exfoliation
*Avoid ultraviolet light
*Hydrate
*Ibuprofen, antihistamine
*Moisturize
*Avoid alcohol
Gentlemen have nothing to be embarrassed of with men’s brazilian waxing. The Commando wax service performed at Men’s Den, Inc. is a professional service performed in a high scale facility. Confidentiality is part of our code as we value your business and desire to secure a long-term client relationship.
Please call 260-739-7081 or schedule online at mensdeninc.com to schedule your Commando Wax service.