What Is a Manzilian? Here's Everything You Need to Know About Man Brazilians and Their Benefits

Author : James Smith | Published On : 19 Apr 2024

As the trend of men opting for a hairless look below the belt gains momentum, our exploration into its motivations might unveil some intriguing insights.

Picture this: I find myself lying on an examination table, bathed in a bright light shining directly onto my rear end. No, this isn't the opening scene of a movie. I'm gearing up for a Brazilian wax, or as I like to call it, a Manzilian.

Manzilians, as the name implies, involve a thorough Brazilian-style waxing treatment to remove all hair from the groin and buttocks, leaving behind a smooth finish.

While not long ago I might have been seen as an outlier for seeking such a treatment, it's now becoming more popular among men from diverse backgrounds.

Hair removal experts like Magdalen Karunja, owner of Magdalen’s Pure Skin Care in Rockville, have observed a shift in their clientele demographics. According to Magdalen, "Young men are increasingly seeking complete smoothness." He attributes part of this trend to the preferences of younger women. However, even without influence from partners, Magdalen notes that "men from all walks of life often prefer a smooth buttock."

Like many men, I've experimented with various grooming styles over the years, from trimming to shaving, and leaving certain areas untouched. Despite trying various waxing treatments, I've never ventured below the belt. Curiosity led me to explore what all the fuss was about, ultimately finding myself in a rather vulnerable position.

What Is a Manzilian?

A Manzilian, inspired by the female Brazilian wax, entails removing all hair from the groin area to achieve a smooth result. Many establishments offer additional options for hair removal from areas like the buttocks, butt crack, perineum, and more.

Magdalen emphasizes that while a Manzilian typically implies a completely hairless look, the service can be tailored to the customer's preferences.

This means that choosing a Manzilian doesn't necessarily mean going completely bare. Personally, I opted to leave about 90% smoothness, keeping some hair on top but removing it everywhere else.

When I expressed my hesitation about going fully hairless to Magdalen, he didn't hesitate. Among the 20 to 23 Manzilian clients he sees daily, most choose to customize the service to their liking.

Why Get a Manzilian?

According to Magdalen, men usually opt for a Manzilian for two main reasons: either they personally prefer the aesthetic or their partner does. Aesthetic preferences often dictate decisions in various waxing services, with some men favoring the "cleaner" appearance, as Magdalen highlights. He also mentions an added benefit that some clients appreciate, noting that it can create the illusion of appearing larger.

However, there's a surprising second reason behind the popularity of the Manzilian: hygiene. Magdalen explains that individuals in professions such as construction or truck driving, where they spend long hours seated, find the treatment invaluable for maintaining cleanliness and comfort.

Many clients who opt for the full Manzilian prioritize the sensation of cleanliness over appearance, finding it immensely satisfying. As someone who often deals with discomfort due to excessive sweating, this aspect particularly resonated with me.

What to Know Before Getting a Manzilian?

As someone who typically trims rather than shaves, I didn't have much prep work to do before my Manzilian appointment. Waxing services like this are relatively low maintenance upfront, especially for newcomers. Magdalen advises ensuring that the hair is at least the length of a grain of rice to ensure effective waxing, meaning if you shave, you'll need to let it grow out to around half an inch or so. While some may opt to exfoliate the area a couple of days beforehand to remove dead skin cells, Magdalen notes that this step is optional.

For those concerned about pain, Magdalen sometimes suggests using a numbing cream called Numb Skin Cream, containing lidocaine, though it's not mandatory. Applying it to the area about an hour and a half before the appointment can reduce the discomfort of waxing by around 30 to 60 percent. However, it's worth noting that the cream may make it slightly more difficult for the wax to grip the hair, although the waxer will remove any residue before starting the service. Personally, I chose to forgo the cream and found the experience manageable without it.

Magdalen emphasizes that the most crucial thing to remember before a Manzilian is that professional waxers are not there to judge. They're fully trained and licensed to work with all types of bodies. There's no need to fear judgment or feel the need to apologize for being yourself.

How Painful Is a Manzilian?

Let's face it, there's no beating around the bush: getting a Manzilian hurts. Despite having a decent pain threshold, I couldn't help but let out some involuntary grunts and winces as each hair was yanked out. However, I was surprised to find that it wasn't unbearable. According to Magdalen, part of the reason is the unique nature of the area being waxed. Unlike waxing other parts of the body, where the pain can linger, the discomfort in the groin area tends to dissipate quickly. Even on sensitive spots like the balls, shaft, and butt crack, the initial burning sensation faded almost immediately.

Magdalen’s calm demeanor and clear explanations throughout the process also helped ease the discomfort. Keeping up a conversation distracted my mind from the sensations, a crucial aspect of a professional Manzilian.

Besides, the type of wax or sugar used can affect how it feels, and experienced waxers have techniques to minimize pain. In the end, the discomfort was manageable, nowhere near the intensity depicted in movies like "The 40-Year-Old Virgin." And to answer the inevitable question: no, nobody screamed bloody murder during my session.

While I was mentally prepared for the pain, what caught me off guard was the awkwardness of the whole ordeal. It felt less awkward when I couldn't see what was happening, but once I shifted onto my back and could observe the process, it was a surreal experience. Watching someone manipulate my anatomy with ease was oddly disconcerting, and I fully understood the vulnerability Magdalen mentioned. However, as time passed, my self-consciousness faded, and although I can't say I enjoyed the process, I eventually managed to relax.

What to Do After a Manzilian?

I anticipated my skin would feel sensitive and irritated immediately after waxing, but surprisingly, the initial redness faded within minutes, especially with the application of antibacterial spray. Magdalen had cautioned me about the possibility of red dots lingering where the hair was pulled out, but they disappeared within a day. She advised against vigorous exercise or activities that might induce sweating, but if I did engage in such activities, he recommended washing the waxed areas with gentle soap and using the antibacterial wipes she provided to prevent bacterial growth.

For the record, it's perfectly fine to engage in sexual activity after a Manzilian, as long as you clean up afterward in the same manner. The duration of any tenderness or sensitivity mostly depends on the extent of hair removal. Personally, I experienced slight tenderness to the touch for a couple of days, primarily because I was still acclimating to the sensation of smoothness in that area.

How Often You Should Get a Manzilian?

Magdalen suggests scheduling waxing appointments every three to four weeks to maintain consistency and make the process easier and faster over time.

However, Magdalen also mentions that waiting around five to six weeks between sessions is suitable, as hair growth typically becomes noticeable after about four weeks.

Ultimately, the frequency depends on individual hair growth rates, and it's essential to ensure that the hair is long enough for effective waxing, even for those who have had a Manzilian before.

It took me a few days to adjust to the smooth feeling in my intimate area, but once I did, I must admit, I'm a fan. I genuinely feel cleaner, and my previous issue with sweatiness is virtually non-existent, even after intense workouts.

My showers feel more refreshing, and any lingering odors throughout the day are noticeably absent. It might sound strange, but getting a Manzilian has actually given me a confidence boost and added a spring to my step, even though few people actually see it.

Perhaps it's odd to attribute such an effect to grooming, but the impact is undeniable. (And just to clarify, my partner approves too).

While it's a grooming choice I never anticipated making, I have to admit it's quite flattering. I'm not certain if I'll maintain this style indefinitely, but after a few more weeks, I might find myself eagerly returning to Magdalen's salon again."