Waxing FAQs

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Thank you for trusting me with your waxing needs. Below are some commonly asked questions about waxing and hair removal and their answers. It’s a great idea to read over these before coming to your first waxing appointment.

Keep in mind that these answers are no substitute for the advice of a physician. If you are on any medications discussed below, it is imperative that you consult your physician before beginning a waxing routine.

Additionally, please do not bring children or any additional guests. If you bring children with you, your appointment will have to be rescheduled and you may incur a cancelation fee for the last-minute notice. The only exception is if a minor is being waxed then they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Have a question you don’t see listed here? Please ask!

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HOW LONG, OR SHORT, SHOULD MY HAIR BE FOR WAXING?

The hair should be at least 1/4-inch (about the length of a grain of rice) to 1/2-inch for best results. It may tween waxing take up to three waxing treatments to achieve smooth skin. To prevent ingrown hairs and irritation, it is important to avoid shaving in-between waxing appointments. If you shave, you will need to grow your hair out for a minimum of two weeks before getting waxed.

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HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET MY WAXING TREATMENT?

Every four weeks. Regular waxing is essential. The skin will be less sensitive if waxing is done every 4 weeks. Anything less, you will not have enough hair and anything more, it may feel like you are starting over.​

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IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD DO BEFORE MY WAXING APPOINTMENT?

Yes.

• Refrain from taking a shower or bath immediately before the treatment. Soaking the hair will soften it, allowing it to break more easily and making waxing less effective.

• Make sure the hair is the appropriate length for waxing.

• Make sure that the area(s) to be waxed are clean.

• There are certain medications and products that should not be taken or used if you plan to have a waxing treatment soon. Topical exfoliants used on the area to be waxed such as Retin-A, Renova, and hydroquinone, oral acne medications such as Accutane, blood-thinning medications, and topical/oral cortisone make the skin more sensitive and increase the likelihood of irritation or other complications. Please check with your doctor if you are unsure whether you should be waxed while on or using a medication. Please see below for more information on medications and waxing.

 

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER MY FIRST WAXING TREATMENT?

Hairless skin! Also, everyone's skin reacts differently to waxing treatments, but you can expect to have temporary redness and minor irritation for a day or two. Slight itchiness may be experienced as the hair grows out. Proper post-wax care will alleviate these symptoms quickly.

 

WILL I GET INGROWN HAIRS?

It's possible. Waxing removes the entire hair, root and all, from the follicle. Your skin naturally hardens and thickens over the area that was waxed so it is important to keep that area gently exfoliated. Use a gentle scrub in that area about 2 days after waxing and continue to exfoliate 1 to 2 times a week thereafter. Remember, I said gentle! Also, use a mixture of tea tree and lavender oil. Both are antimicrobial and antibacterial and will prevent irritation.

Try to wear loose-fitting clothes for a few days after to give your skin a chance to breathe and reduce moisture.

The bikini, lip and underarms are where we tend to perspire the most. Perspiration and moisture cause bacteria to grow. Once that area has been waxed, the follicle is wide open to this bacterium creeping in. Try to avoid heavy exercise that will increase perspiration and chaffing for about 24-48 hours after waxing.

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HOW CAN I PREVENT INGROWN HAIRS?

For the next 24-48 hours avoid on the waxed areas:

• use of exfoliating products (Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) products, loofahs, scrubs, etc.)

• direct sun exposure and tanning beds

• creams with fragrance or ingredients that may irritate

• deodorant: it results in irritation and clogging of open follicles

• wearing tight clothing: results in irritation and inflammation

• excessive heat, such as that from hot tubs and saunas. Warm showers are okay.

• exercise, if it may cause chaffing or sweating

• touching the freshly waxed area: this encourages irritation

After 24-48 hours, regular exfoliation with a shower gel and loofah or exfoliating glove will help keep skin soft and prevent ingrown hairs.

Apply an SPF 30 or greater sunscreen to any exposed treatment areas. Since waxing exfoliates as well as removing hair, your skin will be more prone to sunburn in the days following your treatment.

 

HOW DO I BENEFIT FROM WAXING?

Waxing reduces hair growth when performed every four weeks. While shaving crops the hair at the skin's surface, waxing pulls it out by the root, so it grows back softer, finer, and thinner. Waxing is great for those who are tired of the hassle of shaving several times per week. The more you wax, the less hair grows back.

If you’re a bride or attending a special occasion, I recommend receiving waxing services a month before your special day to see how your skin reacts. If everything is fine, reschedule another wax a few days before the event.

 

CAN I SHAVE BETWEEN WAXING APPOINTMENTS?

No. Please do not shave or tweeze between waxing appointments! It disrupts the hair growth cycle resulting in more hair at your next appointment.

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WILL WAXING MAKE MY HAIR GROW BACK THICKER/STRONGER/DARKER?

Absolutely not. Waxing does not cause you to grow more hair follicles. In fact, if you become a regular waxer, you will notice that your hair will become quite sparse and not as coarse. When hair is shaved, it is cut off at the thick part of the hair, which is why you can feel stubble the next day. A properly waxed hair is removed from the root, and when the hair starts to grow back it is a new hair, very fine at the tip, so no stubble. The only things known to stimulate hair growth are hormones: natural or artificial.

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WHAT IS A BRAZILIAN WAX?

A Brazilian wax is the removal of all the pubic hair, front and back, using wax. Some people opt to have a small strip left.

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IS IT CUSTOMARY TO ADD GRATUITY TO MY SERVICE?

The industry standard for gratuity is 15%-20%, but the amount you choose to leave is completely at your discretion.

 

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHILE I AM GETTING A BIKINI WAX?

I will provide you with disposable bikini bottoms for your comfort during the bikini wax service. You can go without bottoms as well. You cannot wear underwear during a bikini wax.

 

IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR ANY OF THE WAXINGS?

I will wax clients of any age, but if you are younger than 18, I do require a parent to accompany you to sign the waxing consent form. The only service for which you must be 18 years of age or older is the Brazilian wax.

 

WHAT ALL IS INCLUDED IN THE FULL FACIAL WAX?

The Full Facial Wax can include any area that you would like, but typically it includes an eyebrow shaping, upper lip, and chin wax. Some clients like to have their cheeks, nose and "sideburns" waxed as well. It is really whatever you prefer!

 

DO YOU USE ANY NUMBING AGENTS?

Unfortunately, there is no effective way to numb the skin before a waxing treatment. However, you can take Ibuprofen or other over the counter pain reliver prior to your appointment. Please do not use numbing spray as I am sensitive to the smell.

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CAN I STILL GET A BIKINI OR BRAZILIAN WAX IF I HAVE MY PERIOD?

Yes. However, please keep in mind you may experience extra sensitivity to waxing up to a week prior to the beginning of your menses. It is perfectly safe to wax the Brazilian area while on your period if a tampon or cup is in place.

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CAN I GET WAXED WHILE I AM PREGNANT?

Yes. 

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WHAT KIND OF WAX DO YOU USE?

The wax that I use is Berodin. 

I use a Blue Hard Wax on the face, underarms, and bikini area and a soft strip wax for other larger body parts. I also use a Jasmine Oil and Lavender Lotion to prep the skin before waxing and a Post Essential Wax Oil afterward to help with the redness.

I use both hard and soft wax depending on the body part, your skin, and your hair.

These are the ingredients:

BLUE HARD WAX

Glyceryl Hydrogenated Rosinate, Cera Alba (Beewax), Colophonium (Rosin), Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, Lanolin, Triethanolamine, Technical Hydroabietyl Alcohol, C.I.42090 (Fd&C Blue 1)

BLACK SOFT WAX

Glyceryl Rosinate, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Synthetic Wax, Parafin, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Parfum (Fragrance), Butylphenyl Methylpropional, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides)

AQUA SOFT WAX

Hydrogenated Poly (C6-20 Olefin), Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Pentaerythrityl Terta-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl), Sebacate, CI 61565 (Green 6).

JASMINE OIL

Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Jasmine Parfum, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Butlhydroxytoluene, C.I. 47000 (D&C Yellow 11)

LAVENDER LOTION

Aqua (Water), Ethyl Alcohol, Ppg-26Buteth-26 (and)Hydrogenated Castor Oil, C.I. 60730 Ext D&C Violet 2), Lavender Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Methyl Paraben, Methenamine, Tetrasodium Edta, Menthol, Linalool, Geraniol.

POST ESSENTIAL WAX OIL

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Lavandula Officinalis (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Cupressus Sempervirens (Cypress) Oil.

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Bikini Wax vs. Brazilian Wax Explained

These days there are many names for what is described as the removal of hair in the pubic region. Each name is supposed to differentiate how much hair is removed...but with so many to choose from, like the "Hollywood" or the "French Bikini" or the "Full Monty", it is getting difficult to know what you're asking for.

I have only two names for these services - either the Basic Bikini wax or the Brazilian wax. What is the difference between a bikini wax service and a Brazilian wax service you ask?

A regular bikini wax service is the removal of the hair on the area that would normally be outside of your bikini line. Some women opt to go in a little deeper on the sides and some have a little taken off the top, as well — this is still considered a bikini wax service. For your comfort, and to protect your underwear from wax, I provide disposable bikini bottom for you to wear during this service.

The Brazilian wax differs from the basic bikini wax in that it is the removal of all the hair, front, back and everywhere in between. Yes, this includes between the buttocks. To receive this service, you are required to be undressed from the waist down. This allows for an immaculate service, removing all the hair with ease. Why do it? Women who have had the Brazilian wax comment that their underclothing and bathing suits fit better, and they feel cleaner.

For women who love the benefits of the Brazilian wax but do not want to be completely bare, at your request I can leave a strip of hair.

Of course, any waxing service can be customized. For all services your hair must be at least 1/4 inch in length, and less than 1/2 inch for a more comfortable experience.

 

Pre-Wax Tips

• Exfoliate: This is the key to a successful wax. Preparing the skin with a liquid body wash using exfoliating gloves on a regular basis ensures their skin is free of dead skin cells, and that the skin and hair are soft prior to waxing. Regular exfoliation also encourages proper hair growth and can eliminate ingrown hairs from popping up post-wax.

• Hydrate: If your skin is dry; it will break off at the skin level instead of at the follicle. Nourish your skin by moisturizing up until the day of your wax appointment (don’t moisturize day of!) with an ultra-rich body lotion that features all-natural emollients, vitamins, and pure essential oils.

• Keep It Clean: Arriving clean to your wax appointment means a better outcome. Showering before is good, just do not apply anything too oily to the area being waxed; and be sure to skip that workout. Save the self-tanners and body sprays for after your appointment. A feminine wipe can be provided upon request.​​

 

Post-Wax Tips:

• Exfoliate Again: Begin exfoliating and moisturizing the skin 24-hours after any wax appointment, using the same body wash and exfoliating gloves, focusing on waxed body parts. When the hair does start growing back, the exfoliating helps the hair point up and grow in the right direction—opposite of skin.

• Educate Yourself: Ask your wax professional what they do immediately following your wax to help prevent ingrown hairs. The best pros will add an essential oil to calm and cool the skin, use a soothing cream to take the redness and heat out of the skin, and apply something that will help with blemish control. These steps will go a long way in keeping the follicle clear, suppressing bacteria, and preventing ingrown hairs. I further recommend Tend Skin for ingrown hair prevention. It is safe to use 24 hours after your wax service.

• Keep it Simple: Remember to wait for 24-hours before working out and stay away from tight-fitting clothing for a few days. Let your skin breathe a little for a day or so—no direct heat or sun, avoid hot tubs (and the like,) and avoid any friction and heavy lotions or deodorants. No tanning 3 days before or 3 days after your wax service.

​Pre and Post wax items underlined are available for purchase.

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Waxing Contraindications

 

To ensure a successful waxing experience, please read and follow these instructions.

WARNING: Waxing is never done on clients taking Accutane and is not recommended for clients taking Retin A, Renova, Differin or other types of skin thinning acne medications. Please read the label carefully and consult your dermatologist if you are taking any medication or using any topical cream that contains these medications. Individuals do react differently to these medications and sometimes waxing can be done if proper patch testing is completed.

• Accutane (Acne medication) – You must be off this medication treatment course a minimum of one year prior to waxing.

• Adapalene (Acne medication)

• Alustra (Retin A)

• Avage (Acne medication)

• Avita (See Retin A)

• Differin (Acne medication)

• Isotretinoin (See Accutane)

• Renova (See Retin A)

• Retin A (Acne and Anti-aging medication)

• Tazarac (Acne medication)

• Tazarotene (See Tazorac)

• Tretinoin (See Retin A)

Use of Adapalene (Differin, Differin OTC, tretinoin (Retin-A) must be stopped 3 months prior to being waxed (face waxing,) consult your dermatologist on resuming Adapalene after waxing. 

 

CAUTION: If you are currently using any of the following, please inform your technician. These products can make the skin more sensitive. Thin, sensitive skin is more vulnerable to lifting and sensitivity during waxing.

• Other Acne medications not listed above

• Bleaching agents for hair (used mostly for upper lip)

• Bleaching agents for pigmentation of skin (Hydraquinone, Trilumena)

• Previous chemical depilatories such as Nair

• Benzoyl Peroxide (ProActive)

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic, Lactic)

• Oral Antibiotics

• Topical Antibiotics

• Retinol

• Salicylic Acid

• Other exfoliants

 

If you have recently been under anesthesia, please let me know.

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PRECAUTIONS & CONSIDERATIONS: Please read these valuable guidelines.

• Sunburned, irritated or areas with open skin cannot be waxed.

• Moles cannot be waxed.

• You must wait a minimum of seven days before waxing after a light chemical peel or microdermabrasion.

• Waxing cannot be performed if you have been in a tanning booth the same day.

• Waxing cannot be performed if you have had laser skin resurfacing within the past year.

• Waxing cannot be performed if you have had a physician administered peel within the past two years.

• If irritation should occur, only use the products I recommend at your appointment. You can always contact me.

• No sun/tanning booths for three days following a waxing treatment. Extra precaution should be taken if using tanning accelerators. Wait 2-3 days to wax before/after tanning with accelerators.

• No hot baths, showers or hot tubs for 24 hours following a body waxing treatment.

• No abrasives for 24 hours following a waxing treatment.

• No deodorants for 24 hours following an underarm waxing treatment.