Male Body Waxing

Why do guys get waxed?

Male body waxing has increased in popularity in recent years for many reasons including:

  • A hair-free body feels cleaner and more hygienic
  • Reduced body odour, particularly in summer
  • Sports-related benefits for swimmers, athletes and cyclists
  • Improved appearance and enhanced muscle definition
  • Increased self-confidence
  • Partners prefer the smooth look
  • Waxing of intimate areas heightens sensitivity

Unlike shaving and hair removal creams, waxing removes hair by the root. This means it takes longer to grow back and re-growth is noticeably softer and sparser, meaning no itchy stubble !

What is waxing?

Waxing is a method of epilation i.e. a temporary removal of hairs from the body. At Greater London Therapies we use a combination of soft wax (efficient for larger areas) and hard wax (for more sensitive and smaller areas).

We use only the highest quality soft and hard waxes from the French company Perron Rigot which has more than 30 years of innovation and 20 years of patents behind them.

Soft wax is warmed in a professional wax heater and then applied in a thin layer using a spatula. A paper strip is then pressed into the wax and removed quickly, leaving fresh hair-free skin.

Hard wax is applied similarly, but a little thicker and then allowed to harden for a few seconds before being removed.

What does the waxing procedure actually involve?

The key steps in waxing an area of the body are as follows:

  • Cleanse: the area to be waxed to ensure the hair to be removed is free from natural oils so that the wax can get a good grip
  • Barrier: a light oil is applied to prevent the wax from sticking to the skin
  • Wax: is applied in the direction of hair growth. Steve uses a combination of soft wax (removed with paper strips) and hard wax (which sets on the skin and is peeled off by hand) for the most effective and comfortable treatment possible
  • Strip: if appropriate, a paper strip is firmly rubbed on the waxed area
  • Remove: the wax, (strip), and hair against the direction of hair growth
  • Pressure: some gentle pressure will be applied to the skin for a second or two to quieten the nerves and to soothe the recently waxed area
  • Oil: after oil is applied to clear any traces of wax
  • Cleanse: the newly hair-free skin
  • Lotion: a combination of lotion and gel is applied to keep the skin clean and to care for the skin after you've left the treatment room

Does waxing hurt?

Any discomfort is momentary (we're talking a second or two) but Steve has been trained to minimise that brief discomfort. The good news is that waxing gets easier with each subsequent appointment. Some people have said that it is helpful to take a pain killer such as paracetamol before a waxing treatment.

Will it feel uncomfortable afterwards?

Some slight soreness and redness are common temporary reactions, particularly after the first waxing treatment. These normally subside within a few hours, and many people find that regular waxing results in less irritation. It is not unusual for a few pimples to appear after a first-time chest or back wax so in order to soothe and protect the skin we recommend applying an antiseptic cream to the affected area.

Are there any conditions that will prevent me from getting waxed?

Contagious skin conditions will prevent us from waxing the affected area until the condition has completely cleared.

Clients taking Roaccutane must wait 6 months after finishing their medication before receiving a waxing treatment.

We are unable to remove hair from skin that is sunburnt, chafed or broken.

We cannot wax skin that has been treated with steroid creams, Retin-A, Differin or other retinoid acne products within the last 3 months.

Waxing is not possible if you have a condition requiring medical attention, e.g. an STI or a UTI. Our best advice is to seek medical attention and treatment prior to booking any waxing appointment. If it is an STI a waxing treatment may be possible but only with your doctor's written permission.

I have a special occasion coming up e.g. a holiday - can I get a waxing treatment?

We do not recommend having your first wax immediately before a special occasion or holiday as the treated area may look and feel a little sore afterwards. For best results you should allow for at least 2 treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart and then give yourself a further 2-3 days before the occasion for things to settle down.

Do I need to decide what I want waxed at the time of booking?

When you book you should inform Steve the areas of the body that you want to be waxed. This is so he can allocate the right amount of time in the diary. If on the day of your appointment you decide you want another or additional area of the body to be waxed this is subject to Steve's availability and you should be aware that it may be necessary to book a further appointment for you.

How should I prepare for my treatment?

Please arrive a few minutes before your appointment ideally freshly showered. Don't worry if this is not possible as you will be provided with some wipes to use privately before your treatment.

Exfoliate your skin gently in the treatment area with a clean loofah or mitt for a couple of days beforehand. This helps remove any dead skin and helps lift the hairs ready for removal.

Do not shave or use hair removal creams (e.g. Veet) on the area for at least 3 weeks prior to your appointment, as hair needs to be a minimum of 0.5 cm long in order to wax successfully. If your hair is longer or just natural then please don't clipper or shave in advance - Steve will do whatever is necessary.

If you are already getting waxed on a regular basis, you will need to leave at least 4 weeks between treatments.

If you're having your back or chest waxed it's best to wear a clean loose-fitting t-shirt, for legs loose trousers are ideal and for all intimate waxing clean cotton underwear is best.

How long will the treatment take?

It depends on the area of the body being waxed and the length and quantity of hair to be removed. Sometimes time is required to clipper the hair to the necessary length (0.5 - 1cm) for waxing. Extra time is allowed for new clients so that you don't feel rushed, but it's also worth knowing that waxing gets quicker and easier the more regularly you have treatments.

I'm worried about being naked or becoming aroused

Don't panic! We understand that you may be feeling anxious and self-conscious but remember that we are providing a professional hair removal service and our top priority is to make you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

Some clients experience temporary physical arousal in response to the manipulation of their genitals. There is no need to be embarrassed if this happens - it is a physiological response and it usually subsides fairly rapidly. Customers are advised, however, that inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.

How should I care for my skin afterwards?

  • Avoid heat and friction for at least 24 hours after your appointment
  • No hot baths or showers (washing with cool or lukewarm water is fine)
  • No swimming, sunbathing, saunas, hot tubs or steam rooms
  • Avoid exercise
  • Avoid tight clothing that might cause excessive skin rubbing
  • Avoid the use of fragranced body lotions or sprays

We recommend applying an antiseptic cream (available from your therapist) to the freshly waxed area regularly for 3 days, to soothe and protect the skin. To help prevent ingrown hairs, scrub with a loofah or exfoliating mitt 3 times a week in the bath or shower, then follow with a light slick of moisturiser.

Click here for our complete Male Waxing Aftercare Advice

Can I book a massage, spray tan or sunbed after my wax?

Depending on the area waxed we generally advise first time customers to wait a day or so before having a massage.

You must leave at least 24 hours before tanning, which includes fake tanning and the use of UV sunbeds.

How long will the results last?

This varies from person to person. Unlike shaving or hair removal creams, waxing removes hair by the root, thereby avoiding the discomfort of itchy re-growth stubble. In addition, your hair will grow back slower, softer and sparser.

Normally it takes 3 or 4 appointments spaced evenly apart (ideally every 4 to 5 weeks) to get on a hair growth cycle that gives best results.

How much does it cost?

Our pricing structure is flexible in that we adjust our prices according to the amount of hair you have and how much of it you want removed. Less hair means less time and less wax to remove it = less money.

Click here for full details of our pricing

Do you offer home visits?

No, we are unable to offer home visits.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours before the appointment. Thereafter the full cost of the treatment is due and payable.

How can I pay for my waxing treatment?

Payments can be made by credit/debit cards or by cash. We are unable to accept cheques.

Are my personal details (including medical history) kept confidential?

Yes. All information collected at your pre-therapy assessment is for the purposes of your massage treatments only and is not shared with any third parties.

Are you qualified and insured to perform waxing treatments?

Steve trained at Axiom Bodyworks, the UK's leading training provider for male waxing and he is insured as part of his overall massage insurance arranged through the Institute of Sport and Remedial Massage.