Male waxing is increasingly popular and growing numbers of men are requesting to have their legs, chest, shoulders and back waxed. The same basic waxing procedure must be followed. The hairs are usually quite long and must be trimmed before treatment. The client must be advised that there is a greater risk of folliculitis occurring in men and aftercare instructions must be followed carefully.

Back

Ask the client to lie on their front with their back exposed and cover their legs up to the waist with a towel to protect their clothes and modesty and to keep them warm. Because the area is prone to blood spotting, it is advised that you wear disposable gloves.

Using a cotton wool pad and a suitable pre-wax sanitising lotion, wipe over the area to be treated so that there is no trace of creams or oils left on the skin. Blot the area that has been cleansed with a dry tissue. If the skin or the hairs are not oil-free and dry the wax will not to adhere to the hairs. Apply a light dusting of unperfumed, talc- free powder over the area to be treated; this will absorb any excess moisture on the skin, keeping it dry.

Assess the hair growth pattern. Generally on the back, the hair grows inwards at an angle. If required, you may trim the hairs to a shorter length, about three quarters of an inch, in order to make the removal more comfortable for the client.

Start on one side of the back. Apply as much wax as possible to the spatula because of the large surface area you are working on. Spread the wax over the back, in the direction of the hair growth, making sure you stretch the skin. Remove the wax using large wax strips, taking care to change the strip regularly when it gets full.

Apply wax to the top of the back, the shoulder and the back of the neck, if required, on the same side of the back. The hair growth in this area may be slightly different so adapt your application accordingly. Remove the wax with a wax strip.

Apply wax to the bottom of the back in the direction of the hair growth before removing with a wax strip. Make sure you agree with your client where the cut off point to stop waxing at the top of the waist is.

Repeat on the other side of the back.

Check the sides of the abdominal wall where there may be a line of hair. Apply the wax in the direction of the hair growth and then remove it in the opposite direction using a wax strip. Check for stray hairs and if there are any remove them with tweezers before applying a soothing gel or lotion. Medicated talc-free powder may also be used to absorb excess oil.

Ask the client if they are happy with the outcome and add this to the record card. Talk to the client about any homecare products they can purchase from you to help the skin calm down after the treatment. Complete the client record card and give the client written aftercare advice and the opportunity to ask any questions they may have. Arrange the client’s next appointment at the reception after payment has been taken.

Chest

The same principles can be applied when waxing a man’s chest. Be aware of the direction of hair growth and remember to avoid waxing over the sensitive nipple area. You should suggest the client uses a depilatory cream, shaves or plucks instead in this area.

Please note that if you wish to carry out intimate female or male waxing you must hold a specific qualification certificate for insurance purposes. This course does not qualify you to carry out female or male intimate waxing procedures.