Curious about waxing? What is the process, is it better than shaving, am I even a good candidate? People who wax are usually die-hard waxers, the thought of using a razor leaves them shaking their head. There is some prep work if you want to try waxing, there are different kinds of wax and even contraindications, which could lead to you not being a candidate for waxing. Understanding the process will increase your chances of leaving thrilled with your service, and you becoming a die-hard waxer as well!
Why wax?
Shaving is time-consuming and can irritate the skin. Waxing saves time, is fast, is cost-effective, and can remove hair for longer periods. It is a process used by both men and women and can remove hair from most of the body excluding the eyelashes, nose, and inside of the ears. Hair removal typically lasts 4-6 weeks, giving you back that time you spend daily shaving.
Types of Wax
Waxing hair removal uses a resin-based wax-like product to remove the entire hair follicle from the root. It comes in a soft or hard form. Soft wax uses muslin strips to remove the hair. It is applied with the growth of the hair and removed by pulling the strip against the growth of the hair. It can have a tendency to adhere closer to the skin, so it is used on specific areas of the body and can only be used for one pass. Using soft wax in the same area over and over could result in lifting the skin. Hard wax cools to a consistency of being a wax strip all to itself. It only adheres to the hair, not the skin in any way, allowing the technician to repeat passes if the hair has been missed. Unlike sugaring, the wax is used one time only after application.
Waxing Contraindications
Acne medications including, but not limited to:
- Accutane (at least one year off this medication)
- Adapalene
- Alustra (Retin A)
- Avage
- Avita (Retin A)
- Differin
- Isotretinoin
- Renova(Retin A)
- Tazorac
- Tazarotene
- Tretinoin(Retin A)
If you use any of the Retin A products, refraining from using it for a full week beforehand usually makes it a safe solution, however, we strongly recommend asking your dermatologist.
Please inform your esthetician if you are using any of these products:
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic, Lactic) in face or body products,
- After mild chemical peels or microdermabrasion, please wait a minimum of 7 days
- Oral or topical antibiotics
- Salicylic acid
- Any bleaching agents for hair (like upper lip) or skin (Hydroquinone, Trilumena)
- Other agents like chemical depilatories such as Nair ( used previously) or Benzoyl Peroxide (ProActive) can make your skin very sensitive
Waxing cannot be performed if you have had laser skin resurfacing or if you have had a physician-administered peel within the past year.
Avoid over-exfoliating before waxing
If you have been tanning within the 48 hours of your appointment, or have any sunburn, wax cannot be performed
Varicose Veins: A doctor’s consent will be needed due to the vein being so close to the surface of the skin. A slight possibility the vein could rupture and cause bleeding.
Cold Sores (herpes simplex) A highly contagious blister normally found around the lips of the mouth. Usually clears up in around 2 weeks
Diabetes: The skin is slow to heal and may have poor circulation along blood sugar levels may need monitoring.
Epilepsy: As there is a risk of triggering
Hemophilia Operations/Recent scar tissue– You would need to wait 6 months until you have to wax over scar tissue. This is so the natural healing process takes place as waxing could interfere with the healing process and might be more painful.
Any contagious skin conditions due to cross-infection.
Brow microblading– wait at least 2 months
CHECK YOURSELF
1. No matter where you’re waxing, check the skin before you go in for your appointment. Broken skin or inflammation needs to heal before you’re ready to wax. If you have moles or beauty marks, point them out to the esthetician so they can be protected during the waxing process.
LET IT GROW…BUT NOT TOO LONG
2. Keep hair long enough for the wax to grip it. When the hair is too short, the wax can’t pick it up well enough to remove it; when it’s too long, it prevents wax from adhering and causes more pain. Two to three weeks of growth, or about an eighth to a quarter of an inch, is ideal for leg, underarm, and bikini hair.
LIGHT EXFOLIATION
3. Gently exfoliate your skin a day or two before waxing, but skip harsh scrubs the day of your waxing appointment. Exfoliation helps wax grab hair and not skin, but it can also leave skin more sensitive to pain, so lighter is better. Many times your waxing specialist will be able to recommend an aftercare routine after your appointment to minimize ingrown hair which includes exfoliation 5-7 days post-wax.
MOISTURIZE UNTIL THE DAY OF
4. Moisturize well on the days leading up to your appointment. Healthy, well-moisturized skin allows the wax to release more easily. Too much moisturizer could coat the hair and interfere with the wax’s grip, so avoid moisturizing on the day of your waxing session.
THE BIKINI AREA
5. No matter if you’ve chosen the Alaskan, Hawaiian, or Brazillian, prepare the bikini area ahead of time by keeping it as clean as possible. This area is subjected to sweat and bacteria every day. Avoid post-wax infections by taking extra care!
Spring has sprung which means Summer is right around the corner! Start planning now for that session ahead. Waxing is a fast and cost-effective way to remove the daily shaving chore and freeing you up to head right out on that date or jump straight in that pool! Make your appointment today at mythrivespa.com.
You are Beautiful!
Love, Krista S.
