Here's What Goes Down During a Men's Bikini Wax

Plus, how to prepare.

Waxed man in speedo diving into a pool
John Cumming/Photodisc/Getty Images

Getting groomed down there is something that historically has only been spoken about for a female audience, but we know that pubic hair removal is non-gender-specific and is a personal preference. To shine light on the male experience, we're goin to talk about men's bikini waxing.

That's right, it's completely normal for men to be curious about man-scaping beyond using a trimmer or razor. Some of male-bodied people who shave their pubic regions want to avoid the itchy and uncomfortable "five o'clock shadow" that develops down there—not to mention the discomfort that comes with stubble as it grows in. Now, many are opting to go for longer-lasting solutions such as waxing. The effects last longer and, with time and consistency, the pubic hair will grow back softer, thinner, and slower.

So, if you have male genitalia and are curious to learn about the world of the "Brazilian" wax, we've got you covered. Below, we've outlined everything you need to know about getting a male bikini wax including what happens during treatment and how to care for the area post-wax.

Meet the Expert

What to Know Before Your First Wax

If it's your first time getting a professional wax, you should know a few things before showing up. Obviously, the most important thing is finding a waxing center that's well-versed in waxing male genitalia. Many establishments will list on their websites whether or not they offer this service, but if they don't, it's worth giving them a call to confirm. After all, you are dealing with very sensitive areas and you want to trust them with someone who will make the experience as pain-free and quick as possible.

How to Prep For Your Wax:

"You should have ¼ in of hair growth, which is equivalent to about 10-14 days of hair growth without shaving," says Conner. Conversely, if you've "let it go" down there and it seems out of control, don't worry. The esthetician will trim any excessively long hairs before the removal process.

Then, two-three days before your appointment, she says people should exfoliate the area to remove any excess dry skin and buff away bumpy texture. This will also help loosen up any superficial ingrown hairs so they're easier to remove during the treatment.

Lastly, it's important to consider your pain tolerance. If it's your first time, it may be worth erring on the side of caution and take precautionary action. For this, Conner recommends avoiding any caffeine and taking a Tylenol/ibuprofen one-two hours prior to the service. Also, make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing to prevent unnecessary friction.

What Will Happen Once You Arrive:

Once you're in the treatment area, you will be asked to remove your pants and underwear. Depending on how much hair you want to remove, you may be offered a disposable thong to wear during the treatment.

Then, Conner says you'll climb on to the waxing bed and lay on your back with your legs in a butterfly position to give your technician the visibility they need for the service. "The waxer will begin waxing in the bikini line, then move to the pubic mound and scrotum area," furthers Conner. "While the waxing is taking place your waxer may ask for your assistance in holding the skin taut, the more taut the skin the less pain you will experience during the service."

If you're doing a full Brazilian, there's still a bit more that's involved. "You will flip over onto your stomach, put one hand on each side of the butt cheeks and pull them apart. This is when the waxer will wax your butt strips area, this consists of two-four strips of wax," shares Conner.

After you are as bare as you want to be, your waxing technician will apply soothing lotions that contain aloe vera, like EWC's Aloe Body Lotion ($16.50) to lessen the pain. Your technician will then present you with a mirror, to view the result and give approval, as well as check for any stray hairs. If you don't like something, speak up. You're paying for a service, after all.

Types of Wax:

During the actual waxing, your technician may use one of several types of wax. For example, it may involve spreading hot wax on the area where you want hair removed, attaching a strip to the wax, and then pulling the strip and the wax off. This removes all the hair, down to bare skin. That said, technicians often use hard wax for sensitive areas (which does not involve a strip). A pre-waxing oil also allows the wax to shrink-wrap around the hair and not attack the skin. This is a less painful option.

Do Male Bikini Waxes Hurt?

Yes, but the pain probably isn't as bad as you think it is—especially if you're with an experienced technician who works quickly. It will hurt the most when the strip is pulled off, especially if you have sensitive skin or a low pain tolerance. After that, you may feel a burning sensation for a few seconds before it fades. However, know that it does tend to get easier and less painful with each appointment.

Post-Wax Tips:

Immediately after your waxing session, you'll want to be gentle with the are as it'll still be sensitive. "24-48 hrs. after your wax, avoid any heavy sun exposure and exfoliating the skin since waxing does exfoliate the top layer of skin," furthers Conner. "After that time you will want to exfoliate the skin two-three times a week, use a serum to treat/prevent ingrown hairs, and moisturize your skin daily."

How Long Will Results Last?

Conner recommends waxing every month, spacing out each session every three to four weeks. "Since hair grows in three different stages, it takes about three-four consistent waxes to get your cleanest and smoothest wax, but once you are consistent you can expect about a week and a half to two weeks without any hair and the last week and a half to two weeks the hair will grow in just enough to be waxed at your upcoming wax reservation," she adds.

The Bottom Line:

After this, you're done, and can go about your usual activities. Make sure to listen to your technician's instructions on aftercare. And remember, If this is new for you, treat your "Brazilianed" bikini like you would any other haircut. Try it out for a few days and then decide if you like it. Luckily, hair grows back.

 

Related Stories