Expert Men's Waxing At River Rock

What Guys Need to Know About Man-Tenance & Manscaping

The following are common questions that we've been asked about waxing including some that you might be a little hesitant to ask.

Remember for new clients we offer a free, no obligation consultation and patch test of waxing so you can learn more about your options, try out the process, and see how your skin does with treatment. You can scroll down to read all the questions or click on the quick links below to skip right to the ones you want to know.

Seriously where can I wax?

We offer body waxing from top of shoulder to just above the knee.

Our t-shirt style back wax includes the full back to below the belt line, shoulders, and nape of the neck. If you picture wearing a t-shirt that is our back wax pattern. Unlike some places, you need not worry about being charged separately for those three spots. Our full t-shirt style chest wax works the same way, we'll start below the belt line so when you move about nothing unsightly sticks out.

Yes, we offer genital (a.k.a. mankini, boyzillan, manzilian, guyzilian, Brazilian, Australian, or bikini wax) waxing for men. From the conservative Equipment Only wax to everything removed that would be covered by boxer briefs, personal waxing doesn't cause us embarrassment here and we won't think you are a pervert for asking about it or having it done so don't be shy. Yes, it has been reported that clearing out the underbrush does tend to add an optical inch to the bonsai.

We also can tackle specialty areas like removing the hair from inside the ear and nose. We know what you are thinking. One at a time hair removal on those areas can be really uncomfortable. All at once removal however is basically an overload for the system and it just feels a little weird. Many guys say it reminds them of the feeling of water up the nose in a swimming pool. For allergy sufferers, this can really help with the symptoms. The hair in this area is not for filtering debris, that is located further back in the cavity, the visible hair is for holding scent and thus also holds allergens. Removing it keeps the nose cleaner and clients report their allergies are better.

How long does my hair have to be to wax it?

If you have been shaving the area, we need you to let it grow for NOT LESS than three full weeks from the last shave. It can never be too long for us to wax successfully but it can definitely be too short.

Remember we need ALL the hair to reach a given length, not just some of it so check the underbrush. If you are a trimmer and use a guide, two full weeks of growth should be sufficient. Too short means you will have a lot of tweezing to suffer through and that's not fun for either of us.

If you like to measure these sorts of things we need 1/3 inch for really clean removal on a virgin wax area. For repeat waxing (so after your second or third full wax) 1/4 inch is usually sufficient. It will take you at least four weeks if not longer after your last wax to be ready to wax again.

How do I get an appointment do I walk in or call?

We generally book out even faster around spring break and holidays so you need to plan ahead on this one. Our busiest times are from 4-9PM. If you know you need a specific time then you need to call now.

You will want to schedule your next wax before you leave so we are sure you have the time you want.

We don't typically keep a receptionist on staff so you may hit the private voicemail when you call. Don't be shy, leave us a detailed message. Be sure and leave your full name, contact number, service you are looking for, and best times for your appointment and we will return your call ASAP.

We work by appointment so that means if we are in the office, we are working on someone. We respect your time and don't interrupt your appointment to take calls or other clients. As such, we don't take walk-ins. You'll need to set up an appointment with us ahead of time.

We rarely have same day appointments. As soon as you know you want to wax you want to call the office at 715-831-0200 and choose option zero for the appointment desk. We typically book 4-6 weeks out for exact times. If your schedule is flexible we may be able to work you in sooner.

You need your personal schedule handy when you call so we can set a time that works for you.

Seriously what kind of men wax? Isn't this for girly men or metro-ish guys?

All sorts of men wax. Basically a candidate is one who wants to look great without any effort. Waxing isn't a chick thing; it is a maintenance thing. While many men start waxing because their partner asks them too or suggests it; they keep waxing because they like it. Think of the leading men in action movies and guys you'd idolize as sports heroes, there aren't a lot of full sasquatches out there on the field at the pro levels.

Every day we work with male clients from all walks of life from farmers to construction workers to teachers and executives. Being hair free isn't just for women and it doesn't make you girly.

Many men are enjoying being maintenance free and ridding themselves of unwanted back hair, nose hair, eyebrow hair, and other excess body hair.

Very athletic men including bicyclists, body builders, swimmers, and runners find waxing far more esthetically pleasing and easier than shaving body hair before competing and don't miss razor rash at all.

Unlike shaving stubble, waxed areas grow in finer and softer feeling since it is baby hair filling in. This is important as it will definitely pass the "snuggle" test which is nicer for your partner and sure beats the feeling of a bottle brush coming at you.

Is it easier to shave every day or wax once every 4 - 6 weeks and still look great?

Is it safe to get waxed? I heard you can catch diseases from waxing is that true?

Being highly germaphobic ourselves we really appreciate this question. In most areas it is very common to see poor hygiene in waxing establishments. On a recent Department of Regulation and Licensing enforcement sweep of Wisconsin, the Department reported that 50% of establishments had sanitation violations. In Eau Claire that means many of the salons/spas they visited were not following proper hygiene and putting their clients at a very real risk of post-waxing infections of all kinds from Herpes & warts to worse.

Regardless of the product used, or the manufacturer claims, it is illegal in most states and definitely in Wisconsin to re-use wax sticks/applicators. Changing the stick between clients instead of for each dip is not only a filthy habit that spreads disease and it is against the law. Each dip in the wax warmer should be done with a fresh new stick. In our state fresh disposable gloves should also be worn for all waxing services.

At River Rock we utilize fresh hospital grade latex-free disposable gloves for EVERY waxing service for your safety. We NEVER double dip waxing sticks as this transfers pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses to the warm wax pot and allows it to be passed to the next client when that next dip is taken.

We utilize fresh applicators for each application and NEVER double dip.

We clean the skin before each treatment with state approved antiseptics and utilize hospital level disinfection and sterilization on all our non-disposable implements and tools. We disinfect our treatment tables after every client and use disposable barrier/drape sheets.

Waxing is very safe with proper after care by the client and proper hygiene by the technician.

If you go to an establishment and see sticks sitting in their wax pot when you arrive, if they keep the lights down low, or they don't glove before touching you, don't risk an infection just leave immediately.

How should I prepare myself BEFORE getting waxed?

The best way to prepare yourself is to first relax and know you're in good hands. We are very well trained and experienced. Our goal is to make this treatment as pleasant as possible and to help you be as comfortable with the procedure as possible. Trust us, we've seen it all before. You can be confident in our hygiene practices and in our skill. We have done thousands of body waxes!.

You may want to avoid using harsh soaps or astringents for 2 hours before and after waxing. If you can begin exfoliating your skin a few days prior to waxing that is very helpful.

Definitely avoid any tanning for 24 hours before waxing or hot water (LONG hot showers, steam rooms, hot soaking baths, hot tubs etc.) for 8 hours before or after treatment. Do not apply lotions, oils, body sprays, or other scented or moisturizing products on the day of your wax.

A quick shower to clean up before waxing is however, appreciated.

Some clients choose to take an OTC pain reliever such as Advil or Tylenol 60 minutes before their appointment. We have also found that clients that take an antacid or two 30 minutes before their appointment experience less redness post treatment.

If you are taking prescription medications for acne or anti-aging purposes or using Retinol type products we will be unable to provide you with waxing services due to the potential for skin damage (as in your skin will be removed along with some of the hair) please understand that isn't a risk either of us want to take so don't withhold information from us as it will be fairly obvious real fast when your skin peels off.

How do I care for the area after I get waxed?

Your technician will give you a personalized after care plan at your consultation.

In general the idea is to keep the area clean, cool, and dry for at least 8 hours if not 24 hours after waxing. Although the particulars may change based on what area and what type of service you had done, you cannot go wrong with the following:

• After your body waxing service go home and take a quick shower to remove any residue.

• Avoid sweaty activities for 8 to 24 hours so no working out, long runs and so forth. If you must do so then apply a thin layer of an antibiotic cream or spray such as Neosporin prior to the sweat fest so it can act as a prophylactic and prevent bacteria from getting into the healing follicles.

• Be sure and shower immediately after the activity and not sit around in sweaty clothes. Perspiration wicks in bacteria and that increases the potential for an acne fest.

• If you are prone to body acne and you had back or chest waxing, sleep in a clean t-shirt the first day or two.

• Apply an antiseptic such as alcohol, witch hazel, or similar products for 2 days to a week after waxing.

• You may apply a no-bump roll-on solution (sold on site) daily after your wax.

• No tanning beds for 48 hours or you risk serious burns. Use caution with natural sun exposure and wear a good sunscreen for 48 hours.

• Keep the paws off, do not touch or rub the area until it is healed 1-2 days after your wax.

• Manual exfoliation begins 2 days after your wax on all areas.

• Do NOT wear compression style clothing for 24 hours after waxing; you risk a wicked acne like outbreak if you do. Avoid tight fitting clothing such as Under Armor, Spanx, etcetera.

• Do not use harsh soaps or anti-acne/anti-aging products in this area for 24 to 48 hours to avoid chemical burns in the open follicles as they heal.

• Do not apply hair dye to decorative patterns for 24 hours.

• Do not have chemical peels or other exfoliation services for 48 hours after a wax in that area.

• No wild (or mild) hot tub parties, river or lake floating or swimming for 48 hours--you risk serious infections if you do. Avoid heat and hot sweaty activities.

• If the skin feels tight or itchy a thin layer of OTC hydrocortisone cream can soothe the skin quickly.

• Aloe vera gel, Aquaphor, or other soothing non-fragranced light moisturizers can aid in healing.

• Remember the three keys to waxing success: Keep it clean, cool, and dry.

If you have questions or concerns after your wax do not hesitate to call us immediately. We check our voice mail and if you don't get us in person we will return your call ASAP.

How often should I get waxed?

Your technician will develop a custom treatment plan for you detailing how often you need to come in for best results.

On average most men will wax every 4 to 6 weeks. The amount of time will depend on many factors but boils down to a wax when ALL the hair reaches 1/4 inch in length on a repeat wax--please remember not a couple hairs but every hair must be up to length.

The first wax it is ideal to have hair slightly longer, about 1/3" long.

It is difficult to get smooth results if hair is not long enough because short hair doesn't get caught in the wax and isn't removed by the root. This means you would have a lot of stubble left over and that means to get it out we would have to tweeze each individual hair out. This is obviously no fun for you or for us. Better too long than too short.

I'm a normal guy so I'm worried I'll get an erection during genital waxing does that happen a lot?

This is a very common concern.

We offer hair removal services here and not any type of sexual services. It is going to feel very clinical and more like a doctor's exam than anything else.

Most men do not find the sensation of depilatory waxing to be sexually arousing nor would they report it as a pleasurable experience. Tolerable, uncomfortable, sometimes painful is generally the verbiage we hear. While they like the results, they tolerate the process. Yes, you are having a stranger handle your package and there may be some movement; it just doesn't progress from there. It is pretty common to hear men say that any thought that the process was going to be enjoyable in anyway had long since vanished with the first rip.

Will waxing hurt? I've seen waxing in movies...I'm no baby but will I cry and/or die?

It will be uncomfortable but tolerable. Your first waxing can be a bit of a religious experience and subsequent waxes are a walk in the park if scheduled in a timely manner. The first time you wax is always more uncomfortable than later waxes. After all, you have allowed those hairs to grow for years in some cases and they can be extremely coarse.

As you continue with waxing the treatments will be more and more comfortable as we are dealing with new, smaller hairs and you will be able to space waxing out a bit more. Removing hair directly from the follicle is never super comfortable, but our staff is professional, fast, and highly experienced. If you can stand to remove a Band-Aid really fast you can wax just fine.

Really in the movies, they do just about everything wrong or shall we say on purpose for dramatic effect? Professional waxing is so fast you'll be done before you know it and really, you'll be okay, the sensation stops immediately after.

What should I wear?

This depends on the area to be waxed and your personal comfort/modesty level. A few suggestions:

Avoid wearing clothes that will fit tightly over the area to be waxed. This can cause uncomfortable chafing or rubbing after your waxing.

For the back or chest to wear a soft shirt that isn't your all-time favorite one as wax and after care products can stain land stiff shirts or scratchy fabrics will hurt. Without hair as a buffer you will find your skin to be MUCH more sensitive. For the underarms, you may wear a tank top or remove your shirt. For leg waxing you may wear looser fitting pants so they don't stick after the treatment. During a full leg waxing you can wear shorts, an old swimsuit, or your underwear.

For genital waxing you will keep your shirt on and socks if you like, but we'll be needing access to the goods. We respect your modesty and will provide drape sheets for you. You'll want looser fitting underwear after your treatment, remember the idea is clean, cool, and dry for whatever area post treatment not compression and sweat.

Under Armor, man Spanx, and other compression items are a BAD idea to wear on waxing day. These types of items encourage skin issues after waxing and should be avoided for 24 if not 48 hours.

If you wear tactical clothing for work (police, military, security vests, holsters, and other similar items that trap body heat) a thin layer of an antibacterial cream or spray or perhaps a body powder is a great idea for 2 days after your wax for the first few treatments to act as a prophylactic and prevent a bacterial buildup in the healing follicles and lessen chaffing. If you can schedule so you have a day after waxing without the tactical clothing that would be ideal.

How long will it take?

That depends on the area, how much hair you have, the room temperature/humidity levels, the type of skin you have, the type of wax, and if you are a sweaty guy or not. We never upcharge if it takes us longer than average. At your consultation your technician will explain the amount of time you can expect your treatment to take. The following times are generous averages for areas; we'd rather you over plan for time than try to squeeze a wax in a packed schedule.

For genital waxing please plan up to an hour. For a back & chest wax plan up to 60 minutes. For underarms plan to spend 15 minutes with us. Nose and ear waxing takes up to 15 minutes for each area.

Generally, virgin waxing takes longer then subsequent waxes as there will only be the active growing hair present so there will be less of it and it is easier to remove.

What kind of wax do you use?

We utilize many different types and brands of both hard and strip wax depending on the area to be waxed, they type of hair growth, and the client's skin type.

There are many wax brands on the market and each has their own pluses and minuses. However, there are only two families of wax types: The most common you see in this area is strip wax (also called hot or soft wax) and the other type is hard wax (also called Brazilian/European wax, stripless wax, and cold wax).

Strip wax is the kind you saw on 40 Year Old Virgin and often on YouTube terror videos and other forms of waxertainment. It is heated as hot as possible, applied as thinly as possible, and then a cloth or paper strip is applied to the area and rubbed in or pressed in to make it stick to the wax and then it is zipped off quickly. Its main advantages are speed and exfoliation since it removes the outer layer of skin. Strip wax should almost never be reapplied to an area; you get one shot and done or you would remove additional layers of skin.

Hard wax on the other hand melts at just over body temperature; it is spread on like frosting, firms up and turns opaque, and then is peeled off kind of like a flexible Band-Aid. Its advantages include a low melt temperature so less burn risk than strip wax, it can be reapplied to an area since it does not remove the skin like strip wax does, it does not require any invasive rubbing or molding into the hair, and its shrink wrap nature allows it to grab coarse hair beautifully.

We do not change any additional fees for hard waxing. We just include the best product for our clients’ needs. We use hard wax on eyebrows, underarms, and genitals as a rule because these areas tend to have very coarse hair and leaving the skin intact in these areas is obviously important.

Since some areas of the body can benefit from the extra exfoliation that strip wax provides, we routinely use strip wax on chests and backs.

Why do you need to see my driver's license or a photo ID?

The most important reason is we care enough to establish your real identity and protect your identity from potential problems--imagine if someone took your wallet and wanted to use your credit cards to get services. Because we are taking your personal and health information, the HIPAA regulations also require we verify your identity.

A positive identification of you with your picture and name (like a valid photo ID shows) protects us and you. We also need to be sure you are over 18 and can legally agree to treatment.

Due to recently enacted legislation to protect consumers, in order to accept credit card payments we also are now required to establish and verify your identity each time we accept payment.

Our liability insurer also requires us to verify your personal information and we do.

To comply with all these regulations we could: Keep a copy of your ID on file like many doctors and dentists do or we could ask you to show your photo ID each time. We have chosen to take our own photo of you after verifying your identity with a valid photo ID and keep it in your treatment file so that our clients do not have to deal with the inconvenience of ID checking each time.

Our privacy policy is to never release your information to anyone (except as required by law) period. You will never see your picture used for anything other than to identify you among staff members.

I've heard there are different types of Bikini / Mankini / Genital / Australian waxes or patterns. What patterns will you do?

We offer many types of genital waxing treatments for men. Our patterns of removal include: The EO, The TBC, The TC2, and the Board Short. Presented in order from least hair removed to most.

We know what you are thinking already. It probably is something like "Oh crazy person, my man parts are so sensitive this must be unbearable--especially the crack egads!"

You will be surprised to find how tolerable these services are. Most guys honestly remark that the experience was not nearly as horrible as they thought it was going to be.

• EO (Equipment Only) Pattern: For the gentlemen this is the most conservative wax we offer. It includes the equipment only i.e. the penis and scrotum. Yes, you can safely and easily wax both without skin damage.

• The TBC (Twig, Berries, Cleft) Pattern: This pattern includes the equipment, cleft in the backside, and removes the hair surrounding the equipment on the front side except for a decorative pattern (upside down triangle, square, landing strip, lightning bolt, etcetera) is left above the equipment.

• If you are looking for a way to focus attention on the goods, clearing out the underbrush is the way to go. Since the equipment is now visible (as reported in Men's Health Magazine) it tends to make the package look larger and fuller...enough said. If you are an athlete and are battling swampy fungus issues, this is the starting pattern wax for you. Some places may call this pattern a Brazilian, a Guyzilian, Manzilian, Hollywood, French or Australian wax.

• The Brief Pattern: This wax goes a little further than the TBC as it includes the full cheeks and leaves zero decorative pattern up above the equipment. It basically removes anything that would be covered by brief style underwear. You might here this called a Sphinx, Full Monty, or Bare-All wax and some folks confuse it with a Brazilian etcetera.

• The Board Short: This wax basically removes what would have been covered by a Boxer Brief style of underwear so a few inches down on the upper thighs are also included. This tends to be the wax of choice among cyclists and runners.

I have just tons of hair...I feel like sasquatch...really can you help me too?

Absolutely, remember what is a lot of hair to you and what is a lot of hair to us in our professional experience, are two very different things. Trust us, you aren't alone and it doesn't shock us. We are not grossed out if you don't look like George Clooney. We know unwanted hair just needs to go. Every day we assist people just like you in eliminating years of embarrassing hair from virtually anywhere. No one has too much hair for us to deal with.

Can I record or take a picture of my treatment to show my friends?

As cool (and potentially innocent) as it may seem to snap a couple quick pictures or record a treatment; it also opens a Pandora's Box we strictly forbid access to. To ensure compliance with our privacy policy, we ask you to respect our privacy and that of our other clients. For this reason, cameras, cell phones that record or have cameras, and any other recording devices are not permitted to be used.

Stealth actions are not funny or a joke to us either. We take privacy seriously and we'd hate to have to involve the authorities. If you have a special need or reason, ask to speak with the boss lady and she may grant you conditional permission for recording. Without prior written approval however, no recording or pictures. If we find out that you have done so without our consent, we will pursue any and all legal remedies available to us.

How much does it cost?

While we make every effort to update our website promptly, please check your consultation package for the current rate card.

If you are a waxing only client then our fees are determined by area click here for our pricing menu page. Please note we don't upcharge at River Rock. Period. The price you see is the price you will pay without any surprises regardless of the type of wax or other amenities we utilize.

As we don't expect or accept tips, you don't need to build 30% or more for gratuities into your budget. Your continued patronage is gratuity enough for us. We are pleased to accept cash, charge cards including Visa, MasterCard, and Discover at the time of service.

How can I make my treatment more comfortable?

You can try the following suggestions to make your waxing experience more comfortable:

• Avoid caffeine or other stimulants 6 - 10 hours before treatment.

• Don't drink alcohol prior to your treatment, don't come in terribly hung over, both make your wax hurt more. Seriously, don't...

• Don't smoke 4 hours prior to treatment.

• You may want to try taking your favorite OTC analgesic, such as Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, or aspirin, 60 minutes before your treatment.

• Practice using deep breathing and other relaxation techniques. Remember it will be over very quickly.

• Consider using one of the topical anesthetics (numbing agents) we offer before you arrive for your treatment.

• Try taking an antacid (Tums, Rolaids etc.) 30-45 minutes before your treatment, it helps reduce redness double quick.

Is there anyone you simply will not wax?

Waxing services are not recommended and will not be performed for those clients using (or have used in the last 6 months) Accutane or Retin A products. If you have utilized these or similar products please be aware there is a very real risk of losing skin if you wax as these products by their very nature thin the skin.

We are also unable to wax if you have tanned on the day of your waxing appointment, or if you have visible sunburn. We will not wax if you have certain medical conditions, non-intact healthy skin, or over unidentified skin lesions.

While having to reschedule is an inconvenience, this is a serious matter and when we deny service it is for your own safety.