The Male Waxing & Shaving Blog

Just when you thought you couldn’t get any more metal into a razor it turns out you can! In American ShaveMate have just launched their Titan 6 … the first razor to include 6 blades!

With each new razor comes more blades. With each one the claims of a smoother, closer shave with less irritation make it better then anything we’ve had before. Surely more is better? Personally I don’t think so, the closest, smoothest and best shaves I’ve had and seen have all be done with a single straight-edge razor. Just to check I picked up the razor earlier to count the blades: One.

There is going to become a time when ShaveMate, Gillette, Schick / Wilkinson Sword won’t be able to fit anymore blades into a disposable head. What will they do then? They’ve spent millions on telling us with each additional blade comes a better shave … can they really turn around and say “oops, sorry guys turns out we were wrong … this new razor with less blades is even better!”

There are some interesting quotes from Mark Sproston of Shave Doctor in this post in the Seattle Times and this one in the Washington Post. Mark has surveyed approximately 14,000 men on their shaving habits so has learnt a thing or two along the way.

In the article he says that multi blade razors peaked at three, and I agree – personally I only use a three blade disposable for everyday shaving. The only difference I notice about those with more blades … they cost more.

I was recently asked for some advice with regards Chest waxing by someone who regularly shaves their chest and finds they have a lot of acne outbreaks. They actually live in Chicago so not really a potential client – so if you are looking for some advice on getting waxing done near you this may be of interest.

The chest can be one of the most painful areas to be waxed … more so then the infamous back, sack & crack in a lot of cases, though many think it won’t be as bad as nose hair.

To get it done well, with the least discomfort and for the best result you should get all waxing done by a professional! Too many of my own clients have tried home waxing and tell tales of horror. Stories of two hours of agony for a back wax is not uncommon. For reference it takes me less them half an hour to do a back and shoulders.

One of the big influences in client comfort when it comes to male waxing is hair length. If the hairs are too long the wax won’t grip properly, it will just tug at the hairs and then break them rather then remove them. For a first time wax check that the therapist trims the hair down first if it needs it – I always trim to a grade 2 clipper length (6mm) before waxing. And recommend clients return when their hair reaches that length.

When looking for a waxing Salon, ask them which wax they use. There are so many on the market with big differences in price and quality, the better the wax the better the experience. I now use Perron Rigot waxes exclusively (often called Ceripil in the USA) which I believe are the best waxes you can get. Another excellent brand I recommend is Berins (see the UK and USA sites). The cheaper waxes sometimes aren’t as effective as removing the hairs, and often do have the new styles of hot / non-strip wax that make a real difference to waxing sensitive / tough hair areas.

For a first time waxing don’t be surprised if you get acne afterwards, this is quite common on a chest wax. With repeat waxing it will get less and after two or three most don’t get it. But it is better than shaving – no stubble or itching.

Post waxing highly recommend a good Tea Tree based skin wash and lotion to keep the area clean and free of bacteria etc which can cause acne.

Finally, you can see my full aftercare advice on my website here: www.waxingforguys.co.uk/aftercare

Perron Rigot, manufacturer of all the waxes I use for my treatments have recently launched a new product. This new non-strip wax is part of their hypo-allergenic range, and is also great for working in warm treatment rooms as it sets super quick.

A creamy non-strip wax that delivers outstanding results on all skin and hair types. The natural colophony (rosin) found in most other waxes has been replaced with a synthetic resin, offering exceptional tolerance for even the most reactive of skins. Non-fragranced and colorant-free, this new wax melts at a low temperature for increased client comfort on all parts of the face and body. Cirépil Pure’s fast-setting formula makes it an ideal choice for hot and humid summer weather, and where speed is of the essence.

Features & Benefits

1. Rosin-free, hypoallergenic formula.
2. Non-fragranced and colorant-free.
3. Melts at a low temperature for increased client comfort.
4. Fast-setting – ideal for hot and humid summer weather.
5. Easy to use – applied in economical single layers, in the direction of hair growth.
6. Contains elastomers – wax stays flexible as it dries and will not break during removal.
7. Ideal for fragile and reactive skins, and for sensitive areas such as the face, underarms and bikini line.

Recommended Use

1. Cleanse the area to be waxed with Blue Lotion or Eau de Cristal Lotion.
2. Apply a few drops of Jasmine, Pearlescent or Natural Moistursing Oil.
3. Apply wax in fine, single layers in the direction of hair growth and allow to dry.
4. Once fully set (30-60 seconds), lift a corner of wax and remove in the opposite direction to application.
5. Follow with Blue Lotion or Eau de Cristal to cleanse and cool.
6. Finish with a gentle massage using Refreshing Gel or Moisturising Milk to calm and nourish the skin.

For more information about Perron Rigot waxes, see their website or request a product catalogue from Thalgo on 020 7512 0872.

I’d like to introduce you one of my favourite and most popular products … Australian Bodycare Hand & Body Lotion. I introduced this fantastic range of products this year as the perfect aftercare product range.

I now use the range every day in all my waxing treatments, and the Hand & Body lotion is the perfect after wax lotion. It is a a gentle non-greasy water based lotion that is suitable for all skin types. Used every day it works as a great fast and effective hygienic skincare lotion to help maintain soft supple skin. It has a fantastic cooling effect on the skin which makes it very popular when used in treatments. The antibacterial effect of the tea tree helps to prevent acne, keep pores clear and aids the prevention of ingrown hairs.

Tea Tree Oil is a natural essential oil steam extracted from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree grown in Australia. It is well known for its natural antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. Hand & Body Lotion contains 5% tea tree oil which gives it a light fresh & clean aroma.

Australian Bodycare only use Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil) which out of the 110 different varieties of Tea Tree Oil has been proven to contain the most beneficial natural properties for healthy skin and hair.

That’s right! You will soon be able to learn the art of Male Waxing with me! Details of the courses are being finalised, but I’m really excited about them and you’ll see the dates and more information announced here in good time.

Wax on!

I’m having a long weekend away and am very busy with appointments, and as a consequence I am now not able to take any further bookings for before 8th June. If you wish to make an appointment for after that date please get in touch.

My apologies for the inconvenience this may cause you.
Mat

Just to say that in the coming weeks I will making some announcements about how you can save money on your regular waxing with Waxing for Guys. And I will also be adding a new treatment to the menu … keep popping by to find out what it is!

The Carlton Institute has added a new hair removal course to its list of training available at its training centres across the country. This new technique – the Alexandria Body Sugaring method is fronted by Lina Kennedy who is president of Alexandria Professional, and known as the ‘Sugar Queen’ in Hollywood circles.

Using the Alexandria Professional™ painlessly extracts hair in its natural direction of growth and does so when the hair is still in the early growth stage, eliminating breakage, unnecessary discomfort, irritation and ingrown hairs while exfoliating dry skin cells. The result is smooth, beautiful skin without the discomforts of other hair removal techniques.

After searching and trying various products from different suppliers I have taken on a new range of superb skincare products from Australian Bodycare. The name is Australian, but the products are made here in the UK … the Tea Tree Oil that is used in the products comes from Australia. Grown in New South Wales, the Melaleuca alternifolia tree is the one one of the 110 species from which this unique natural oil can be extracted. The oil is distilled under high pressure steam within one hour of harvest!

I am now using these products in all waxing treatments, starting off using the wet wipes as a pre-cleanser for treatments, then using the Hand & Body Lotion as my afterwax of choice. This is great for cooling and soothing the skin immediately after waxing, ongoing it helps keep the skin nourished and soft and can help prevent ingrown hairs.

After each treatment I also offer clients a small sachet of Skin Wash to use as a shower gel for their first shower. This helps to continue soothing the skin, and the antiseptic properties can help to prevent acne and any infection of the hair folicles. For chest and intimate waxing I also include a sachet of the Hand & Body Lotion to use the following day.

And finally just to ensure everything is covered, for underarm waxing I have small sachets of Tea Tree based deodorant that is available that can be applied immediately after waxing. Particularly useful if you are off out or to a meeting later that day.

I also recommend that to get the best, longest lasting results from a waxing that clients continue to use the products at home. The Hand & Body Lotion is available in 150ml and 250ml bottles, and the Skin Wash in 250ml pump bottles. The Deodorant comes in a tube with roller applicator so it is always ready when you are and is very easy to apply. Click here out more about the Australian Bodycare range.

For a good few years now Hive of Beauty have had a range of waxing products specifically for men … Wax 4 Men. The range consists of a warm wax, roller wax and hot film wax for intimate areas.

And of course my wax non-strip of choice is also available – Cirepil Homme from the French manufacturer Perron Rigot, along with a roller version … not sure why they don’t do it as a warm wax.

But until now no other companies have really specifically targeted the male waxing market. This week I took delivery of the latest edition of the Ellisons Beauty Buyers Guide. And they have launched this year “Wax Master Wax for Men”, or (and I love the abbreviation) “Man Wax”. They describe it as:

A high grade premium wax specifically formulated for use on male clients. Distinctively Masculine in appearance ‘Man Wax’ is specially formulated with an increased viscosity for greater adherence enabling wax to grip the hair at its base to deliver optimum waxing performance. Suitable for all parts of the body.

I’ve not used it, infact I’ve not used any of the Wax Master waxes so really can’t comment on their quality but it is good to see one of the largest suppliers in the market taking male clients seriously. Hopefully they have also reviewed how they treat male therapists looking for training in basic waxing in their Training Academy.

If you have used it I’d love to hear your comments about it Man Wax.