Hair removal for men is, to put it lightly, a touchy service. Whether that’s the gym or in private places, technicians can ensure that male clients can go out with smooth confidence. Here’s how to finesse it. 

Be Sensitive

For areas that are prone to sensitivity, including the chest and groin, Elham Jazab, global educator for American International Industries and esthetician at Cellulite Solution and Skin Care in Beverly Hills, Calif., always reaches for a flexible hard wax that adheres to hair rather than skin, and does not lift. “I like to sandwich the hair in wax, and spread on the wax against and with the hair growth direction to get a good grip on the hair,” she says. “I always clean skin and applying a talc powder that absorbs moisture to prep the area, and use an oil, like GiGi Pre-Epilating Oil to form a cushion to protect the skin from contact with the wax.”

Keep It Quick

Brenda Skermont, also an educator for American International Industries and wax technician at Sassy Hair Nails Skin in Rockford, Ill. will tackle the sensitive areas last. “Once I started waxing the abdomen and halfway through, my client asked me to stop,” Skermont recalls. She recommends trimming down the hair to no longer than 1.5-inch, using smaller strips and working quickly. For the back, arms and legs that are less sensitive, strip wax is an efficient way to complete the service. “I like to use Clean and Easy Tea Tree Cream Wax because the tea tree oil is antibacterial and a natural anesthetic that desensitizes the skin and there’s less chance of inflammation,” says Skermont.

A Comfortable Brazilian

Just like with any service, Skermont suggests keeping it cool, calm and professional. “If you explain to him what’s going to happen, that will put him at ease. I always do a consultation before we begin.” This is also a good time to give male clients the option to wear drapes or towels or see if they’re comfortable disrobing from the waist down. “Your first touch will put clients at ease or make them uncomfortable,” says Skermont. “It’s important to give a firm, confident touch, not a tentative one, so that he knows you know what you’re doing. This will allow him to be comfortable.”