Do you crave smooth legs that turn heads when you walk down the street? Are you tired of endlessly shaving and fighting back prickly calves and ankles? If so, it’s time for a wax.
While shaving cuts any visible hair that grows out of your body, wax attacks the root of the issue. During your waxing appointment, the esthetician pulls hairs that are deeply embedded in your pores, which means your legs will remain hairless longer and you can enjoy a flawlessly smooth look.
Men waxing legs is still a new trend, so it’s understandable to be nervous ahead of your first appointment. Follow this guide to know what to expect.
Choose a Waxing Salon That Caters to Men
If possible, try to find a salon that understands the needs of men when it comes to waxing. By looking for a male-centric salon, you can hire a waxing professional who understands how to work with men’s hair and knows how different parts of the body should be waxed.
Many studios and spas don’t have the training needed to cater to men, as hair tends to be thicker and more wax-resistant compared to women’s. Find someone near you that is reputable, and has great reviews!
Your salon should also understand that this is your first wax and you will be more sensitive during the experience – regardless of the gender they primarily cater to. An esthetician who treats you as if you have been waxing for years will leave you feeling overwhelmed and in pain.
Prepare for Your Waxing Appointment
Once you have a salon in mind and schedule an appointment, you can start to prepare for the wax. For men waxing legs, there isn’t much that you need to do. Shower beforehand and scrub away any dirt and grime on your skin. Regardless, most estheticians will cleanse your skin at the beginning of your appointment. Also, make sure your hair is long enough. If you shave your legs, then your hair needs to be at least 1/4 of an inch long to adhere to wax properly.
Do not worry about trimming before the appointment. Your waxing professional does that for you, and they know how long your hair needs to be. Instead, take an Ibuprofen, Advil or other non-aspirin painkiller an hour before to help with any discomfort and reduce inflammation after the wax.
Communicate With Your Salon Technician
Talk to the person who will be waxing your legs. Make sure they are only working on the parts of your body that you feel comfortable with. Speak up if they go too high or start working on a sensitive area. You should always feel comfortable where someone is touching you, so don’t let them wax an area without your verbal consent.
Your esthetician may use multiple wax types on your legs. The most common is the use of soft wax, which is removed with wax strips. With this process, they spread hot wax on your body and then place a strip of cloth over it. When they remove the cloth, the wax pulls your hair out with it.
The waxing process may be painful because this is your first time. Tell your esthetician if you can’t take the pain. However, once your roots are removed, the waxing process will get easier. You likely won’t experience as much pain during any repeat appointments that you schedule. Your body will also learn to tolerate the experience.
Aftercare Guidelines For Leg Waxing
If you choose a quality waxing salon, then you might feel great immediately after your appointment. However, that doesn’t mean you can resume normal activities just yet. Your salon provides aftercare guidelines to prevent skin irritation and infection. Failing to follow these can turn your smooth, hairless legs red and bumpy.
In the event that your salon doesn’t provide aftercare guidelines, here are a few best practices to follow for men waxing legs:
- Do not shower or work out for six hours after your appointment. Do not sunbathe for the first 12 hours after a wax.
- Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and chlorinated pools for 24 hours.
- When you do shower, use cool or lukewarm water for the first 24-48 hours following a wax.
- Avoid using any products on the waxed area for at least 24 hours, unless recommended by your esthetician.
- After 48 hours, exfoliate the waxed area daily. This helps to prevent ingrown hairs.
- Wear clean, loose clothing for 48 hours after your appointment.
These guidelines are particularly important in sensitive areas, like your underarms and genital areas. This is where the skin is soft and more likely to get irritated by your clothes and daily movement.
Show Off Your Freshly Waxed Legs
Men waxing legs is still a relatively uncommon practice, so you may encounter friends and family members who are curious about the process. Don’t be afraid to show off your smooth legs and share your experience with others. Soon, your friends might ask for recommendations for their own waxing appointments because you look so good!
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