Top tips for WAXING MEN

Get the message out

To attract men into your salon in the first place, it’s important they know you are offering a male waxing service, and that waxing is suitable for them. “Waxing isn’t just for women,” says Suzanne Egan, Italwax educator and owner of Suzanne Egan Academy in Dublin. “Whether for hygiene, aesthetics or sports performance purposes, more men are opting for professional waxing as their preferred hair removal method, and benefitting from smooth, long-lasting results.”

“Not all male clients will assume a salon is providing waxing services designed for men, so reach out to the market and let them know what you can offer,” advises Becky Priest, waxing educator and ambassador for Hive of Beauty. “Don’t assume your prospective new client knows exactly what he wants or what a treatment entails. Remove the mystery by providing a short description of different treatments. This will also save clients from having to ask uncomfortable questions.”

Time the treatment

Some clients might want to be hair-free for an upcoming summer event, but it’s never a good idea to book a wax immediately before a special occasion, according to Andy Rouillard, Salon System ambassador and owner of Axiom Wax Academy in Basingstoke in the UK. “This is especially true for newbie waxers – nobody wants to be on a plane or saying their wedding vows with a back that was waxed for the first time the previous day. Encourage clients to plan ahead and book at least a couple of waxes in before a big day to get their skin used to the process.”

“They should also avoid sun exposure or tanning beds for 24-48 hours before and after waxing, as the skin will be more sensitive,” says Ellen Kavanagh Jones, waxing educator and owner of Waxperts. “And they should avoid heavy exercise beforehand, as increased body temperature can affect skin sensitivity.”

Smooth skin prep

Male clients should prepare their skin for a waxing treatment. “The hair should be at least a quarter of an inch long for the wax to grip effectively,” explains Egan. “They should exfoliate one to two days in advance to remove dead skin and help lift hairs. And they should avoid lotions and oils on the day of the appointment, as they can create a barrier that prevents the wax from adhering properly.

‘Not all male clients will assume a salon is providing waxing services designed for men, so reach out to the market and let them know what you can offer’

“Exfoliation is important because men’s hair is often thicker and coarser, making them more prone to ingrown hairs. Regular exfoliation two to three times per week helps lift trapped hairs, remove dead skin and improve overall waxing results. Proper exfoliation also allows professional waxes to work more effectively by ensuring a smoother removal process.”

“Male clients should also shower prior to their wax appointment,” says Kelly McDougall, educator for Wax:One. “Clean skin ensures better wax adhesion, and minimises the risk of irritation or infection post-wax.”

Educate the shaving converts

If men have been shaving for years, make sure they know they need to grow their hair out for a minimum of three weeks before waxing. “A good point of reference for clients is to imagine a grain of rice; this is how long hair needs to be for successful waxing – any shorter and results are going to be patchy,” says Rouillard.

“Even after three weeks, some may experience early regrowth if they’ve been a hardcore shaver up until now. This isn’t hair that you’ve missed, but hair that was shaved in the recent past and is still growing through. It’s going to take a few appointments to get all of those spiky blighters out, so forewarning a client can make a big difference when it comes to avoiding disappointment.”

“They should also avoid shaving or using hair removal creams between sessions, as this disrupts the hair growth cycle,” adds Egan. “And they should continue to exfoliate regularly to help prevent ingrown hairs and improve hair removal efficiency. Following these steps ensures a more effective treatment, less discomfort and finer regrowth over time.”

Pick your product

“With the majority of male clients having thicker, coarser hair than female clients, it is essential that you have the correct product to ensure the treatment is effective,” says Priest. “The action of waxing large areas of coarse hair can be a time-consuming and tiring procedure, both for the therapist and client. To ensure both are as comfortable as possible, therapists should experiment with the type of wax strips they use. Strips that are slightly longer than standard will provide more coverage, and the additional length helps to create a smoother action for the therapist.”

“A stronger, yet flexible wax will ensure effective removal, without excessive discomfort,” says Egan. “Using the right wax helps to reduce discomfort for the client, ensure complete hair removal and speed up the treatment process.”

Getting intimate

Performing male intimate waxing treatments can be nerve-wracking for less experienced therapists. The key is to be gentle, yet firm when applying pressure in sensitive areas, advises McDougall.

“Applying excessive pressure can cause discomfort. However, too light a touch in sensitive areas can potentially lead to embarrassment for the client.”

When applying post-wax products, avoid stroking the area directly, she says. “Instead, use the back of a gloved hand to gently apply the product.”

Stretching is also crucial, she adds. “Prioritise stretching the skin, especially in sensitive areas like the groin. Good firm stretching helps to reduce discomfort and ensures thorough hair removal.”

“For intimate waxing treatments, encourage your clients to skip the tight pants, as that skin-hugging fabric is only going to rub in all the wrong places,” says Rouillard.

Facial focus

While body waxing is popular for male clients, many don’t realise facial waxing is an option too. “Facial waxing provides a long-lasting, well-groomed appearance, with minimal maintenance,” says Egan. “An eyebrow wax will shape and tidy unruly brows, a nose wax can remove coarse and hard-to-reach hairs and a beard line wax is good for defining edges. Facial waxing is an excellent alternative to shaving, helping to reduce irritation and ingrown hairs while providing a smooth, polished finish.”

Price matters 

While we all advocate for equality, some salons choose to price up their services based on time and product consumption. “Men often have thicker, denser hair and larger areas to cover than women, meaning the treatment involves more product usage and time,”says Kavanagh. “Create a separate male waxing menu or clearly indicate pricing differences on your existing menu. Consider offering package deals for multiple areas or recurring appointments. Be transparent with your pricing, and explain why there is a difference in price. Clear communication is essential for male waxing clients, especially first-timers.”

‘Facial waxing is an excellent alternative to shaving, helping to reduce irritation and ingrown hairs while providing a smooth, polished finish’