Which is right for you? An honest guide to pain, results, reactions, pros and cons
Not sure whether to book a wax or a manscaping (body hair trimming) session? Both are popular at MAN-LAB, and both are carried out by our male therapists in Clapham South. They do very different jobs, though. Waxing removes the hair from the root for a smooth finish. Manscaping trims the hair down neatly without irritating the skin. This guide explains the differences so you can choose what suits your body, your skin and your lifestyle.
AT A GLANCE
| WAXING | MANSCAPING (TRIMMING) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Removes the hair from the root | Trims the hair to the length you choose with precision clippers and trimmers – no shaving |
| Finish | Smooth skin | Graded to the length you want, just like a haircut – anything from a light tidy-up to very short. Not a smooth finish |
| How long it lasts | Usually 3–6 weeks. We recommend waxing every 4–6 weeks | Hair grows back straight away. We recommend a trim every 2–3 weeks |
| Pain | Some discomfort, especially the first time and on sensitive areas. It usually gets easier with regular visits | Painless |
| Hair length needed | 6–12 mm. If you have shaved, wait 2–3 weeks | Any length |
| Skin reactions | Redness and small bumps are common for a day or so. Ingrown hairs are possible | Some clients feel a little itching as the hair grows back, depending on the length it is trimmed to |
| Aftercare | No exercise or hot showers for 24 hours. Use our after-wax range | Keep the skin moisturised and hydrated |
| Prices from | £16 | £8 |
WAXING
Waxing pulls each hair out from the root, so the skin is left smooth and the hair takes weeks rather than days to come back. At MAN-LAB we use strip wax on larger areas such as the back and shoulders, and hot (hard) wax on delicate areas such as intimate areas and the face. Hot wax grips the hair rather than the skin, which makes it gentler on sensitive areas.
Why waxing is good
- Properly smooth skin – no stubble and no shadow.
- Long-lasting – results usually last 3–6 weeks, so you need far fewer appointments.
- Softer regrowth – the new hair grows back with a fine tip instead of the blunt, prickly end you get after shaving. Many of our clients find their regrowth becomes finer and sparser with regular waxing. Waxing does not make hair grow back thicker.
- Gets easier over time – the first wax is usually the most uncomfortable, and most men find it less painful with each visit.
- Exfoliates the skin – waxing lifts away dead skin cells along with the hair.
- Great for holidays and events – one appointment gives you weeks of smooth skin.
The downsides of waxing
- It can hurt – especially the first time and on sensitive areas like the chest and intimate areas.
- You have to grow your hair – hair needs to be 6–12 mm long for the wax to grip it, so there is an in-between stage where you cannot shave.
- Short-term redness and bumps – mild redness, tenderness and small bumps are normal and usually settle within a few hours to a day or two.
- Ingrown hairs – these can appear about a week after waxing as the hair starts to grow back. They are more likely if you have coarse or curly hair. Regular gentle exfoliation helps prevent them.
- Folliculitis – sometimes hair follicles become inflamed or infected, causing small spots that look like acne. This is why our aftercare products contain ingredients to help prevent spots and ingrown hairs, and why we ask you to avoid exercise and hot showers for 24 hours.
- Not suitable for everyone – we cannot wax skin where retinoids, retinols or tretinoin have been used in the last 7 days, or if you are taking Roaccutane. Sunburnt, broken or irritated skin cannot be waxed either. If any of these apply to you, manscaping is a great alternative.
MANSCAPING
Manscaping at MAN-LAB is professional body hair trimming. We use precision trimming tools only – no shaving – on any area of the body, including the hard-to-reach places and intimate areas. You choose the length – it can be anything from a light tidy-up to very short. All of our tools are fully disinfected between every client.
Why manscaping is good
- Completely painless – nothing is pulled out, so it suits anyone who does not want the discomfort of waxing.
- No waiting – it works on hair of any length, so you can book at any time, even if you shaved recently.
- Gentle on the skin – the hair is trimmed just above the skin rather than shaved at skin level or pulled out, so there is very little redness or irritation.
- No razor burn or cuts – there is no blade on the skin, so none of the rash, nicks or cuts that can come with shaving.
- Your choice of length – just like a haircut, your hair can be graded to whatever length you like, from a light tidy-up to very short.
- No downtime – you can go straight back to the gym or work. Just keep the skin moisturised.
- Works for everyone – including men using retinoids or Roaccutane, and men with sensitive skin who cannot be waxed.
The downsides of manscaping
- It is not smooth – manscaping trims the hair rather than removing it, so some hair is always left. If you want completely smooth skin, waxing is the better choice.
- It does not last as long – the hair has not been removed, so it is visible again within days and you will need to come back every 2–3 weeks to keep it tidy.
- No change to your hair over time – unlike regular waxing, trimming does not make regrowth finer or sparser.
DOES WAXING HURT MORE THAN MANSCAPING?
Yes. Manscaping is painless, while waxing causes some discomfort. How much depends on the area, your hair type and how often you wax. Sensitive areas such as the chest, intimate areas and buttocks tend to be the most uncomfortable, and less sensitive areas such as the arms are usually easier. The first wax is normally the most uncomfortable. Many men find each visit after that easier, especially if they keep to a regular schedule of every 4–6 weeks. Our therapists use hot wax on intimate areas because it is gentler, and they will talk you through everything as they go.
WHICH SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Choose waxing if…
- you want smooth skin with no stubble
- you would rather book every 4–6 weeks than every 2–3 weeks
- you would like your regrowth to feel softer over time
- you are happy to put up with a little discomfort
Choose manscaping if…
- you want a neat, natural look rather than bare skin
- you do not want any pain
- your skin is sensitive or prone to ingrown hairs
- you are using retinoids or taking Roaccutane
- you have shaved recently and cannot wait for your hair to grow
You do not have to pick one for your whole body. Plenty of our clients have their back and shoulders waxed and their chest or intimate areas trimmed. If you are not sure, just ask your therapist at your consultation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I switch from manscaping to waxing?
Yes. Your hair just needs to be 6–12 mm long, so leave it to grow after your last trim. If you have shaved, please wait 2–3 weeks before your waxing appointment.
Does waxing make hair grow back thicker?
No. Waxed hair grows back with a fine, tapered tip, so it usually feels softer than hair that has been shaved. Many men find that with regular waxing their hair grows back finer and sparser.
Will manscaping give me ingrown hairs?
Trimming leaves the hair above the skin, so it is much less likely to cause ingrown hairs than shaving or waxing. If you are prone to ingrown hairs, manscaping is a good option.
How long do red bumps last after waxing?
Mild redness and small bumps are normal and usually settle within a few hours to a day or two. Avoid exercise, hot showers, saunas and tight clothing for 24 hours and use our after-wax products. If bumps become very painful, spread or contain pus, speak to a pharmacist or your GP.
Can I shave between waxing appointments?
We recommend that you do not. Shaving cuts the hair to a blunt end and means you will need to wait 2–3 weeks for it to grow back before you can be waxed again. If you need to tidy up between waxes, book a manscaping session instead.
Is nudity involved, and are the therapists male?
All of our therapists are male, and your privacy and comfort come first. Your therapist will explain everything at your consultation and you are welcome to ask any questions before we start.