I’ve put myself through pain for the sake of beauty a few times in my life. A nipple piercing, a couple of tattoos and, most recently, teeth whitening – the latter being (pain-wise) the most intense. Memories of this treatment surfaced as I lay face down with my butt in the air, awaiting hot wax to be smeared over it, only to be swiftly ripped off moments later – including a big chunk of my thick ang moh hair. Painful? Oh yes, especially when a couple of pulls feels like a substantial piece of flesh just got ripped off, hair follicles and all. One thing is for certain: when getting a Boyzilian, you can kiss modesty goodbye. The procedure is as intimate as you can get without having sex. Within minutes of meeting my therapist, spa owner Thomas, I was standing naked in front of a mirror, wondering what I would look like afterward. A plucked chicken? A 10-year-old with a goatee? I calmed down when I learned that Thomas has spent the past 14 years performing and perfecting his skills at this procedure. The experience showed in his professional bedside manner, the swiftness (and thus less painful) of his movements and informative approach, as he took the time to thoroughly explain the procedure. Twenty minutes later, I was practically an expert on Boyzilians. When it was all over, I felt like I had left a piece of me behind (well, I guess I did), as well as made a new friend. After all, I’ve never been that close to anyone, not even my best friend of 25 years. The next day I was red and sore and a little pimply – not very attractive. But 48 hours later, I must admit that while I didn’t care much for the fullfrontal nudity, I definitely understand why most men are sent to have their back, sack and crack hair removed by their significant others. The sensation of being bare down there was rather nice, and I was excited that I could now compete with most Asian men in the baby-smooth butt department. And for that, enduring a Boyzilian was worthwhile. I would go so far as to say I would do it again tomorrow…well, maybe in four to six weeks’ time. 

Boyzilian, $80 (first session), $120-$150 (subsequent session). Available at Thomas D’Esthetique, #03-01 Excelsior Hotel and Shopping Centre, 5 Coleman St (6337 6858, www.thomasde.com).