Let’s address the question almost every man asks before booking his first appointment:

“How bad is it going to hurt?”

The honest answer is simple:

Yes, a Manzilian hurts, but probably not as much as you’ve built it up in your head.

If you’ve spent any time reading online forums, you’ve probably seen stories ranging from “It was no big deal” to “It was the worst pain of my life.”

The reality falls somewhere in the middle.

Most men find the discomfort is brief, manageable, and over much faster than expected. For many, the anticipation is significantly worse than the waxing itself.

Quick Answer

A men’s Brazilian wax causes short bursts of discomfort as the hair is removed from the root.

The sensation usually lasts one to three seconds with each strip or application of hard wax.

For most clients:

• The first appointment is the most uncomfortable.
• Future appointments become easier with regular waxing.
• The discomfort fades quickly once each section is finished.

Why Does Waxing Hurt?

Waxing removes the entire hair from the follicle.

Unlike shaving, which simply cuts hair at the skin’s surface, waxing pulls the hair out from the root.

That creates a brief pain signal before the follicle relaxes.

Fortunately, your body adapts remarkably well.

Most people find the discomfort disappears almost immediately after each pull.

Is a Manzilian More Painful Than a Women’s Brazilian Wax?

Not necessarily.

Pain is highly individual.

However, men often have:

• Coarser hair
• Denser hair growth
• Larger treatment areas

These factors can make a first appointment feel more intense.

The good news is that regular waxing often results in softer regrowth, making future appointments feel easier.

Which Areas Hurt the Most?

This is another common question.

Everyone’s experience is different, but many men report:

Front Pubic Area

Usually produces the strongest sensation because the hair is often thick and dense.

Scrotum

Surprisingly, many clients expect this area to be the worst.

In reality, experienced estheticians use specialized techniques that make this area much more manageable than most people anticipate.

Perineum

Some men find this area more sensitive.

Others barely notice it.

Again, individual anatomy makes a difference.

Between the Buttocks

Many first-time clients are surprised to discover this is often one of the easiest parts of the appointment.

What Does the Pain Actually Feel Like?

Most clients describe it as:

• A quick sting
• A sharp pinch
• Like removing a very strong adhesive bandage

The important part is that the sensation is temporary.

It isn’t constant pain throughout the appointment.

Instead, it’s a series of very brief moments separated by normal conversation and repositioning.

The First Appointment Is Usually the Hardest

Your first wax removes every mature hair that’s currently growing.

After several consistent appointments, many hairs become finer or are growing in different stages of the growth cycle.

That often makes future appointments feel easier.

One reason experienced clients appear so relaxed isn’t because they have unusually high pain tolerance.

It’s because they’ve stayed consistent.

What Makes a Manzilian Hurt More?

Several factors influence discomfort.

Hair Length

Hair that’s too long can make waxing less comfortable.

Following your esthetician’s preparation instructions helps.

Previous Shaving

Frequent shaving often produces coarse stubble, making a first wax feel more intense.

Stress

An anxious body naturally tenses muscles.

Tension increases discomfort.

The more relaxed you are, the easier the appointment tends to feel.

Lack of Sleep

Poor sleep can lower pain tolerance.

Getting a good night’s rest before your appointment may help.

Caffeine

Large amounts of caffeine immediately beforehand can make some people feel more anxious and physically tense.

If you’re already nervous, it may be worth skipping that extra energy drink before your appointment.

What Makes It Hurt Less?

Several simple things can improve your experience.

• Stay on a regular 4–6 week waxing schedule.
• Avoid shaving between appointments.
• Follow preparation instructions.
• Communicate with your esthetician.
• Focus on steady breathing instead of holding your breath.

These small adjustments often make a noticeable difference.

Should You Take Pain Medication?

Some clients choose to take an over-the-counter pain reliever about 30 to 60 minutes before their appointment.

However, not every medication is appropriate for everyone.

If you have medical conditions, take prescription medications, or are unsure what’s safe for you, speak with your healthcare provider before taking any medication.

Avoid taking medication solely because someone online recommended it.

Does It Hurt Less Over Time?

Usually, yes.

Most long-term waxing clients say they become more comfortable for several reasons:

• They know what to expect.
• They stay relaxed.
• They maintain regular appointments.
• Hair is often easier to remove than it was during the first visit.

Consistency is one of the biggest factors in improving comfort.

Colorado’s Dry Climate Can Play a Role

Colorado’s low humidity doesn’t make waxing more painful, but it can leave skin drier than normal.

Well moisturized, healthy skin often tolerates waxing better than skin that’s excessively dry.

Using a fragrance-free moisturizer regularly between appointments can help keep your skin in good condition year-round.

Just don’t apply lotion on the day of your appointment unless your esthetician tells you it’s okay.

💡 Honey Bare Tip

If you’re worried about pain, don’t schedule your first Manzilian right before an important event or stressful day.

Choose a day when you aren’t rushed and can relax afterward. Most clients find that having time to unwind makes the overall experience much more comfortable.

Common Mistakes

❌ Reading horror stories online

People are much more likely to post extreme experiences than ordinary ones.

Most appointments are far less dramatic than internet forums would have you believe.

❌ Holding your breath

Steady breathing helps your body stay relaxed during waxing.

❌ Shaving before your appointment

Shaving makes the first professional wax more challenging and often less comfortable.

❌ Assuming everyone experiences pain the same way

Pain tolerance varies tremendously from person to person.

Your experience won’t necessarily match someone else’s.

From the Wax Room

One thing I’ve noticed is that first-time male clients almost always expect the pain to be unbearable.

Then the appointment ends.

The comment I hear most often is:

“Honestly…that wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected.”

That doesn’t mean waxing is painless.

It means uncertainty has a way of making things feel much bigger than they really are. Once you know what to expect, the experience becomes much less intimidating.

Honey Bare Standard of Care

At Honey Bare Wax Bar, our goal isn’t just to remove hair, it’s to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

We work efficiently, communicate throughout your appointment, and adjust our technique based on your skin and hair type. If you need a moment to pause, we’ll take one. Professional waxing should never feel rushed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Manzilian the most painful wax?

Many men expect it to be, but experiences vary. Most clients find the discomfort is brief and manageable.

Does the scrotum hurt the most?

Not necessarily. Many clients are surprised that other areas feel more sensitive.

Does waxing get easier?

Yes. For most people, regular waxing becomes noticeably more comfortable over time.

Can I numb the area beforehand?

Some topical numbing products exist, but they aren’t appropriate for everyone and may affect the skin. Talk with your esthetician before using any numbing cream.

Is the pain worth it?

Only you can answer that, but many men feel that several weeks of smooth skin and less daily maintenance outweigh a few minutes of temporary discomfort.

Related Articles

• Your First Men’s Brazilian Wax (Manzilian): What to Expect
• How to Prepare for Your First Men’s Brazilian Wax
• How Long Should Hair Be Before a Men’s Brazilian Wax?
• Men’s Brazilian Wax Aftercare
• How Often Should Men Get Waxed?

Ready to Book?

If fear of pain has been the only thing keeping you from booking a Manzilian, you’re not alone.

Almost every first-time client has the same concern. The good news is that once the appointment is behind you, you’ll know exactly what to expect,

and that’s often the biggest hurdle.

At Honey Bare Wax Bar, we’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions honestly, and help make your first experience as comfortable as possible.