And they have built up a great reputation and loyal following, but why am I talking about a spa for pregnant and new mums on a blog dedicated to male waxing and other forms of hair removal for guys? Well it turns out that the mums wanted it for their husbands and boyfriends.

“We introduced back waxing because one mum came to our monthly focus group and pleaded with us to introduce it so her husband could have it. I asked the therapists if they could do it and they could so that was easy,” says Karen Hastings, owner and founder of Cupcake.

And so, after a change meeting with Gentlemen’s Tonic owner, Olivier Bonnefoy, the two companies are now getting together to offer a range of male treatments with Gentlemen’s Tonic training the Cupcake therapists in their range of signature treatments.

Here is my quick guide to using a Shaving Brush:

1. Rinse or wash your face to begin with, using water as hot as you can comfortably bare – or shave right out of the shower
2. Dip your brush into the hot water – just a second or two is fine, gently shake off any excess
3. Add a pump or squirt of your chosen Shave Creme into a small plastic bowl
4. Then with brisk circular motions build up a lather in the bowl
5. Now using circular motions apply the foam all over the face, scoop the foam out of the bowl using the brush and apply

If needed you can add a little extra water (usually just a few drops does the trick) to build a fresh lather for any touching up work. I usually use a plastic bowl to mix the foam up as its easier and cleaner then getting foam all over your hands – and it is super quick to rinse out.

Once you have finished shaving you must wash the brush out thoroughly with hot water to remove all shave cream and then place it in its stand with the bristles facing down so that the water can drain away. Don’t boil or put your brush in the dishwasher, treat it with love it will be your shave friend for a long time.

Well now you can come along and spend a day with Mathew O’Marah, owner and therapist at Waxing for Guys, and learn from his years experience in waxing the male of the species. The training is very hands on, you will spend as much time as possible during the day waxing a male model while discussing tips and tricks to make it as positive experience for your clients as possible. The course covers A&P recap, trimming hair for those clients who don’t want to go all the way, and waxing. It includes using the latest types of hot non-strip wax for areas such as the Speedo line.

The training is also accredited by the Beauty Guild so you will qualify for CPD points, and will be fully insurable. For more information about our training please get in touch.

One of the most interesting facts for me was the type of business people are running:

• 33% Home Based
• 31% Mobile
• 22% High Street Salon
• 7% Hairdressing and Beauty Salon
• 7% Other

Nearly two thirds of our industry doesn’t have a high-street presence, so while there is demand for the full salon experience this shows that a lot of clients like the privacy of a home based private practice or treatment within their own home.

The three most popular treatments continue to be waxing, facials and massage closely followed by manicures. Waxing also remains the most commonly available treatment with up to 70% of Salons offering some form waxing service, while 66% offer facials and 81% offering manicures. Waxing is still highly sort after, but only just over half that have waxing (36%) also provide Brazilian / intimate waxing services.

Within the survey male waxing and male intimate waxing are two separate treatment categories, and this really shows how the demand for this is growing the figures below show the 2010 availability with the 2009 ones in brackets:

• Male Waxing: 33% (36%)
• Male Intimate Waxing: 6% (7%)

The number of salons offering this as a percentage has decreased over the past year, but this may because their are more beauty businesses so the market share as dropped but the number of businesses offering these services may well have increased.

But this does go to show, that even with the press coverage on male grooming etc waxing services for men still remains a very niche market, particularly intimate male waxing. So if you own a beauty business should you be offering male waxing? Absolutely – there are many men who want to get rid of their hairy backs, and many clients who are actively looking for a salon to treat them. And to treat them with respect and offer and professional high standard of service. Male intimate waxing is a very specialised treatment, and those salons offering it are building up a very loyal customer base.

So yes, Male Waxing is definitely worth it and with price a increase of 8% from 2009 to 2010, and 11% for intimate waxing it is a very lucrative service to offer in the salon.

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.

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

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 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.

Wax on!

My apologies for the inconvenience this may cause you.
Mat

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.

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.

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.

At the end of my treatment I was discussing some suitable products for my skin with my therapist and she gave me a small brochure outlining the full product range. One of the products was the Skin Balancer: 24 Hour Balancing Complex which has the description below:

A light and non-greasy cream/gel moisturiser which helps to calm and purify oily, congested or combination skin. White thyme, sage and lemon actively work to soothe, cool and correct the effects of skin imbalance leaving your skin feeling clean, smooth and hydrated. Even skin prone to oiliness can become dehydrated, so it is important to use a balancing complex in order to regulate oil production and keep the skin healthy and supple.

Having had this used in my treatment the description really did sound wonderful, and I considered buying it … but at €53 I decided against it. I was looking through the brochure, and in the general (ie for women) section there was another product that looked interesting, a 24 Hour Balancing Complex:

A light moisturising blend of natural skin balancers and antioxidants which calm irritation and rebalance congested skin. Lavendar oil helps to regenerate and repair skin cells, whilst sage oil stimulates blood circulation and tones the skin. Essential oils of chamomile and Vitamin C-rich lemon soothe, purify, nourish and reduce stress. The perfect treatment for purifying oily, combination or slightly dehydrated skin.

Both of these products are a 24 Hour Balancing Complex, but they have just been described very differently to appeal to the different markets. The first would immediately appeal to guys, those with razor burn / irritation would be interested. They may not think so much about toning or reducing skin stress, whereas for women more detail about the individual ingredient benefits. It is a really good example of how to describe products and treatments to appeal to guys.

Another example of this comes from The Shave Doctor products, unlike most shave ranges this doesn’t include a Moisturiser product. Instead it has a product named as a “Moisturazor” as a lot of guys may not like the idea of moisturising but using a product as part of their shaving routine wouldn’t be a problem.

I have always used Hive Options waxes, lately using their Green Tea product. And I’ve always been happy with the wax and the result, but recently I’ve been thinking should I look to change. And so I ordered a tin of Perron Rigot Escential Green Tea. And today I got to try it out for the first time.

This isn’t the first time I’ve tried a Perron Rigot strip wax, I do have a tin of Cristal Ocean available that I use for clients who are allergic to the rosin in most waxes. But I’m not a big fan of I must say, I’ve just never got on with the texture of it for some reason. So was very interested to try a different product from the range.

The first thing to note about this is the cost, it is about 230% more expensive then the Hive wax, so to justify that cost it has to be good … very good!

The wax has a very distinctive fresh grass type of smell to it, and that is no bad thing. There is also a slight glittery shimmer to it that looks very nice, but how it looks and smells aren’t what a wax should be judged on. How does it perform in a treatment.

The first thing you notice about the wax is how thin you can spread it. Not just thin, but really really thin! I was able to cover an entire side of the back with wax before I had to remove it, it doesn’t dry out on the skin … great for speed waxing! Also when it comes off it not only takes every hair with it but it also all comes off so the skin isn’t left feeling sticky. And any little bits left over you can just dab with a strip and they come off easily enough.

So, about that 230% price increase … is it worth it? Definately! When you do a treatment you can see just how much wax you have used from the pot as it goes down. Using this it felt like using a tiny amount of wax to what I am used to, so it lasts longer and goes further! And it is more comfortable for the client.

The 800g tin it comes in can be inserted directly into the heater or it can be warmed slightly and poured into the heater bucket. For my trial I’ve just used it in the tin, I would probably use it in the bucket on a daily basis as it is a bit easier with the scraper bar and its easier to control the temperature.

I’m quite excited about this, sometimes its good to do stuff that’s a bit crazy in the name of a good cause! Waxing for Guys is a Primary Sponsor for the Birmingham Twestival that is taking place at the end of this month!!

On Thursday 25 March 2010, people in hundreds of cities around the world will come together offline to rally around the important cause of Education by hosting local events to have fun and create awareness. Twestival™ (or Twitter Festival) uses social media for social good. All of the local events are organized 100% by volunteers and 100% of all ticket sales and donations go direct to projects.

The event this month is to raise money for the charity Concern.

Concern Worldwide was founded in 1968 to meet the needs of people living in extreme poverty, for whom every day is a fight for survival. Concern is a non-governmental, international, humanitarian organization dedicated to the reduction of suffering and working towards the ultimate elimination of poverty. Their mission is to help people living in extreme poverty achieve major improvements in their lives – improvements they can sustain without ongoing support. Concern meets the needs of these people in a caring and personalized manner, respecting their human and cultural dignity. They are committed to reaching the most vulnerable, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Concern’s work is informed by a vision for change and their education programs target the poorest people in the poorest countries in the world, with particular emphasis on reaching out-of-school children such as girls, orphans, street children, working children, children affected by conflict, children affected by HIV and AIDS, and children with disabilities. Concern’s education programs currently reach over 700,000 people in 25 countries across the regions of Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Please follow @concern on Twitter to get a glimpse of their staff tweeting from around the world; including their efforts on the ground in Haiti.

I’ll post some more details in the coming days. But in the mean time, check out the event website and come along! You could even win a free wax and shave!!

A complete reinvention of the razor, the Schick Hydro results from years of testing and consumer collaboration, making it the most thoroughly researched product in the brand’s 87 year history.

Over this extensive development period, thousands of consumers provided their insights into the shaving experience and their feedback on prototypes, models and technologies. Consumer testers included men and women of all ages, from all walks of life, and with a wide range of sensitivity to adjustments in razor technologies.

“We had conversations with thousands of men, and what we heard, in short, was the shaving experience needed to be refreshed. They told us the potential for irritation kept them from feeling good during their shaves and that they wanted something that would refresh and rejuvenate them,” said Dan Kinton, senior brand manager for Schick. “With Schick Hydro, we knew that if we could create a shaving line that actually made men feel better, we’d be able to return shaving to its rightful place as a refreshing daily ritual. Our goal was to create a razor that gives back the hydration other razors take away.”

Read the full press release or checkout the new website.

It is launching the US in April, and I’m not sure of a UK date yet – but they sell under the Wilkinson Sword brand.

You can now follow Waxing for Guys on Twitter! You’ll automatically get to see when a new item is posted here to the Blog, and we will also post news, stories, and maybe even some giveaways! So if your on Twitter please feel free to follow us. And you can of course become a Fan of Waxing for Guys on Facebook too!

Designed and manufactured in the UK and tipping the scales at 47g, compared to the 17g Azor, the Azor M is perfectly balanced and ideally weighted for maximum control and comfort whilst shaving. The Azor M utilises King of Shaves’ internationally patented “Bendology Technology” flexible hinges which allows the Azor’s head to bend and follow every contour of your face whilst pressing the blades progressively closer onto the skin for a superbly comfortable yet close shave. The unique wishbone shaped head design provides greater visibility when shaving.

The latest addition to the award winning Azor line-up also introduces the new v2 slim blade cartridge, that makes shaving under the nose and other hard to reach places even easier. The tactile handle features side creases for improved dexterity and grip, trim guides for shaping and styling facial hair, a larger skin pre-tensioner (reducing the risk of unwanted nicks and cuts whilst helping to prevent in-growing hairs) and an improved soft-touch cartridge ejection mechanism making it even easier to change blades – not that you will be doing that very often as our Endurium coated blades last longer!

The razor has a RRP of £6.99 with blades costing between £0.81p and £1.25 depending on the pack size. Very competitively priced, and a very different design … so how does it compare? Well this will naturally be a part of the Big Razor Test to compare.

The new range is a collection of three new hypoallergenic products suited to the most sensitive skins, especially formulated to minimize allergy risks.

1. Cirépil Pure non-strip wax; velvety texture, easy to work, exceptionally gentle removal;
2. Alcohol-free Eau de Cristal lotion;
3. Pearlescent Oil; light, fluid texture.

Cirépil Pure, a non-strip wax is rosin free and formulated to minimize allergy risk. A pure white colour without fragrance, this wax is suited to all hair and skin types. Being one of the new generation non-strip waxes it is particularly suited to intimate waxing, underarms etc.

Eau de Cristal Lotion is derived from sea water, cleans and remineralizes fragile and reactive skins. Enriched with aloe vera and olive oil, its soothing and healing action is ideal for dry and sensitive skin. Suitable for use on all parts of the body, and in particular the most sensitive places, it can be used before and after waxing.

The Pearlescent Oil, with its light, fluid texture and formula based on calendula extract (with its healing and softening properties) and coconut oil (which moisturizes and regenerates), is ideal for after-care modelage. Its floral, powdery fragrance, allergen-free, associated with mother-of-pearl, leaves the skin soft and gently fragrant. Use before waxing on cold or dehydrated skins, and after waxing for the finishing touch.

And for those looking for a hypoallergenic strip-wax there is the existing Cirépil Cristal Océan. This wax has a special formula using synthetic resin so it is rosin-free. And for the most sensitive of skin types it is also fragrance-free. This is a very fluid wax that lets you spread a very thin layer very close to the hair root, making removal more gentle and more effective.

The pack of 8 razors cost £3.19, with each razor therefore being a nice 40p each. I must just make a comment about the packaging as I really liked this, they pack is a small plastic bag and to open it you tear a strip off the side. This then reveals a zip-loc style sealer so you can keep all the remaining razors safe and clean inside the packaging. A nice touch I thought.

You start to notice a difference with disposable razors immediately, they are a complete plastic body so feel a lot lighter in the hand. The grip is comfortable, and nice to hold, doesn’t slip around between your fingers and you can still keep a good grip with went hands.

The head on the Blue II Plus consiss of two blades and a very well lubricated strip and is a fixed position. So it doesn’t tilt and move according to the contours of your face … you have to do that yourself. And this is one of the big differences, I found I just nicked the skin a couple of times and felt the blades just scraped the skin in a few areas leading to a little bit of irritation.

The result was quite a close shave, but only because of extra awareness on the second shave. I found that it wasn’t as close as I would like for the first shave, you wouldn’t be able to get away with a single shave with this … and if I did this would have lost a point on the closeness.

Overall, a good enough razor but one that you’d need to stick with to practice a little and get familiar with. I’m not sure it would be too good for those with thicker beards – or how it would cope with a few days more growth.

Scores
Grip: 3
Glide: 3
Closeness: 3
Comfort: 2
Ease of Use: 2
Value for Money: 3

Total Score: 16 / 30

As is the way now for Gillette this will come in the standard and “powered” varieties.

So there you have it, the best a man can get just got better! This new razor is launching in the US in June 2010 and around the world at some point after that, yet to be announced. But as soon as I can get hold of one I’ll bring you a full review and my own opinion of it.

One thing that I think we can be sure of … it is going to be expensive, the current Fusion Power blades cost upto £2.51 a head!!

For the corporate view here are some bits from the press release.

Building on the breakthrough technology in Gillette Fusion, Gillette Fusion ProGlide incorporates a series of unique technologies that address critical areas for a better shave and deliver incredible comfort and performance:

• Re-engineered Low Cutting Force Blades with 15% thinner, finer edges and our advanced low-resistance coating enabling the blades to cut effortlessly through hair with less tug and pull.
• A Blade Stabilizer to maintain optimal blade spacing for comfort while allowing the blades to adjust to the contours of a man’s face.
• A streamlined Snowplow Comfort Guard which channels excess shave prep to help maintain optimal blade contact, stretching the skin for a close, comfortable shave.
• An Enhanced Lubrastrip™ , 25% larger than before, infused with mineral oil and lubricating polymers, enabling the razor to move smoothly over skin even on repeat strokes.
• An improved Precision Trimmer including an enhanced blade, a comb guard to better align long hairs, and new rinse-through slots.
• A Redesigned Handle with bigger, more ergonomic grips for better control, enhanced weight and balancing and improved transition between front and back shaving surfaces.
• An innovative Microcomb, exclusively on Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power, that helps guide hair to the blade.

Gillette’s deep understanding of men and shaving combined with P&G’s expertise in skin science has resulted in Gillette Fusion ProSeries, an advanced line of skin care products that drive incredible comfort before, during, and after the shave. This new skin care line features the first mass market men’s thermal facial scrub, as well as a skin care lotion and moisturizer to deliver comfort throughout the shaving process.

Gillette Fusion ProSeries Thermal Scrub warms, deep cleans and helps soften facial hair before shaving. In this innovative formula, heating technology is activated on contact with water to provide warming comfort. A mild soap-free system cleans skin by removing oils (sebum) and dirt while helping to soften the hair, making it easier to cut. Small particles then help exfoliate dead, dry skin cells – providing an even, clear path for the razor.

• Gillette Fusion ProSeries Sensitive Face Wash is designed for sensitive skin and uses a mild soap-free system with aloe vera to effectively clean without over-drying.
• Gillette Fusion ProSeries Intense Cooling Lotion instantly cools and hydrates just shaved skin for extra comfort. The lightweight formula helps reduce the feel of irritation by delivering instant cooling comfort while actively delivering moisture to skin.
• Gillette Fusion ProSeries Instant Hydration UV Moisturizer + SPF15 is a non-greasy formula with Vitamin E and SPF 15 UV Protection that immediately restores moisture and provides all-day hydration to help reduce dryness and tightness.

There are quite a few guys who like the look and feel of a smoothly shaved head, but its one of those shaves that isn’t really that easy to do yourself. So why not let us do it for you!

So why not get along to the Shave Shop and check them out for yourself.

1. Grip – How is it to handle?
2. Glide – Is it a smooth shave, or does the blade feel like its dragging?
3. Closeness – How smooth a shave does it feel, was it a good shave?
4. Comfort – Was it comfortable to use, did it cause lots of nicks and cuts?
5. Ease – Is it easy to use or does it require a bit of skill and practoce
6. Value for Money – Is it worth it?

And then the results from both shaves will be averaged out to give an overall result. So how are the shaves being conducted? Here is the procedure for each one:

Quick Shave

1. Use Men-U facial wash in the shower to prepare
2. Rinse and dry
3. Apply Men-U Shaving Cream with Men-U Premier shaving brush
4. First shave with the grain
5. Rinse and re-apply Men-U Shaving Cream with Men-U Premier shaving brush
6. Second shave across the grain, checking skin and shaving to give a close finish
7. Rinse, cool skin with cold flannel
8. Smooth over with Men-U Facial Moisturiser

Full Shave

1. Use Shave Doctor facial wash in the shower to prepare
2. Rinse and dry
3. Apply Shave Doctor Shaving Oil
4. Apply Shave Doctor Shaving Cream with Men-U Premier shaving brush
5. First shave with the grain
6. Rinse and re-apply Shave Doctor Shaving Cream with Men-U Premier shaving brush
7. Second shave across the grain, checking skin and shaving to give a close finish
8. Rinse, cool skin with cold flannel
9. Smooth over with Shave Doctor Moisturazor

For those starting off with waxing guys there can be one big problem, which way is all the hair going. Where should I apply the wax etc, and how do I tidy it all up. Well he has put together two great guides, one showing hair growth directions on the back and one talking about managing chest hair. Not everyone wants the Magnum look.

So if your a waxing professional facing a challenge of a back waxing check these out!

This year’s Professional Beauty London is offering salon owners, managers, therapists and technicians the opportunity to discover the secrets of intimate male waxing.

Attend the unmissable intimate male waxing masterclasses on Sunday 7th March and learn how you can introduce one of the hottest trends of the moment into your treatment menu.

For one day only male waxing guru, Andy Rouillard from Axiom Bodyworks, will be hosting two exciting sessions, showing you just how painless male waxing really is! Discover the benefits of introducing this treatment into your business, how it will boost your profits, how it will attract a new client base, how it will grow your skill set and just how popular it is.

Also, don’t forget to join Andy on Monday 8th March for his free masterclass ‘How the male waxer becomes a man’s (and a woman’s) best friend’.

Number 9 … the brazilian wax! The article is talking about the female Brazilian wax, but it raises a few interesting points that relate to male waxing too. One of the reasons for the sudden interest in the Brazilian was down to TV, the Channel 4 series The Salon. Andy Rouillard comments that guys are also keen to get in on the fuzz-free look with the Back, Sack & Crack (or Boyzilian) being one of the fastest growing areas of male grooming. So much so infact that Andy hosted a demonstration on intimate male waxing at the Professional Beauty trade show in 2009!

And this brings us onto the final trend in the list, yes at number ten is Male Grooming! The last ten years has seen a big shift and change in this, there was a time when it was all about Beckham. Now it is very different, and not the preserve of the gays.

Male grooming has long been associated with the pink pound, but now my experiences of the industry, particularly for male waxing, reflect the comment in the article – 90% straight!

You can’t go into a high street store that has makeup or skincare ranges without being hit with a huge array of men’s products.

You can also expect to see the first result of the Big Razor Test published over the weekend … the Gillette Blue II Plus single use disposable.

Click here to complete the Survey.

While in a local chemist buying some products I was looking at all the razors you can buy. There is a huge number of types available, from single use disposable to battery powered vibrating multiple-use razors.

This got me thinking about my choice of razor. I currently use a Gillette Mach 3 for regular shaving. Why? It is one of the most popular brands. How many of us pick our razor based on what our fathers and mates use? What about the advertising, we know the brand / name so it must be good. Well advertised may not equate good value for money though.

And so I have decided to embark on a comparison of razors. From the cheapest disposable single use razors, up to the latest and newest powered disposable head razors.

For the best comparison possible I will use the same routine for each test, the same products etc. And then I’ll write a review of each razor here, and when complete a full comparison and some recommendations. Which razor gives the best shave, the worst, and which is the best value for money.

And here is a picture from my phone of the first batch if razors I’ll looking at.

As recognised leaders in the field, Axiom Bodyworks are the first providers in the UK to offer certificated training in this advanced technique under Habia’s National Occupational Standards for intimate waxing.

This one-day course includes both theory and practical modules, equipping delegates with the necessary skills to perform male Brazilian waxing safely and efficiently.

Training Dates
15th February 2010 – London

For more information please contact Axiom Bodyworks.

So to celebrate I thought I’d introduce you to a range of products from down under, namely Australian Bodycare (ABC). The range of products all share one key ingredient – Tea Tree Oil. The ABC range of products is very extensive, it covers facial, body care, hair and of course waxing.

Tea Tree has long been known for its healing properties. Particularly as a potent antiseptic, for example a shampoo with 5% Tea Tree has been shown to be effective against dandruff. It is known for having a broad spectrum as a bactericide and fungicide, and also can be a very mild anaesthetic.

The ABC range has some excellent products that are great for use by professionals in the salon, but also by consumers for after care. Particular products of interest are:

• Hand and Body Lotion: 5% Tea Tree Oil, nourishing and calming, cools skin, easily absorbed ,leaves skin soft and supple, helps prevent ingrown hairs
• Deodorant: To protect and prevent odour, aluminium and alcohol free. Gentle enough to use after underarm waxing.
• Wet Wipes: At home, in the car, on holiday, at work or indeed anywhere always have Australian Bodycare Hygienic Wet Wipes to hand. Keep work surfaces bacteria free, or use as an emergency wipe when out and about.
• Waxing Products: Australian Bodycare has been used in professional salons for over 15 years.
• Hy-Wax System: Whether you are a dedicated ABC user or a new customer you have now taken the first step to using the most hygienic, effective and easy waxing system available to the beauty industry.

Wax on!

1. Shave Cream
2. Facial Wash
3. Moisturiser

The shave cream contains enough product for 20 shaves! So even on a two week holiday this is all you need to take for your shaving needs! And at £5.95 it is quite a bargain!

The article goes through the procedure for home waxing as opposed to having it done professionally. I know many people prefer to DIY rather then pay the extra to have it done professionally, and of course my preference is for people to pay us Pro’s to do it.

My experience? I’ve had a lot of clients who have told me the horrors of home waxing, and before long I’m sure I will hear stories from their neighbours about the screams.

They then get in touch with me about having a professional wax. They come along, and the difference is staggering … they don’t scream. They leave with smooth skin and not blood and bruises!

So why not find yourself a good place that offers professional waxing for men and see the difference!

Colin had been growing his beard during the month of “Movember”. Movember is a movement where men grow a moustache for charity. In 2008′s Movember more than 173,000 people took part raising more than 14 million.

Colin said “I decided to grow a beard and have it cut-throat razored off for charity after a discussion with friends on my birthday at the end of October, it is a fun, and silly, way of raising some money for charities. The money I raise will be split between a number of organisations including the Albert Kennedy Trust and Self Help Africa which are two charities close to my heart.”

The Albert Kennedy Trust work to ensure that all lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans young people are able to live in accepting, supportive and caring homes, by providing a range of services to meet the individual needs of those who would otherwise be homeless or living in a hostile environment. It was set up after the sad death of Albert Kennedy twenty years ago. More details are available on their website.

Self Help Africa works to helping rural communities become self-reliant; encouraging participation of the poor at every stage of the development process. More details are available on their website.

At the time of writing Colin has raised over £280 for these very worthwhile causes.

As the blog grows I also hope to invite some guest authors to make contributions – if you would like to make a post please get in touch!