What to Expect From a Brazilian Wax: A Male’s Guide to Going Hairless

For guys, hair removal is a sensitive topic. We don’t like to talk about it, and we sure as hell don’t like talking to our buddies about the hair-removal techniques they use or the ones they might want to try. But here’s the deal: Men are getting waxed more and more often—in fact, nearly 40 per cent of guys now get waxed on a regular basis. If you aren’t quite ready to take the plunge and get Brazilian waxing done, keep reading for all the insider details you need to know before your first appointment.

What is Brazilian wax?

A Brazilian wax, also known as a full-leg wax or a Hollywood wax, is a hair removal treatment for the entire body. That means that, in addition to getting rid of all the hair on your legs, a Brazilian wax will also get rid of the hair on your back, torso, arms, and, of course, your nether region.

A Brazilian wax is performed by a licensed aesthetician who will take off all the hair from your entire body using warm wax, followed by a quick, cold-water removal. Since a Brazilian wax takes off everything, it’s best for guys who want to be completely hairless all the time.

Why do guys get waxed?

There are a few reasons why guys turn to wax, including but not limited to:

They want to be more hygienic: Waxing gets rid of all hair, including the hair that grows in and out of the skin. So, while shaving just removes hair from the surface, waxing removes that hair and everything else, too.

They want to be smoother: Most guys have a few areas on their bodies where they have coarse hair that won’t grow any smaller. Waxing these areas smooths out the texture of your skin, which is especially noticeable on the legs and arms.

They want to be hair-free: While some guys want to maintain their leg hair and just want it to be shorter, others are completely hairless and want their leg hair completely off.

Waxing is a good form of self-care: As men, we often wear our busy lives on our sleeves. Whether we’re at work or at home, there’s a lot of anxiety that goes into being a man. Getting a wax is a great way for guys to treat themselves and take some time for themselves.

How to prep for a Brazilian wax

It’s super important to prep for a wax before your appointment to make sure that you get the best results.

Make sure that you’re clean: When you wax, the aesthetician will be removing hair from your entire body. That means that you have to make sure that every inch is as clean as possible.

Don’t shave first: If you’re getting a wax, don’t shave right before your appointment. This can cause ingrown hairs and leave you with imperfections.

Let your hair grow out: Make sure to give yourself enough time to let your hair grow out. If you’re getting a wax, you should have about a quarter-inch of hair on your skin.

The actual waxing process

The actual waxing process isn’t as painful as you might think. Aestheticians use warm wax that is applied to the skin and then quickly yanked off, removing the hair at the same time. It’s messy, though, so you may want to wear an old pair of pants or put a towel down. How long does the waxing process take?

On average, most guys’ full-leg wax appointments take about 45 minutes to an hour. If you’re getting wax on your back or torso, it will take a bit longer. Your aesthetician will let you know how long the appointment will take and what to expect.

Aftercare advice

After your wax, make sure to keep the area clean: You don’t need to wash the area, but make sure that you clean it with a washcloth and warm water. It’s also good to apply a little witch hazel to the area to keep it feeling fresh.

Air the area out: Let your skin air out a bit after your wax. Make sure that you don’t put on jeans or pants immediately after your wax.

Consider using a loofah or scrub: If you wax regularly, you should consider using a loofah or scrub on the area once or twice a week.

Avoid lotions and oils: While you may want to use lotions and oils on your skin, avoid using them in the areas where you recently waxed.

Don’t use retinol until the hair grows back: Since retinol is a vitamin A product, it can cause irritation if you use it on freshly waxed skin.

Bottom line

There are a lot of misconceptions about waxing, especially when it comes to waxing for men. But as long as you prepare for your appointment, know what to expect, and follow aftercare advice, you should have a pleasant experience. If you’re thinking about getting a Brazilian, you will not regret it. Not only will you feel more confident, but you’ll also save a ton of time during your grooming routine.