what to expect
Body Waxing
- Do not shave, buzz, or trim any body hair for at least 3-4 weeks to ensure your hair is long enough for the wax to be able to grip. Body hair should be longer than one quarter to half an inch long to achieve a smooth, clean removal. It should be about the length of a grain of rice or longer. If you are currently waxing, wait at least 4 weeks (from last wax) to book an appointment for facial waxing and 4-6 weeks for body waxing.
- Exfoliate your skin 1-2 days before your appointment. This helps the wax to better grip the hair and helps prevent the wax from sticking and possibly lifting your skin. Waxing and dry, flaky skin do not mix. If this is your first time waxing, do not worry about it yet as we have all the exfoliant needed in our shop. If you don’t know what exfoliating is, click here.
- It is recommended that an ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medicine be taken 30 minutes prior to your appointment. This could help reduce any inflammation, swelling, or redness that could occur.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before your appointment. Caffeine and alcohol are stimulants and can increase sensitivity, inflammation, and bleeding.
- No tanning for 48 hours before your appointment. This includes sun and salon tanning. It can cause your skin to lift when getting waxed. Waxing also has an exfoliating effect on the skin and can increase sensitivity and make you more susceptible to sunburn.
- Any area with sunburn, irritated areas, or open skin will not be waxed.
- Some moles and skin tags will not be waxed over, but they can be waxed around.
- When you come to your appointment, make sure that the area being waxed is clean. If the area is not clean, when the hair is pulled out of the follicle from waxing, bacteria can spread. Also, when the area is clean, it allows for an easy removal of the hair. Please shower thoroughly before any brazilian, bikini, and butt waxes.
- It is recommended to wear loose, old clothing to your appointment. This ensures that you will be comfortable when leaving in case of sensitivity. It is also good in case any wax would get on your clothing (not common but just in case!) You also might not want to wear big sweaters or anything hot because you might get sweaty on the table!
- If you would like to purchase numbing cream (No Scream Cream) before your appointment, click here. Although everyone reacts differently, if you have a low pain tolerance it is recommended. You will need to apply it 40 minutes before your appointment.
- Do not be nervous! You are in good hands. We are very experienced with all types of hair and people of every size and ethnicity. We will guide you through the entire process and make sure you leave happy!
*If you use any other the following please let us know:
These products can make skin thin and more sensitive to waxing which can result in lifting and extra sensitivity. Every individual reacts differently to these products and sometimes waxing can be done if a proper patch test is completed.
- Acne medication (Accutane, Differin, Isotretinoin)- Must be off for at least 1 year
- Retin A (or any products containing it or retinol)
- Bleaching agents for skin (Hydroquinone)
- Chemical depilatories (Nair)
- Benzoyl Peroxide (Proactive)
- High percentages of alpha hydroxy acids (Lactic, glycolic)
- Topical or oral antibiotics
During the Service
- Some areas will definitely be exposed! For areas being waxed that are usually covered in clothing, you will be asked to remove clothing. We do not offer draping as it tends to just get in the way and impedes the efficiency of the service. We only drape with a towel if there are multiple services being performed. We promise you will forget all about being bare!
- Your esthetician will be present in the room at all times, even when you are undressing. They will turn their back to give you a bit of privacy.
- If getting a bikini/brazilian service, you will be asked to wipe with a baby wipe, provided in the room, to ensure that the area is thoroughly clean. Please use these as it ensures the area is cleansed, free of debris, and ready to be waxed.
- First, the skin will be prepped with a pre-wax cleanser and oil, as needed.
- Depending on the body part, you may have powder and/or oil applied to prep your skin and to help absorb any excess moisture.
- Both the oil and the powder will act as a barrier between your hair and your skin so the wax only removes the hair.
- Then you will be waxed with a cream wax that is gentle on skin, yet highly effective for hair removal. In some cases, determined by your esthetician, we will use hard wax.
- Lastly, your skin will be cleansed with a non-comedogenic (non pore clogging) oil, pampered with a soothing and healing after-wax balm, and moisturized with an all natural, PH balanced, hydrating lotion.
- In some cases, your esthetician will ask if they can take a before and after picture of your service. You can refuse if you are uncomfortable. These pictures will be cropped and lightly edited. They are used solely for advertising purposes and you will not be named.
After the Service
- No touching! This can cause you to break out on freshly waxed areas as your hands can spread bacteria.
- Your skin could stay red and tender anywhere from 30 minutes to 48 hours after your service.
- You might see little red dots on your skin. This is normal and will also subside. This is just hair follicle inflammation from the hair being pulled out.
- No sun or tanning for at least 48 hours after your service. Since waxing is a form of exfoliation, it could increase your risk for sunburn.
- No extreme heat for 24 hours; it could cause irritation and sensitivity.
- No gym or sex for 24 hours. Sweat and friction makes your body more susceptible to outside bacteria that can potentially cause an infection, bumps, or more sensitivity.
- Wear loose clothing for up to 24 hours after.
- Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! This is the step you do not want to miss. You’re paying for the area to look good, so let’s keep it that way! This is important for all areas of the body being waxed. Exfoliating is going to help prevent unsightly ingrown hairs and bumps. After waxing, dead skin can build up and trap hairs. This prevents the hairs from growing out. Instead they grow back into the skin which results in bumps and redness. Depending on the area being waxed, you can use a chemical exfoliant every day to help eat away at dead skin cells and keep the area smooth. You can also use a granular scrub to get extra exfoliation. We have both types in the salon available for purchase or online here. If you don’t know which is best for you, just give us a call or text! Wait at least two days after waxing to start exfoliating.
- You may experience bumps or pimples. Don’t panic! These are temporary and will fade within 72 hours. You can help these with the chemical exfoliant mentioned above.
- Be sure to moisturize your skin everyday for the best results. This helps keep skin healthy and helps the wax remove the hair easier. Waxing and dry skin do not mix. If you need recommendations, just give us a call or text!
- Do not shave or trim between appointments. We will work to get your hair in a good growth pattern and shaving can disrupt that. Yes, we will know if you did!
- Come back and see us every 4-6 weeks! Waxing consistently makes your hair grow back finer, softer, and not as quickly. Plus, when you miss appointments you will be giving your hair roots time to thicken back up and this is what causes pain when removing the hair. Stay on schedule with your hair removal services and waxing will get very easy and almost painless!
