Waxing & sugaring

What is it?

Waxing involves spreading hot wax onto the area where you want to eliminate hair, and then applying a strip of cloth or muslin onto the desired area, rubbing it, and ripping off the strip in one fell swoop -- wax, hair, root, and all. Sugaring is similar to waxing, only it uses sugar paste (which usually consists of a mixture of sugar, lemon, water, and even citric acid and gum arabic) instead of wax and is a method of hair removal that goes as far back as ancient Egypt.

According to a recent article in USA Today, men are not only waxing their backs, but also their bikini lines. The goal? Increased sex appeal and a "cleaner" feeling. Would you believe me if I told you some men are even waxing shapes into their pubic regions?

Since some men might be embarrassed about getting waxed at a salon, there are at-home estheticians who can do the job. There are even do-it-yourself waxing kits, but unless you're a glutton for punishment, it's pretty hard to put yourself through such torture and it can get very messy.

If you opt for waxing, I highly recommend going to a professional. If you choose to get your genital area waxed, keep in mind that most spas and estheticians simply wax the areas surounding your crown jewels -- so only the regions around and above the base of the penis get the royal treatment.

More on waxing, laser treatments, and other hair removal methods available for men are also booking appointments at salons or spas for eyebrow waxes, a trend that is surely riding the "metrosexual" wave. With famous men like David Beckham boasting nicely-shaped brows, it seems men aren't settling for less. According to the spa director at Esthetique, in Hamden, Connecticut, 86% of the male clientele get their eyebrows waxed. I don't suggest that guys aim for a perfectly-arched eyebrow, but waxing is a good way to get rid of eyebrows that are out of control and keep that unibrow out of sight.

Ideal parts to wax: Eyebrows (unibrow), back of neck, back, chest, genital area, legs, toes, knuckles
Pain factor: 8/10
Bottom line: With repeated use, hair gradually becomes thinner because the roots are weakened. But hair will grow back, albeit at longer intervals. So if you want to lessen the hair that grows on your legs or chest without permanently abolishing it, this would be the ideal way to go.

By Karin Eldor