Waxing Truths. Waning Myths.

SIR Spa men’s skincare expert Michele Lum answers your frequently asked questions about men’s waxing.

I’ve never had waxing done before, how does waxing work?
Warm wax is applied to the hair and then a cloth strip is lightly pressed onto the wax. The strip is quickly pulled off and the hair is uprooted.

I’ve see
The 40-Year Old Virgin. Does waxing really hurt that much?
I'm glad you asked this, everybody has this on their minds when they come in and it doesn't help that I'm Asian! In the movie, they didn't wax according to a protocol; it was waxing for the most comical effect. The first time you get waxed, it can be uncomfortable, but it gets better with each visit. Of course, it also depends on how much hair you have. While it will most likely never be a pleasurable experience for most, people that get waxed with regularity often are able to close their eyes and relax. If you take ibuprofen about an hour beforehand, that can help minimize some of the pain.

Should I shave my hair before waxing?
No, the hair growth needs to be about 1/4" long for body hair and about 1/8" for eyebrows and hair on the ears. The wax has to have something to hold onto in order for it to be uprooted.

When will the hair re-appear?
That depends on every individual person, but with the majority of people it will take about 6-10 weeks for all of the hair you have waxed to reappear. All of it does not grow back at the same rate.

Is it true that the hair will grow back thicker after waxing?
No. Actually, if you continue to wax with regularity, it will eventually slow down the hair growth and damage some of the follicles which will inhibit hair growth.

A friend said my skin will turn red after waxing. Is that true?
Yes, and sometimes there is some swelling, depending on your skin's level of sensitivity. It goes away in a few hours for most people and is normal. The payoff of having a smooth back, groomed eyebrows, etc. is worth it for most.

I sometimes get bumps after waxing. Is there anything I can do to prevent this?
Yes, using a scrub on the part of the body that is getting waxed helps immensely. Avoiding saunas, hot steamy showers and tanning for a few days afterwards helps as well. But the most important thing is to use a treatment 1-2 times a day for a week after waxing. I like Anthony Logisitics Ingrown Hair Treatment; it's amazing. It doesn't smell as foul as some of the other products and is easy to apply because it's a gel. A little product goes a long way. It also does double duty to repair razor burn and ingrown hairs on the face and neck.

Can I tan before or after waxing?
It's not a good idea for the 48 hours prior or afterwards. Why would you want to make your skin more sensitive?

Are there any medical conditions/situations when I should not get waxing services?
Everyone's level of sensitivity varies. If you think that you might be sensitive, then let us know and we can do a patch test. If you use a lot of AHAs or BHAs, or are on certain medications for acne, or use certain steroids, you might be more prone to sensitivity. It also depends on what is getting waxed. Someone who uses a topical acne prescription might not want to get their eyebrows groomed, but their back and neck could be fine.

About Michele Lum
Michele Lum was professionally trained at the Aveda Institute in Chicago and has performed skincare services at upscale spas throughout Chicago. At SIR Spa (http://www.sirspa.com), Michele specializes in men's skincare services, such as face treatments, waxing, body scrubs and body wraps. Having acquired a deep understanding of men's skin, Michele is uniquely qualified to provide customized skin care regimens and tailored treatments that meet the needs of male clients.