Is Men’s Waxing Painful? Tips To Make It Easier
Last Updated on 28 October 2025
When it comes to waxing for men, one of the most iconic scenes in Hollywood history comes to mind. The agony on the face of Steve Carell getting waxed for the first time in “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” will never be forgotten. It was the pain felt by millions of men around the globe. To be fair, the character was never prepared for the procedure.
Although waxing is not the most soothing self-care procedure, it doesn’t have to be excruciating. In reality, getting men’s waxing from a professional can be delightful. Waxing is more than a beauty routine; it is a statement of self-love and appreciation. Whether you want to elevate your career, boost your confidence, or look good for your significant other, waxing can give you a head start.
In this guide, you’ll learn what to do before, during, and after waxing to achieve a nearly painless experience with no downtime. Let’s get to it.
Pre-Waxing
If you live in North Carolina, you have no shortage of certified waxing experts at your disposal. Here’s what you can do to improve your chances of a nearly painless men’s waxing Cary NC session.
1. Keep Body Hair Short
A crucial pre-waxing ritual you must adhere to is keeping your body hair short. Long, thick, and dense body hair is usually the hardest to pull. Thus, the waxing professional may apply more force during waxing.
Waxing long hair can be painful, causing skin redness or bleeding, which may require significant downtime. So, keep your hair at least three-quarters of an inch short before your appointment.
2. Exfoliate
Exfoliation is more than a beauty regimen; it removes dead skin from the body. Having dead skin on your face or body during waxing means the wax has more to latch onto other than hair. It can be messy and may cause the wax to pull harder on the skin. Exfoliate a day or two before your appointment for the best results.
3. Shower with Warm Water
If you have a waxing appointment in sight, temporarily ditch your ice baths for a steamy shower. Warm water can help open up the pores on the skin. This makes it easier for hair follicles to leave the skin when pulled out. That way, you feel less pain during your appointment.
During Waxing
Waxing can be less painful and enjoyable if you follow these tips during your appointment.
1. Take a Pain Reliever
If you get to your appointment early, you may have enough time to take some over-the-counter pain medication before the session. If you have highly sensitive skin, taking medication may be advisable to reduce inflammation and numb the pain.
You can take popular over-the-counter medicines or supplements like ibuprofen or THC gummies while you wait. You may start feeling the effects within 30 minutes.
2. Make It Fun
First-time waxers may feel some pressure and fear of the unknown. To stay calm and enjoy the ride, it is best to go to your appointment with your own entertainment plans. You may create a music playlist to listen to throughout the process. Alternatively, prepare discussion topics with the professional to lighten the mood. It can distract you from focusing on the pain.
3. Opt For Hard Wax
There are various waxing options to choose from, including hard, soft, and sugar waxing. However, first-timers may opt for hard wax as it targets the hair without pulling on the skin. Choosing hard wax does not imply forceful hair removal. In fact, it is ideal for sensitive body parts such as the underarms and groin.
Post-Waxing
The next 24 to 48 hours after waxing are crucial. Make sure you take these steps to help you heal faster with minimal pain or stress.
1. Cool Shower or Compress
Although taking cool showers may not be ideal before waxing, it can be a lifesaver after. You may take a cool shower after your session to soothe and quickly heal your bruised skin. Alternatively, do a cool compress. Wrap an ice pack in a clean cloth, then place it on the affected area for at least 15 minutes.
2. Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
If you’ve just had your body waxed, you want to avoid activities that cause irritation or sweating, especially sunlight exposure. Sunlight exposure causes heat, which can irritate newly waxed skin. Intense sunlight will make you sweat, possibly blocking your skin’s pore spaces and causing pain as the sweat drips on your skin.
3. Let Your Body Breathe
It’s normal to feel slight irritation on your skin, especially within the first 24 hours of your appointment. Thus, you must prioritize keeping foreign bodies, including clothes, away from your body.
So, wear as little as possible or wear loose clothing if you must go out. Wearing less clothing also helps your body to take in sufficient air for some soothing relief.
Final Thoughts
Waxing doesn’t have to be difficult, and self-care shouldn’t always hurt. Over time, self-care experts and beauticians have come up with unique ways to ensure men enjoy a pain-free waxing experience. Some of these techniques are so simple that you can try them at home.
Although you can wax at home, it’s advisable to consult a professional. Waxing specialists are not only certified but experienced in caring for various skin types with unique sensitivities. A professional can help you make waxing so smooth that you can continue your daily routine or commitments after your procedure.
If you want to enjoy a pain-free and safe waxing experience with zero downtime, consult a men’s waxing specialist near you.