We get questions daily about how to get the most out of your appointment, achieve the best outcome, and prolong the life of your silky, smooth skin. So, we thought we’d put together this basic guide for you.
Proper preparation and aftercare are key to a smooth, comfortable waxing experience. Whether you’re a waxing veteran or booking your first appointment, these essential before and after care tips will help you achieve the best results and keep your skin happy and glowing.
Before Your Waxing Appointment
1-2 Days Before
- Exfoliate the area: Gentle exfoliation 24-48 hours before your appointment helps remove dead skin cells and can prevent ingrown hairs. However, avoid exfoliating the day of your waxing.
- Hydrate your skin: Well-moisturized skin (but not on the day of waxing) facilitates hair removal. Plus, it makes your skin glow!
- Let your hair grow. For optimal results, Hair should be about ¼ inch long (about the length of a grain of rice), about 10-14 days since your last shave. Too short, and the wax has a difficult gripping it; too long, and it may cause more discomfort. Let that grain of rice be your guide.
- Chemical exfoliants: Avoid (especially face!) for 1-2 weeks prior to appointment.
The Day of Your Appointment
- Skip the lotion: Come with clean, product-free skin in waxing areas.
- Take a pain reliever: If you’re sensitive, an over-the-counter pain reliever taken 30 minutes before can help reduce discomfort.
- Wear loose clothing: Tight clothing will most likely irritate freshly waxed skin, so opt for breathable, loose-fitting attire.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Both can make your skin more sensitive by increasing blood flow to the surface.
After Your Waxing Appointment
Immediately After
- No touching: Resist touching the freshly waxed area with unwashed hands.
- Cool it down: Apply a cool compress if you experience redness or irritation.
- Skip the workout: Avoid intense exercise, swimming, saunas, and hot showers for 24 hours after waxing.
- Loose clothing: Continue wearing loose-fitting clothes for the rest of the day.
- Epsom Salt Bath: these are KEY! This will aid in reducing irritation and inflammation
- Moisturize: Use a light oil like grapeseed or coconut oil, not lotion!
The Next Few Days
- Exfoliate gently: After 48 hours, resume gentle exfoliation to prevent ingrown hairs.
- Moisturize regularly: Keep skin hydrated with alcohol-free moisturizers.
- Avoid sun exposure. Freshly waxed skin is more susceptible to UV damage. If you must be in the sun, use a high-SPF sunscreen.
- No harsh products: For a few days, avoid using products with fragrances, alcohol, or retinol on the waxed area.
Preventing Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs are a common concern after waxing. Here’s how to minimize them:
- Regular exfoliation (about every other shower)
- Use of ingrown hair products containing salicylic acid or tea tree oil
- Wearing loose clothing that doesn’t rub against the skin
- Staying hydrated and moisturized
When to Reschedule Your Appointment
Sometimes it’s better to postpone your waxing session. Consider rescheduling if:
- You have a sunburn in the area to be waxed
- You’re experiencing a skin condition flare-up
- You’re on certain medications that increase skin sensitivity
- During the first few days of your period (when sensitivity is higher)
The Long-Term Benefits
With regular waxing:
- Hair growth typically becomes finer and sparser
- Your skin will adjust to the process, often resulting in less redness and irritation
- The time between necessary appointments may increase
Remember, everyone’s skin reacts differently to waxing. What works for one person might not work for another. Listen to your skin and adjust your care routine accordingly.
Ready for your smoothest skin ever? Follow these guidelines, and don’t hesitate to ask your waxing specialist for personalized recommendations tailored to your specific skin needs!
