Male genital waxing
Male waxing is the practice of male bikini waxing. Because of increased public awareness, it is thought to have become more acceptable during the 1990s, although the number of users historically and currently are unknown. Male waxing is popular in the body building and male modeling community. There are several types of wax used for hair removal.
Waxing is accomplished by spreading a wax combination thinly over the skin. A cloth or paper strip is then pressed on the top and ripped off with a quick movement against the direction of hair growth. This removes the wax along with the hair and dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth. Home waxing kits have become increasingly popular over the years. A hard wax which does not require the cloth paper strip is sometimes used on the more sensitive areas such as the scrotum or penis. A light oil such as baby oil can be applied to those sensitive areas before wax is applied to reduce wax adhesion to the skin. It is desirable to not cover the genitals with a modesty towel when using oil since the towel can absorb the protective oil, lessening its effectiveness. Application of Egg Oil for a few days post waxing can help moisturise the skin and reduce inflammation, pain or growth of bacteria.[1]
Benefits
There are benefits to waxing compared to other forms of hair removal. Waxing is a long-lasting method but can be painful if one is not used to it or doing it for first time. Hair in waxed areas will not grow back for three to eight weeks; when the hair does grow back, it is soft and thin. When hair is shaved or removed by depilatory cream, the hair is removed at the surface rather than the root. In a few days, the hair can be seen at the surface. With these methods, hair tends to grow back in a rough stubble. Areas that are repeatedly waxed over long periods of time often exhibit a thinning of regrowth, and regrowth that is thinner, softer, and lighter in color. The use of a hair inhibitor will also aid the slow re-growth of hair; used over a long period of time this can be used as an almost permanent method.
Potential dangers
Some physicians do not recommend waxing for persons suffering from diabetes or who have varicose veins or poor circulation as they are more susceptible to infection.
Patients on Retin-A, Renova, Differin or isotretinoin have been advised by doctors not to have waxing performed; these medications can weaken the skin, and lead to tearing of the skin.
References
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Barker, Olivia The male resistance to waxing is melting away in USA Today, August 23, 2005.