Waxing Wednesday- pre wax tips

Waxing is an effective way to remove unwanted hair. Waxing treatments vary from full body, to legs or more sensitive areas such as underarms, bikini, or facial waxing. Almost every part of the body can be waxed, and we do get some unusual requests! Regardless of the area, skin preparation for waxing is an essential part of the epilation process.

1. Avoid waxing when skin is more sensitive: It's best not to wax when your skin has had a lot of sun exposure, when you are menstruating, or when you have used aggressive skincare products (such as AHA or retinol treatments). Give your skin at least a week after any of these before you wax.

2. Check the length of your hair: The best length for waxing is at least 1/4 of an inch in most areas. For women's facial hair a different wax is often used and the hair can be shorter.  

3. Prepare your skin: 
Cleanse- Use a gentle soap to clean the area you want to wax. Avoid using very hot water as this may irritate your skin.

Exfoliate- Use a loofah, exfoliating scrub or exfoliating mitt and gently rub in circular upward movements to help lift hair in preparation for waxing and prevent ingrown hairs. 

4. Pain prevention: Take a pain killer, like Tylenol 30 minutes before your appointment if you're worried about pain. (Aspirin and Ibuprofen may not be the best choices as they both are known to thin blood.)

5. Moisturise: Use a water-based, or oil-free moisturiser after you shower to prevent skin from being too dry. An oil-free moisturiser helps prevent your skin from burning or abrading during waxing. Some companies that make waxing products, sell a pre-wax moisturiser made to prepare the skin for waxing, like Australian Bodycare Tea Tree range.