While some things are obvious, like waiting 4 weeks between waxing visits and taking a pre-appointment ibuprofen to dull any waxing related pain there are a few tricks that you may not be aware of. Read on to discover 10 tips to make your waxing visits a stress-free experience.
Waxing and Laser Hair Removal
Choosing to wax or remove hair with lasers is a personal choice. However, if you're in between laser hair removal appointments make sure to tell you esthetician so she doesn't wax or tweeze any hairs that are growing in. The most important thing to remember about laser hair removal is to not wax between appointments. If you remove the hair follicle the laser simply won't work. However, if you've completed laser hair removal and have remaining hairs you'd prefer to wax off, we do offer a Laser Bikini Area Touch Up wax.
Schedule Strategically
Scheduling your bikini wax a week or two after your period ends will be much less painful. This is because prostaglandin levels reach their peak just before your period begins. This causes you to be more sensitive to pain and swelling. Also, if you're planning to get multiple treatments while at the spa we suggest the following order when making your appointments: massage, wax, facial, manicure and pedicure. Waxing before a massage may seem like common sense but the truth is the residual wax may clog pores, causing ingrown hairs while lying face-down on a massage table. Scheduling your manicure and pedicure last will allow your nails time to dry before you leave, preventing any potential damage to your newly polished nails.
Know your Retinoids
Both waxing and retinoids are forms of exfoliation. If you use a retinol on a consistent basis tell your esthetician. This is very important because it weakens the epidermis, meaning any facial waxing can strip away the skin! If you just began using a retinol hold off on waxing and wait a few weeks after you stop using it to schedule your next wax. Retinols cause your skin to become very fragile so it's always best to use caution and avoid waxing to keep your skin safe.
Exfoliate the Night Before your Wax
A loofah or exfoliating soap, such as the Crystal Peel Microdermabrasion Soap we carry, will gently buff away any dead skin cells that can clog your hair follicles, which in time can cause ingrown hairs. Exfoliating the night before your wax will clear your pores and follicles, making your skin much smoother post wax.
Know Before You Go
Knowing which bikini wax you want before your arrive at your appointment is very important! If you have any questions about what differs among the many bikini waxing options we offer just ask. Our staff is happy to answer your questions so that we can schedule your appointment correctly, allowing your esthetician the time she needs to perfect your chosen wax.
Skip the Prewax Cocktail
While it may seem like a smart idea to indulge in a preparatory mimosa before your appointment to take the edge off, it could actually make the pain worse. Many ingredients in alcohol stimulate a pain receptor in your brain. This means that your body will be more sensitive to waxing than it would be sans cocktail.
Reduce the Redness
If you experience waxing-induced redness try spraying a calming mist, such as Dermalogica's UltraCalming Mist on your skin every few hours after your wax. If your skin is still red it is safe to treat the area with pure aloe vera gel, a healing moisturizer such as Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.
Fend Off Ingrowns
To prevent ingrown hairs and unsightly bumps try applying an ice pack to your skin following your service to reduce any swelling. This will help the pores to close quicker, blocking any bacteria from entering them. Also, treating the area with Tend Skin will clear away any lingering bacteria.
Remember to Apply SPF
Protecting your skin immediately after waxing with sunscreen is essential, particularly if you're headed straight to the pool or beach. Waxing leaves your skin incredibly vulnerable to the sun's burning rays. Applying an SPF of at least 30 is highly advised. We offer many sunscreen options at our Dermalogica Skin Bar so take a peak after your next appointment and walk out knowing your skin is protected.
Repeat
If you want to wax but are weary of the pain, relax. With time the level of discomfort you experience, if any, will lessen significantly. Also, the more you wax the less you will need to wax because waxing reduces the strength of the hair follicle. Over time your hair regrowth will become considerably sparser. So, scheduling your visits to repeat every 4 weeks is a sure bet that, in time, you will be able to go longer between visits and experience much less discomfort.
