It’s officially Summer! Which means hot weather and bathing suits. 😉 So how can you make sure you’re looking your best showing off all that skin? WAXING of course!
Waxing is a popular hair removal method for women of all ages, providing long-lasting results and smooth, hair-free skin. If you're considering getting your first wax or are a regular waxing enthusiast, it's important to understand how to care for your skin before, during, and after the process. We'll cover the best ways to prepare your skin for a wax, discuss what to expect during a waxing session, and share essential tips for post-wax skincare - with the help of some of our expert Poshed Pros! Whether you're waxing your face, body, or private areas, these guidelines will help you achieve the best results and keep your skin healthy and radiant. ✨✨✨
Preparing Your Skin for a Wax
Before scheduling your waxing appointment, there are a few steps you can take to prepare your skin for the procedure. Proper pre-wax care helps minimize discomfort and allows for smoother hair removal. Here are some tips for different areas of your body:
Face
Ensure that your facial skin is clean and free from makeup or any skincare products.
Exfoliate gently a day or two before your wax to remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs.
If you have sensitive skin, avoid using retinoids or exfoliants in the days leading up to your appointment, as they can increase skin sensitivity.
Body
Exfoliate the day before your wax to slough off dead skin cells and promote smoother hair removal.
Avoid applying moisturizers or oils on the day of your appointment, as they can interfere with the wax adhering to the hair.
Private Areas
Trim the hair to about a quarter-inch length before your appointment. If the hair is too long, it may cause more discomfort during the wax.
Gently exfoliate the area one day prior to your appointment.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment to prevent irritation.
What to Expect During a Waxing Session
When you arrive at your waxing appointment, an experienced esthetician will guide you through the process. Understanding what to expect during a waxing session can help ease any anxiety you may have. Here's a breakdown of what typically happens:
Your esthetician will cleanse the area to be waxed to ensure it's free from oils, lotions, or any other substances that may affect the wax's adherence.
They may then apply a light dusting of talcum powder to help absorb any excess moisture.
Your esthetician will apply warm wax to the desired area in the direction of hair growth.
A cloth or paper strip will be pressed onto the wax and quickly removed, taking the hair along with it.
This process will be repeated until the entire area is waxed.
In more sensitive areas, like the bikini line or underarms, your esthetician may use a gentler, hard wax that doesn't require a strip.
After the wax, your esthetician may apply a soothing lotion or gel to calm the skin and reduce redness.
They will also provide you with post-wax care instructions to ensure optimal healing and prevent complications.
Caring for Your Skin After a Wax
Post-wax care is crucial for maintaining smooth, healthy skin and preventing issues such as ingrown hairs or irritation. Follow these tips to take care of your skin after a wax:
Moisturize: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to the waxed area twice a day to keep the skin hydrated. Avoid heavy lotions or creams that may clog the pores or cause irritation.
Avoid Heat and Friction: Steer clear of hot baths, saunas, or steam rooms for the first 24 to 48 hours after your wax. Summer heat can exacerbate redness and sensitivity. Avoid activities that cause excessive friction, such as tight clothing, intense workouts, or rigorous physical activities, as they can irritate the freshly waxed skin.
Skip Harsh Products: For a few days following your wax, avoid using harsh products such as exfoliants, scrubs, or products containing alcohol. These can further irritate the skin or cause redness.
Sun Protection: Protect the waxed area from sun exposure for at least 48 hours, as the skin may be more susceptible to sunburn. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher if you need to be out in the sun.
Avoid Touching or Picking: Resist the urge to touch or pick at the waxed area, as this can introduce bacteria and lead to infections or ingrown hairs.
Exfoliate Regularly: After a few days post-wax, gently exfoliate the waxed area 2-3 times a week to prevent ingrown hairs. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a soft brush to slough off dead skin cells.
Maintain Regular Waxing Schedule: To achieve the best results and keep your skin smooth, follow a consistent waxing schedule. Most people find that waxing every 3-4 weeks helps maintain hair-free skin and reduces discomfort during subsequent sessions.
Stay Hygienic: To prevent infection or ingrown hairs, maintain good hygiene practices. Keep the waxed area clean and dry, and avoid using heavily scented soaps or products that can irritate the skin.
Communicate with Your Esthetician: If you experience excessive redness, swelling, or discomfort after your wax, don't hesitate to reach out to your esthetician. They can provide guidance or recommend suitable products to alleviate any issues.
"If your goal is to reduce hair growth in a certain area, my advice is to not shave between waxes. Shaving in between waxes can cause your hair to grow back thicker, and it can change the timing of your your hair's growth cycle. Also, waxing should be scheduled no longer than 5-6 weeks apart because your hair growth needs to still be in the Anagen (growing) phase when waxed to have the best results of thinning out hair growth. Following this schedule will cause hair growth to decrease and can even stop hair growth altogether in as little as 8 months for some people. P.S. my favorite exfoliator product to use for pre and post wax areas has enzymes in it as well as granular jojoba beads to help unclog ingrown hair follicles. Check my page out to learn more about the clean ingredient products I use in my treatments." - Richelle H., Licensed Esthetician, Renew Aesthetics
Caring for your skin before, during, and after a waxing session is essential for achieving the best results and maintaining healthy, smooth skin all Summer long! Proper preparation, understanding what to expect during a wax, and following post-wax care instructions can minimize discomfort, reduce the risk of complications, and help you enjoy the benefits of long-lasting hair removal. By incorporating these tips into your waxing routine, you'll be well on your way to achieving beautifully smooth and radiant skin!