MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTION ABOUT MEN WAXING by Kolawole Olugboji

Waxing is a form of semi-permanent hair removal which removes the hair from the root of the skin. New hair will not grow back in the previously waxed area for about four to six weeks, although some people will start to see regrowth in a week due to some of their hair being on a different growth cycle. Almost any area of the body can be waxed, including eyebrows, face, pubic area (called bikini waking), legs, arms, back, abdomen and feet. There are many types of waxing suitable for removing unwanted hair, like full body waxing, bikini waxing and so on.

However, waxing has been termed a feminine thing in these parts for a while, but long gone has been the belief that only gay men or athletes completely get rid of body hair. The act of waxing or as we know removal of bodily hair has seen a major facelift among guys and spa’s who get patronized.  Guys are doing it not only because it makes them feel cleaner, but also for the illusion that by minimizing hair you maximize the appearance of other parts.

The idea of guys waxing has been a faux pass in this region for a long time. Myths and false stereotypes have been put out discouraging other guys from practicing this act. Some of them are;

Waxing makes your hair darker and thicker.

This is totally false as constant waxing only makes hair grow thinner and finer. Texture and color of your hair isn’t determined by how you remove your hair.

Waxing is only done by women.

Wrong! It has long been believed that only women engage in this act. But hey, men can wax also. While the chest and back region are the most common areas for men to wax, legs, crouch, and the eye brows are becoming more common. So have it at the back of your mind that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a wax.

Waxing hurts as s#%t

Okay, this isn’t a lie, although ripping out hair from your pores is never going to be painless. But there are ways to minimize the pain thanks to science; taking aspirin 30 minutes before waxing helps a lot, also avoid taking caffeine or caffeinated drinks before waxing as stimulants tighten your pores making it more painful when pulling out hair.

Waxing is totally normal and absolutely the reasonable thing to do if body hair gives you discomfort, so don’t prevent yourself from making the right choice based on what you’ve heard. Moreover you can’t tell if you’ll like it if you don’t experience it.