While much of the prep and service may be gender-neutral, certain elements of male waxing require a specific approach – here are 10 expert tips.
1. Attracting male clients: how to get the message out
To attract men into your salon in the first place, it’s important they know what to expect from a wax.
“Not all male clients will assume a salon would provide 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. Take the mystery out by providing a short description of different treatments. This will also save clients from any embarrassment of having to ask uncomfortable questions when visiting the salon.”
Andy Rouillard, owner of Axiom Wax Academy in Basingstoke and Salon System ambassador, agrees, adding, “Whether you pop a few words of advice up on your website or social media; send some tips by email or text alongside appointment confirmations; or run through them over the phone when a customer rings to make an appointment, pick a way that works for you, and I guarantee you will notice the difference.”
2. Waxing timing: importance of planning ahead
Many customers will be desperate to be hair-free for an upcoming summer event, but Rouillard advises reminding clients it’s never a good idea to book a wax immediately before a special occasion.
“Clients should avoid the sun, steam and vigorous exercise for one to two days after waxing,” he adds.
“This is especially true for newbie waxers: nobody wants to be sat on a plane or saying their wedding vows with a back or bikini line that was waxed for the first time only yesterday. Encourage them to plan ahead and book at least a couple of waxes in before a big day to get their skin used to the process.”
3. Skin preparation for waxing: smooth skin prep tips
Men can be more prone to ingrown hairs than women. “Gentle exfoliation helps slough off the dead skin cells and lifts the hair for better waxing results. Ideally, male customers should be doing this on a regular basis between appointments to keep those pesky ingrowns at bay,” advises Rouillard.
“Encourage clients to shower prior to their wax appointments,” adds Kelly McDougall, educator for Wax:One. “Clean skin ensures better wax adhesion and minimises the risk of irritation or infection post-wax.”
4. Pre-wax protocol for men: educating shaving converts
If men have been shaving for years before embracing the wax pot, they may not be fully au fait with the pre-wax protocol.
It’s a good idea, when booking them in, to make sure they know they need to grow their hair out for a minimum of three weeks after shaving or using hair removal cream.
“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, it’s worth letting new clients know they are likely to experience some 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 spikey blighters out, so forewarning a customer can make a big difference in avoiding disappointment.”
5. Comfortable clothing for waxing: the right fit matters
“If getting the upper body waxed, a clean t-shirt can prevent irritation and allow the skin to breathe,” explains McDougall.
Rouillard suggests asking male clients to bring a clean cotton t-shirt with them to change into after their treatment, “especially in hot sunny weather or if he is coming to you straight from work in a collar and tie”.
For intimate waxing, Rouillard adds, “Encourage your customers to skip the posh pants for any below-the-belt appointments, as that skin-hugging fabric is only going to rub in all the wrong places.”
6. Choosing the right wax products for male clients
“The majority of male clients are likely to have 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 strip they use. Strips that are slightly longer than standard will provide more coverage, proving to be more economical, and the additional length also helps create a smoother action for the therapist.”
7. Waxing technique tips: stretch and pressure for comfort
Performing male intimate waxing treatments can be nerve-wracking for less experienced therapists, but McDougall says the key is to be gentle yet firm when applying pressure in sensitive areas.
“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 advises. “Instead, use the back of a gloved hand to gently apply the product.”
Stretching is also crucial, as McDougall explains, “Prioritise stretching the skin, especially in sensitive areas like the groin. Good firm stretching helps to reduce discomfort and ensures thorough hair removal.”
8. Fair pricing strategies for male waxing services
While we all advocate for equality, some salons choose to price their services based on time and product consumption, meaning costs could vary depending on the client.
“A full leg wax on a male client, for example, is likely to take much more time and effort than a female client, simply due to leg size and volume and thickness of hair,” advises Priest.
“Offering some free treatments to potential male clients will help therapists to gauge how much wax they have to use, how much time different treatments take, as well as how many consumables such as wax strips they use.”
9. Post-wax care: don't forget the SPF for skin protection
Male clients may be less used to a daily SPF ritual than women, so remind them that good UV protection is important after waxing any exposed area of the body, particularly as we move into summer.
“Freshly waxed skin is more sun-sensitive, bringing with it an increased risk of sunburn and hyper-pigmentation,” adds Rouillard. “Remind clients to avoid tanning for at least a couple of days after their appointment and to slather on the sun cream whenever they do venture outside.”
10. Professional communication in male waxing treatments
There’s no denying that intimate waxing can sometimes cause embarrassment, and for therapists who are used to treating women, the first few male intimate treatments can be intimidating, but it’s important to portray yourself as the professional you are, advises Priest.
“Be confident in yourself; discuss the treatment thoroughly with your client, and use proper anatomical names. If you’re embarrassed, imagine what the client is feeling.”
This article was originally published in the May 2024 issue of Professional Beauty magazine.
