Waxing

Prewax Care

The prewax care is relatively the same—and simple. Here’s a quick breakdown of what pros say you should prepare for ahead of time.

1. Make sure your hair is long enough.
   “Prior to waxing, the length of your hair should be at least 5 mm long “ Any less and the wax won’t have enough hair to grip during the removal process. 
2. Reduce pain by planning ahead.
   A few easy ways to make sure your wax job doesn’t hurt as bad? Avoid scheduling your wax around the time of your period, when skin can be more sensitive.  Pros also recommend avoiding alcohol before your appointment – “it will only make your blood thinner and more sensitive to pain”

During Your Waxing Appointment

1. Know what you want
   There are actually many different styles or types of waxes you can get during the hair-removal process. You can get just the sides and the top cleaned up (a bikini wax), you can get everything but a small strip of hair or a triangle in front (a Brazilian wax/ extended waxing ), or you can get everything—the top, the sides, and the back—removed (a Hollywood). If you’re not sure which you want to start with, don’t be afraid to ask your technician. 
2. Don’t be surprised if your waxer asks for help
   If you’ve never gotten a wax before, a few things about the process might strike you as surprising. The biggest being that your technician may ask you to help hold your skin in certain places. so they’re able to get every last inch of hair. It’s really not as uncomfortable as it might sound, but it is certainly intimate.

Waxing Aftercare

Once you’ve made it through, it’s all about taking extra care and caution for the next 48 hours. Here are the 10 things we recommend avoiding while your newly waxed skin is at its most sensitive. After that, you should be smooth sailing for the next three to four weeks, when hair typically begins to grow back after a wax.  

1. Stay out of the sun.
   The first 24-48 hours after waxing, your already delicate skin down there is even more vulnerable. So while you may be dying to throw on your bikini the second you leave the clinic, keep in mind that sensitive skin is more susceptible to U.V. rays. “This can lead to permanent sun damage and/or hyperpigmentation,”
2. Avoid swimming.
   This kind of goes hand in hand with the above, but it goes for indoor pools too—and especially large bodies of water (like an ocean, lake, or river) that could contain bacteria. “Avoid public water like swimming pools for a few days,” If you don’t, you could have an increased risk of getting an infection, and no one wants that.
3. Be careful not to over exfoliate.
   After the first few days, it’s important to remove dead skin cells with a light scrub or exfoliating serum to prevent ingrown hairs. (We love the waxperts pads as after care.)
4. Avoid the sauna and hot yoga.
   “Steam opens your pores, which helps to push hair out, Because it could cause premature stubble, “it might make you think the wax service wasn’t done correctly,” Plus, bacteria thrive in warm, wet places, and you want to keep your fresh wax as clean as possible. For these reasons it’s worth it to take a break from hot yoga as well.
5. Wait a little before getting a spray tan.
   “The chemicals may irritate your skin, and blocking pores” The colour will look uneven between waxed and unwaxed areas.”
6. Be selective with your skin care.
   Stick with gentle, fragrance-free body washes and creams for the first few days after your waxing appointment. “Avoid any lotion, soap, or other toiletry items with artificial fragrance or colour,” “These ingredients are very irritating to freshly waxed skin.”
7. Take showers instead of baths.
   “It’s better to take showers for the week after,” “Running water from the shower will be cleaner than sitting in bath water.” Why? See reason #2 again; it makes you more prone to infection.
8. Opt for loose clothing.
   One thing to keep in mind both before you head into your appointment and after: Anything tight-fitting can rub raw spots and irritate, You’ll want to give your leggings a break for a few days and stick with maxidresses, flowy pants, and breathable cotton fabrics.
9. Always use spf after waxing
   Use SPF 30 minimum to keep your skin safe away from any sun damage or cause skin irritation, sensitivity.
10. Avoid intense workouts.
    Another reason to give leggings (and your body) a rest: “Activities such as running, aerobics, or cycling can cause friction in treated areas,”, “and sweating can also be irritating.” In other words, use this as an excuse to hit the couch for a couple of days. You deserve a break.