What Is a Manzilian Wax? A Full Breakdown For First-Timers
What Is a Manzilian Wax? TL;DR
A manzilian wax is professional intimate waxing for people with male anatomy, removing hair from the pubic area, genitals, and surrounding areas for smoother, cleaner results than shaving.
Hair should be about ½ inch long (roughly the size of a grain of rice), and you should not shave or trim beforehand, your waxer will handle it if needed.
Appointments typically take 15ish minutes, and while it hurts worse than a sucking chest wound, it’s brief and becomes easier (in theory) with regular waxing.
Results usually last 3–6 weeks, with regrowth coming in softer and finer over time. Trust.
Proper prep and aftercare make a huge difference in comfort, results, and preventing ingrown hairs.
If you’re familiar with a Brazilian wax, you’re already halfway there. A manzilian wax is a form of intimate waxing that removes hair from the pubic area for people with male anatomy.
If you’ve found yourself wondering what is a manzilian wax, you might be curious, unsure, or simply interested in a lower-maintenance grooming option than shaving. At its core, it’s a professional hair-removal service many people choose for comfort, cleanliness, and simplicity.
At Ted D Bare, a waxing studio in San Jose, male waxing isn’t an add-on, it’s how we started. We opened with an exclusively male clientele and went on to introduce the 15-minute manzilian, boyzilian, and brozilian to the Bay Area. With roughly 10 manzilian clients coming through our doors each day, we’ve learned a thing or two. Here’s what first-timers actually want to know.
What Is a Manzilian Wax and What’s Included?
A manzilian wax is a form of intimate waxing that removes hair from the pubic area using professional wax, which pulls hair from the root rather than cutting it at the surface. The service typically includes hair removal from the mons pubis, penis, testicles, perineum and bum crack. Clients have the option of adding on full bum cheeks. For many clients, the result is cleaner skin, less friction, and a more comfortable day-to-day routine.
Some people choose to leave a small amount of hair or leave the mons pubis alone, while others prefer complete removal. The service can be adjusted based on personal preference.
How To Prepare For a Manzilian Wax
Preparation can make a noticeable difference in comfort and results, but it doesn’t need to be complicated.
One of the most common mistakes first-timers make is trimming or shaving right before their appointment. It’s not necessary, and it can actually make waxing more difficult if hair ends up too short or uneven. Coming in as-is allows your waxer to properly assess hair length and trim only if needed.
For waxing to be effective, hair should be about ½ inch long, roughly the size of a grain of rice. This gives the wax enough length to grip and remove hair cleanly from the root.
The day before your appointment, gentle exfoliation using the 50 Grit Exfoliating Towel can help remove dead skin and allow hair to lift more easily from the follicle. On the day of your wax, a warm shower can help relax the skin. Avoid heavy lotions or oils, as they can interfere with wax adhesion.
Caffeine is another small detail worth considering. Coffee or energy drinks before your appointment can increase sensitivity and may contribute to minor pinprick bleeding, which is normal but more noticeable when the skin is stimulated.
If you’ve never shaved or waxed before, that’s completely fine. Everyone starts somewhere. First-time appointments are often the most uncomfortable simply because hair is thicker and follicles haven’t been trained yet. Licensed estheticians are used to working with all hair types and growth patterns, and no one expects you to arrive “perfectly groomed.” We might laugh at you. But only internally.
What to Expect During a Manzilian Wax
The process is simple. When you arrive, you’ll be shown to a treatment room and given a skin care cleansing wipe and a privacy sheet to clean the intimate area and undress from the waist down. This doesn’t mean you should come straight from the gym. Avoid arriving sweaty, as freshly exercised skin can be more sensitive and prone to irritation.
Once you’re ready, a licensed esthetician applies warm wax in small sections and removes hair efficiently from the root. You’ll be guided through positioning as needed so all areas can be treated properly. Communication is encouraged, especially around how much hair you want removed or left behind.
A manzilian wax typically includes the mons pubis, penis, testicles, perineum, and bum crack, and generally takes 15ish minutes. If a client opts to include Full Bum cheeks, the appointment will be about 30 minutes.
Does a Manzilian Wax Hurt?
Absolutely. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a liar, liar with his pants on fire and only wants to take your money. At Ted D Bare, we too want your money, but we won't lie about it. If you’re expecting a spa-nap experience, this isn’t that. Waxing removes hair from the root, so discomfort is part of the process. How intense it feels depends on pain tolerance, hair density, and whether it’s your first appointment.
First-time waxing can feel more intense because hair is thicker and more firmly rooted. With regular waxing, many clients notice regrowth becomes finer and sparser, which can significantly reduce discomfort over time. Skilled estheticians also use breathing techniques that minimize pain, such as working in smaller sections and maintaining consistent tension. The sensation itself is short-lived and usually fades quickly once the wax is removed.
If sensitivity is a concern, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or aspirin about 30 minutes before your appointment can help take the edge off.
Also read: Does Waxing Hurt? Honest Pain Ratings by Body Part
Is Getting a Brazilian Wax Awkward for Men?
We get it. You’re a dude, and the idea of getting naked in front of someone you don’t know might freak you out a little. You’re also worried about a certain involuntary physical reaction. Did we just read your mind?
It’s a natural response. That said, once the first strip comes off, there’s no chance any “excitement” survives the pain.
But seriously, this is a professional service with one clear purpose: removing hair. The focus is on technique, safety, and efficiency, not appearance. We’ve been performing manzilians for over 20 years and see around 10 male clients a day. At this point, we’re completely desensitized; it’s just routine work for us.
What to Do After a Manzilian Wax
Aftercare helps your skin recover smoothly. Mild redness or sensitivity is normal and usually fades within a day or two, especially after your first appointment.
For the first 24 hours, avoid hot showers, heavy sweating, sun exposure, and tight clothing. Freshly waxed skin is more sensitive, and heat or friction can lead to irritation. Stick to gentle cleansing and apply a light, soothing lotion or cooling gel if needed.
Skip the gym. Sweat and friction right after waxing are one of the fastest ways to cause bumps or ingrown hairs. Giving your skin a rest day makes a noticeable difference.
After a few days, once the skin has settled, begin exfoliating again. Gentle physical exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can trap new hair growth; this is where a physical exfoliator like the 50 Grit Exfoliating Towel is useful. Follow that with a chemical exfoliant or ingrown serum, such as Agent 88, which penetrates the pores to help prevent ingrowns before they start. Used together, this approach helps keep regrowth smooth between appointments.
How Long Does a Manzilian Wax Last?
Because waxing removes hair from the root, results typically last three to six weeks, depending on individual hair growth cycles. This is a key difference from shaving, which cuts hair at the surface and often leads to irritation, razor burn, and fast, blunt regrowth.
With waxing, regrowth tends to come in finer, softer, and less noticeable over time. It’s also important to understand that waxing is a process. After your first appointment, hair may grow back a bit sooner, but with regular sessions, many people notice regrowth slows and stays away longer between appointments.
How Often Should You Get a Manzilian Wax?
Most people stick to every four to six weeks. That window gives hair enough time to grow just long enough to be removed cleanly while keeping results consistent.
Waiting too long puts you back at square one. Coming in too soon means the hair may be too short to wax effectively. That four-to-six-week range tends to be the balance that works best.
With consistency, waxing often becomes more predictable and more comfortable over time. Your esthetician can help fine-tune timing based on how your hair grows and responds between appointments.
What is a Manzilian Wax? FAQs
How Long Should Hair Be Before a Manzilian Wax?
Hair should be about ½ inch long, roughly the size of a grain of rice. This gives the wax enough length to grip and remove hair cleanly from the root.
Hair that’s too short may not lift, which can lead to patchy results or missed areas. If hair is longer than ideal, your esthetician can trim it before waxing, there’s no need to do this yourself. Coming in with natural growth allows the service to be done more efficiently and with better results.
What Should You NOT Do Before a Manzilian Wax?
Avoid shaving the area before your appointment. Shaving can irritate the skin and often leaves hair too short for the wax to grip properly, which can affect results.
Heavy lotions or oils should also be avoided on the day of your wax, as they can interfere with wax adhesion.
Aggressive exfoliation right before your appointment isn’t recommended either. While exfoliating is helpful, doing it too close to your wax can increase sensitivity.
It’s also best to avoid prolonged sun exposure for at least 24 to 48 hours beforehand, as sun-sensitized skin tends to react more during waxing.
Limiting caffeine before your appointment can also help. Coffee or energy drinks may increase sensitivity and make the service feel more uncomfortable than necessary.
What Should You Wear to a Manzilian Wax Appointment?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment, especially for afterward. Freshly waxed skin can be more sensitive, and tighter fabrics may cause friction or irritation. Breathable clothing helps keep the area comfortable as your skin settles.
Should You Tell Your Waxer About Prescription Medications or Skin Conditions?
Yes. Certain prescription medications and topical treatments can affect skin sensitivity and thickness. Medications such as isotretinoin or tretinoin may make the skin more prone to irritation during waxing.
Letting your waxer know about any medications, active skincare ingredients, or skin conditions allows them to adjust technique or timing to keep the service safe and comfortable.
Is Redness or Bumpiness Normal After a Manzilian Wax?
Yes. There are a few skin reactions you might notice after a manzilian wax, especially in the pubic and buttocks area, and they’re completely normal.
You may see small bumps or redness, which are usually just signs of temporary irritation and tend to fade within a few hours to a couple of days. Mild itching can also happen as the skin adjusts; try not to scratch and stick to soothing, lightweight products while the area calms down.
In some cases, you might notice stubble or early ingrown hairs as hair grows back on different cycles. Keeping the skin clean, moisturized, and following proper aftercare makes a big difference here. Using an ingrown-prevention serum like Agent 88 helps keep pores clear and reduces the chance of irritation or flare-ups as regrowth begins.
What We’ve Learned from Performing Manzilians Every Day
After performing manzilians daily for years, one thing becomes clear: the results always outweigh the hesitation people feel before booking. With proper preparation and thoughtful aftercare, most clients are surprised by how smooth, manageable, and worthwhile the experience actually is. At Ted D Bare, manzilians aren’t an occasional service; they’re routine, which keeps sessions efficient, predictable, and straightforward. If you’re still deciding should you get a manzilian wax, or want practical guidance on prep and skin care, keep reading the Ted D Bare blog. We answer the questions you’re too shy to ask. 🤭
