Waxing 101: Tips and Tricks
Waxing has become a very common hair removal option in the past several years and continues to grow in popularity. Whether it’s eyebrows, upper lip, legs, underarms or the bikini area many are choosing waxing because of it long-lasting effect. Whether you’ve been waxing for years or are thinking about waxing for the first time read on to get the scoop on everything from waxing preparation to post-wax treatment so you know just what to expect from your next waxing appointment!
Waxing vs. Shaving
Waxing is an excellent alternative to shaving. The advantage? Waxing removes hair from its root, preventing regrowth for an extended time, sometimes up to one month! Shaving, on the other hand, slices hair from the skin’s surface, allowing regrowth to appear as early as a few hours later. Need another reason to commit to waxing? It’s a much more permanent form of hair removal, not only does hair grow back much slower, less of it grows back over time! Bonus, waxing exfoliates the skin as well, leaving it silky smooth.
Waxing Preparation
If pain is a concern for you it is advised that you take ibuprofen approximately one hour prior to your appointment. It’s also important to apply an exfoliating scrub to the area the day before your appointment and to avoid applying any body lotion to the area the day of your appointment. You can also apply a popular topical numbing cream that we carry, called Relax & Wax No Scream Cream, to the area approximately 45 minutes prior to waxing. Everyone is different, however it’s likely that the more you wax the less likely it will hurt. Over time the hair becomes weak and many claim it eventually doesn’t hurt at all! All in all it’s about being comfortable, so do whatever helps you to feel relaxed.
How Often Should You Wax?
Although the time varies between people, we recommend that you stop shaving at least 2 weeks prior to waxing. It is very important that the length of your hair be at least a ¼ inch long to be removed successfully. Depending on how fast your hair grows back is a deciding factor as to how soon you should schedule your next appointment. Typical waiting times range between 2-4 weeks.
Post-Wax Treatment
After waxing the pain typically subsides quickly. However, the area remains very sensitive. This is why we insist that you avoid exfoliating and the sun for the next 48 hours. If you experience redness or swelling we suggest applying cortisone cream to the area to minimize discomfort. Two days after you’ve waxed it’s very important to begin exfoliating. This is an excellent way to remove dead skin so that your pores don’t become clogged, which can cause ingrown hairs and unsightly bumps. We highly recommend exfoliating with an exfoliating soap we carry called Crystal Peel Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Soap. This soap comes in two sizes, one for travel and one for daily use!
Click on our spa menu of waxing services to discover which wax you’d like to try next and remember to pick up a tube of Relax & Wax No Scream Cream and a Crystal Peel Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Soap for a pain free visit and ultimately smooth skin afterwards!
