Happy Ending Massage 101: A Pro-Level Guide

According to certain reports, pop star Taylor Swift and musician boyfriend Calvin Harris split after he was spotted leaving a massage parlor. Plenty of people get massages without it ending their relationship, so what made this different? Some outlets claimed it was because Calvin wasn't getting a standard, PG massage — he was getting a happy ending.

What Exactly Is a Happy Ending Massage?

It's not something most people encounter every day, even though it pops up constantly in celebrity gossip. A happy ending massage is a massage that wraps up with a hand job to get a man off — that's his "happy ending." This style of professional massage got its start in parts of Asia, including Japan, before spreading to other countries.

That said, happy ending massages are a gray area legally and are often illegal depending on where you're located, particularly in places with strict sex-work laws. In the U.S., for instance, Las Vegas is one of the rare spots where it's legal, and a man could land in real trouble elsewhere for seeking one out. Fortunately, this is a non-issue if you're the one providing it for your partner!

The concept of a happy ending massage can leave plenty of women feeling squeamish. You might not even like the idea of your man being touched by someone else during a massage, period. But a massage in general can absolutely be a healthy thing, and relaxation happens to set the stage nicely for getting aroused.

Once we shed tension and inhibition, real physical changes kick in — including a boost in blood flow. That's part of why this happens during sleep too, producing what's commonly called morning wood. Naturally, similar relaxation during the day can get your man hard, the same way you might feel turned on once you unwind.

On top of that, a happy ending massage delivers every benefit of an ordinary massage. Muscle knots loosen up, the stress from work, school, or home life fades, and aching bodies feel restored. Physical touch with your partner also triggers bonding hormones, which explains why cuddling deepens intimacy.

Getting Ready for the Massage

You can dress sexy to turn your man on, or just throw on something comfortable, since you'll need full range of motion to work over his body. Skip heels if you're prone to wobbling in them. If you're working with massage oil, avoid wearing anything you'd hate to stain. Plenty of professionals opt for something casual, like a button-down shirt. Yoga pants or workout gear also do the job nicely — and show off your figure!

The secret to a great massage is tuning into what your man actually wants. Encourage him to speak up about what feels good and what doesn't. If he struggles with that, you two might benefit from this guide to sexual communication. Check in with him throughout — ask if something feels good or if he's enjoying it. You might even sharpen your dirty-talk skills in the process!

Pay attention to his body language too — sighs, moans, tensing muscles, or pulling away all send signals. Since a moan can mean either "yes" or "stop," staying tuned in matters. Cut out distractions like the TV, though some mood-setting music, like this playlist, can help.

There are other easy ways to build atmosphere: dim the lights, light a scented candle, or spritz some air freshener. Fresh sheets never hurt, and keeping a few towels within reach is smart. Toss them in the dryer beforehand so they come out warm and soft.

A massage candle checks several boxes at once — pleasant scent, romantic lighting, and it doubles as oil for the happy ending itself. These candles melt at a low temperature, turning into a warm liquid you can pour and rub onto skin safely. If you're nervous about the temperature, test a drop on yourself first. You can also hold the candle further from the skin while pouring to let it cool a bit more first.

A standard massage oil works too — some warm or cool with a puff of breath, and flavored versions exist as well. Silicone-based lube is a solid pick because it lasts a long time and doesn't soak into skin, though it's not exactly tasty.

Techniques for a Sensual, Satisfying Massage

You don't need professional training to deliver a great happy ending massage — just a handful of solid techniques. Check out our guide for giving a sensual massage and this guide to erotic massage to get started. Since you're the one delivering this experience, it'll already beat anything he'd pay for elsewhere — and it costs nothing!

Every so often, let your hand, hair, or another part of your body brush against him in a suggestive way. If he's lying face-up, you can "accidentally" graze his penis or balls. If he's face-down, brush his inner thighs or backside. Let your breath warm his skin. Don't hold back on appreciative sounds while you touch him, either.

Once you're ready for the main event, the finale of a happy ending massage is bringing your man to orgasm via hand job. If you're not confident in this department, don't stress — we've got tips to help you give an amazing hand job and deliver the happy ending he's after.

• Instead of a simple back-and-forth stroke, twist your hand as you move it along his shaft.
• Switch hands if one starts getting tired.
• Work both hands together. Start one at the base and stroke upward; before you hit the tip, bring your other hand to the base and repeat, so there's always a hand in motion on his cock.
• Don't neglect his balls. Massage his testicles with one hand while stroking with the other, or try a light tickling motion with your fingers.
• Keep things slick with your own spit or massage oil.
• As you stroke his shaft, move the skin itself up and down rather than just sliding your hand over it. This works whether or not he's circumcised.
• Use your thumb to massage the ridge underneath the head, called the frenulum — often the most sensitive spot on his entire penis.
• Glide your palm over the head of his penis as your hand reaches the top of each stroke.

A happy ending massage is also a great opportunity to bring prostate massage into play. You can stimulate his prostate through the anus or perineum — learn more here. Penetration isn't required, though; you can also massage his backside as part of the session, since there's plenty of muscle to work with there too.

Bringing Him to Orgasm During a Happy Ending Massage

Mix up your technique to keep it interesting. As he nears climax, his breathing will pick up. Consider trying edging — bring him right to the edge, then ease off or pause entirely. Repeat this cycle a few times before finally letting him have a powerful, drawn-out orgasm. Keep in mind edging can be trickier to pull off if he tends to finish quickly.

If you'd like, finish him off with a condom on for easy cleanup. Or let him finish in your mouth and swallow if that's your thing. A lot of men also get intensely turned on finishing on their partner's body. Go with whatever feels right for you.

Not every man can reach orgasm from a hand job, though. This can come down to his usual masturbation habits. Many men use heavy pressure and speed that can be tough to replicate by hand. But practice pays off. Treat your man to a happy ending massage now and then, and he'll love it — plus you'll only get better at it over time!

October 3, 2020