Waxing can be a less-than-comfortable experience, but here are some great hints
that can make your waxing procedure pleasant!
- Take ibuprofen at least 20 minutes beforehand may help dull
your pain receptors (as long as it's not contraindicated by your doctor)
- The day of your waxing, limit your caffeine intake as it can stimulate the
nervous system which can make you more sensitive and red.
- Lastly, for our female patients, try to schedule your
appointment within the first 2 weeks after you have ended your cycle as this is
when you are probably retaining the least amount of fluid, and should probably
be the least sensitive. We will still wax our clients if they are on their cycle
as long as they wear a tampon and know they will most likely be more sensitive.
BEFORE WAXING
Please allow at least 2 weeks of growth before your visit. Everyone's hair grows
at a different pace, but 2 weeks is a good rule-of-thumb. The longer the growth
(within reason) will mean less tweezing and a cleaner wax. Your hair must be at
least half the length of your pinky nail (go ahead... check your pinky!)
If you do not wax or shave your hair at all, please trim hair to a reasonable
length. The longer the hair is, the greater the chance of unnecessary pain,
accidental tugging and breakage.
Do not apply self tanner, moisturizer, or any abrasive body or facial scrubs.
Do not go sit in the sun or go to the tanning booth prior to your service.
Discontinuing any product that exfoliates or dries the skin for at least 1 week prevents tears, scabbing or
burning.
Avoid getting spray tanned before any waxing procedure. Wax tends to lift the color off your skin leaving it patchy-looking.
Some products that conflict with waxing are:
- Accutane
- Retin A
- Glycolic acid
- ProActive
- Avita
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Salicylic acid
These are only some of the products that we are aware of that may cause
problems. New ones come out every day! If you have any doubt, don’t use it or
don’t wax. However, if you still desire to use your skin products that are not
conducive to waxing, we may use an extremely hypoallergenic hard wax that is
great for sensitive and chemically treated skin. When you call for your
appointment, please let us know!
AFTER WAXING
Start exfoliating as soon as
it is comfortable to do so or when tenderness subsides.
You may exfoliate your skin in two ways: chemically or manually.
Chemically you may purchase a product that contains salicylic acid like
TendSkin. This will discourage
ingrown hairs if used consistently as directed.
Manually you may simply use a warm, damp washcloth or exfoliating gloves. The
gloves are recommended because they can be washed, dried & sanitized while
loofahs can harbor bacteria and mold. With a washcloth, one can rub the area
waxed the opposite way of the hair growth which will reduce the chances of
ingrown hairs, bumps and rough-feeling skin.
It's difficult to predict how skin will react, no matter how many precautions
are taken. If you are considering having a waxing service for a special event,
consider having this area waxed one month before the event as a test. This will
give you an idea of how reactive your skin will be. If there is no adverse
reaction, you can have the area waxed a couple of days before the big event!