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Demand for hair removal among men has increased dramatically since Steve Carell waxed his sweater-style chest hair. 40 Year Old Virgin. Waxing for men has reached record numbers, and the value of the hair waxing market is expected to grow from $10 billion in 2023 to $18 billion in 2033; And a big part of that is thanks to the guys who destroyed their feathers.
The growing interest in smooth backs and stretch marks (hey, Brazilians are coming for men, too) inspired licensed esthetician Jenna Materre to launch “MANdays Monday,” a special promotion for men who aren't afraid of a little hot wax.
“This helps men feel comfortable in the salon environment and offers custom services that address their specific needs and comfort,” says Materre, director of education and training for WAXXPOT salon, which has locations throughout the United States.
While the potential screaming from having your hair ripped out of your flesh might not fit your definition of “comfortable,” Materre and other experts insist that if men can follow a few best practices, the process won't be so bad after all. Here we will explain waxing for men and how to do it correctly, safely and with as little pain as possible.
Waxing for Men: What You Need to Know About Getting Rid of Body Hair This Way
When it comes to body waxing for men, eyebrow expert Joey Healy found that the eyebrows, nostrils, back and upper arms are the most popular waxing areas for men. Essentially, “the lower the body, the less popular waxing becomes,” says Healy, adding that men may have a lower pain threshold compared to women. This can also affect waxing habits.
Aside from body parts where waxing is more or less painful, waxing experts shared some advice on how men can have the smoothest experience possible.
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Tips for waxing
Men's waxing near me: Where do you go for professional waxing? How do you know if it's somewhere you should trust?
First and foremost, you should make sure you get waxed by a qualified esthetician or esthetician licensed by your state's Board of Cosmetology (basically, an esthetician with more medical training). Since men's hair is coarse, which tends to be more stubborn with waxing, it is also very important to go to a professional who has specific experience in waxing men.
“I recommend calling the clinic and asking if they work on men,” says licensed esthetician Kristin Gunn. She also recommends reading online reviews and looking for red flags like not using gloves, double-dip wax applicators, and other issues with following hygiene protocols.
Leave aside the worry of waxing, trust your instincts when it comes to cleaning. As Healy puts it, “If you walk into a place and it doesn't feel clean, it probably isn't.” In this case: quietly walk away and find another place.
What at-home waxing products should I buy so my partner can wax me at home?
Even for men who have a patient willing to help, experts warn against using at-home waxing products. Application and stripping, especially on men's body hair, requires a special technique. “Pulling the strip incorrectly or at the wrong angle can lead to incomplete hair removal, pain, bruising, and even skin damage,” warns Gunn. “Also it will hurt too much More.”
If you still insist on going the DIY route, Healy notes that products like Veet Cold Wax Strips are safer because they're pre-made and don't require heat. However, he adds, “Professional services are widely accessible, reducing the risk of burns, missed spots and other mishaps.”
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What are the risks of waxing my body hair? How do I avoid them?
You are much less likely to experience pain, bruising, skin damage and infection after waxing your body hair in a professional setting than at home. However, naturally, there will be some risks when removing hair follicles from your body with hot wax.
Beyond the risks above, ingrown hairs can cause problems and in some cases even lead to infections. Proper hygiene, preparation and aftercare are the best ways to avoid these risks.
- Cleanse and exfoliate before waxing: The night before your waxing session, remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and bacteria with an exfoliating cleanser containing BHA or AHA acids. This is the best way to prevent ingrown hairs and help the wax adhere more effectively to the hair. Also avoid cutting your hair beforehand.
- Do not bathe, exercise, or have sex immediately afterwards: It is best to avoid bathing or showering for at least 12 hours and avoiding exercise and sex for 24 to 48 hours. Freshly waxed skin is more sensitive and vulnerable to bacteria, so it's still important to keep it clean. Gunn recommends using something like TN Dickinson's Witch Hazel until it's safe to shower again.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing: Avoid tight clothing for a day or two after waxing; this can also “cause friction, irritation, and clogged pores, leading to ingrown hairs and redness,” warns Gunn.
- Don't stress about it: It's just a little wax. If you're that worried, take two Advil before your appointment.
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Why Back Waxing for Men?
For some men, too much back hair can cause them to sweat more and experience body odor and acne, making a waxed back the preferred alternative. Other men just want to look better when they take their shirts off. Whatever the motivation, men often get other parts of their backs waxed because they are harder to reach than other parts of the body that can be cut with a razor.
But there's a problem: Areas like the back trap more sweat, leading to an increased risk of folliculitis, an infection characterized by red, itchy bumps in the hair follicle. Therefore, it is very important to pay extra attention and care to your freshly waxed back. Unfortunately, folliculitis is also common in the groin area…
Brazilian Wax for Men: What Does It Include?
Brazilian waxing for men involves removing hair from the genitals, pubic area, and butt crack, leaving a landing strip on the shaft if desired. Men tend to do this for aesthetic reasons, to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs, or simply because they like the feel of it.
This area is more prone to infections such as folliculitis because men generally sweat more, as do the back area. Similarly, the skin below the belt is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the body; This is a reason to wear loose, breathable clothing, avoid sweating, and keep the area clean.
If you need one more line of defense against folliculitis and other irritation issues, Gunn recommends picking up a bottle of Kiehl's Ultimate Razor Burn & Bump Relief. “It has soothing aloe Vera and exfoliating hydroxy acids,” she adds. It may not be cheap, but it works wonders.
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If it's important to you, some Reddit users suspect that hair has some protective effects when it comes to gas volume, but this hasn't been proven, so it's best to ignore the speculation. One thing is for sure: Your hair will It grows back in three to six weeks.
Related: Dear Men: Yes, You Need to Get a Pedicure