Thinking about getting a wax? Hesitant but curious? Men have good reasons to engage in a professional wax—namely those ungainly strands in your ears, nose, and on your eyebrows. You know the ones. The biggest advantage of getting a wax for those bits, instead of shaving them, is saving time and hassle. If that sounds compelling enough to take the plunge, fear not. We have the lowdown on just what to expect during your pro wax debut.
When's the Best Time to Get a Wax?
It pays to do some planning before booking a session, since for most people the skin might be a little raw for at least a few hours after. This is known as “downtime.” You should also make sure you're not doing any strenuous activity immediately afterward where you will be sweating a lot. Waxing removes hair from the follicle, which opens the pores and makes it possible for bacteria from sweat to get in. So get your workout in before. And after, avoid other activities in places where bacteria may thrive, like tanning beds, pools, and jacuzzis.
While it will largely depend on the services you select, you can expect to be in and out quickly. “Our goal is that most of our services take no more than 15 minutes. More in-depth services like full leg waxes take about 30 minutes,” says Deidra Green, training manager at the European Wax Center.
What Services Should I Get?
There is a long list of waxing treatments at every waxing center, but the most popular services for guys tend to be the ears, nose, eyebrows, plus legs for some athletic types and those that love to cycle. “I've had guys do their hairline—on the back of the neck. And the underarms," says Green. And then there's the Brazilian. Yes, this involves waxing your pubic hair and genitals. (It's no news that some, and their partners, prefer it that way.)
What Happens During a Session?
At most waxing salons there are more or less two to four steps involved. At European Wax Center, it's: cleanse, protect, wax, and rejuvenate. First, the wax specialist will do a quick cleanse of the area. "This is to ensure there are no lotions or soap residue on the skin that may interfere with getting the smoothest wax, " says Green.
Step two: The wax specialist will apply oil to create a protective barrier on the skin. This helps protect your skin from chafing and redness. The oil ensures the wax sticks to the hair and not the skin without clogging the pores. The therapist will then wax the treatment area with a custom wax blend. Depending on where you go, they may either use just wax (which cools into a "strip" to pull off) or a combination of wax and cloth strips.
Finally, the therapist will apply an after-care product designed to soothe and hydrate the skin and combat any redness.“We end all of our services by applying a serum to bring the skin back to balance and smooth any irritated areas,” explains Green.
Does a Professional Wax… Hurt?
Ah, the million-dollar question: How much does a wax hurt? It will depend on your pain tolerance, but the answer is a little more nuanced. “I always try to use the word ‘uncomfortable’ because waxing shouldn't be painful,” says Green. “You shouldn't be feeling like, ‘I can’t take this.’” Either way, you shouldn't be passing out from the sting.
What Should I Do After?
Don’t skimp on your post-wax skincare routine—it’s just as important as the wax itself. The trick here is to choose products that are specifically formulated for just waxed skin. The EWC Pre- and Post- Skincare line includes moisturizers, exfoliants, growth inhibitors, and serums, which can help soothe the area and prevent the buildup of sebum and dead skin (notorious for causing breakouts and ingrown hairs) in-between visits.
When Should I Go Again?
Congrats! You got your first wax. The question now is, when do you need to make the next appointment for best results? The good news is, if you're shaving, trimming, and tweezing those unwanted hairs every few days, by switching to waxing, you'll be able to cut down on your hair removal maintenance. “In general, we say you should come every three to four weeks to have your services done,” says Green. “It might be a little bit more often depending on your rate of hair growth. But the beauty of waxing is that over time, your hair gets thinner.”
From: Esquire US
