The Male Waxing & Shaving Blog

Archive for July, 2010

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!