Waxing Wednesday- tips post wax

I have had waxing done by many people over the years and not many actually give out aftercare, it's only a reminder and even though I've been a new client they still haven't given me a reminder about what to avoid after waxing. So just a little reminder to all of those waxaholics out there, here are a few tips post wax to ensure you have smooth skin and avoid a contra-action. 

• Try to avoid hot tubs, hot showers/baths, sunbathing, and exercise for 24 hours after your waxing treatment. 
• It is best not to exfoliate the skin for 2-3 days after your wax. Exfoliate at least 2-3 times a week to help prevent ingrown hairs.
• Try to avoid shaving between your waxing treatments because shaving causes the hairs to become very coarse. Coarse hair can be difficult to wax, but it will also delay the benefits of long term waxing. 
• Avoid sex for 12-24 hours after bikini waxing because it can cause chaffing or irritation to the area. 
• Moisturise daily after showering to keep skin supple.  It is best to avoid highly scented products for the first 24-48 hours after treatment as the area can be more sensitive.  
• For best results have waxing done regularly every 4-6 weeks, but certain areas may require treatment more frequently such as underarm or eyebrows. 

Waxing regularly damages the hair follicle by repeatedly pulling the hairs out from the root, so the hair growth diminishes over time. After waxing hair grows back softer and can become lighter, so by following these simple aftercare tips it will keep you hair free and skin smoother for longer. 

Waxing Wednesday- FAQs

Over the years I've been asked the same questions about waxing, so I thought I'd share some of them with you.  Here are the top ten frequently asked questions and answers: 

1. How long does my hair have to be? 

About 1/4 inch, but the longer the better for smoother and long lasting results. 

2. Can I have a wax if I'm pregnant? 

Yes, of course.  It can be more sensitive with all the extra hormones in your system, but it is great for longer lasting results and we do many clients just before their natural and cesarean due dates. 

3. Can I tan after waxing?

No tanning- natural or sunless for at least 24 hours after your wax.  In the natural sunlight it can over sensitise and you can burn more easily, and sunless tanning can settle in the open pores to leave you with the 'plucked chicken' affect for much longer than appreciated! 

4. Will waxing make my hair grow back faster or thicker?

No, definitely not.  Waxing removes the hair from the root, which weakens the root and in time will damage the follicle so hair will be reluctant to grow. The hair will grow back softer and lighter in colour. 

5. How long does the waxing last?

Waxing usually lasts 4-6 weeks the more you wax the longer you can go. Some areas grow quicker or are more obvious like eyebrows and underarms, so to begin with some clients visit every 2-3 weeks until the growth cycle slows down. If you shave between treatments each treatment is like starting from the beginning again. 

6. What is a Brazilian wax?

Brazilian is a thin strip, often referred to as a landing strip. 

7. What is a Hollywood wax? 

A Hollywood is all of the bikini hair removed in the bikini and bum area. 

8. Does waxing hurt?

Your first time maybe a bit uncomfortable because we are removing all of the hair from well established roots. With regular visits the hair becomes thinner and weaker which makes removal easier and less painful. 
9. How long will the area stay red for? 
Typically skin can stay red or have the 'plucked chicken' affect for up to 24 hours, but some areas will return to normal after a few minutes and others can last a couple of days.  It depends on the individual client, area waxed, frequency of waxing and skin sensitivity.  Most areas should calm down after a couple of hours.  By reapplying afterwax if the area remains red or tender it will help the further calm the skin. 

10. What is the difference between hot and warm wax? 

The difference lies in the curing process. Hot wax hardens on the skin while warm wax remains soft. Warm wax is removed with a cloth or paper strip, and hot wax is removed with a 'pick and flick' method.  Warm wax can be used all over the body, but hot wax is better suited for areas with thick, course hair like eyebrows, bikinis and underarms. 

Waxing Wednesday- moisturizing is key

I had a client in having a bikini wax in the morning before heading off on a romantic weekend with her partner. Not quite ideal timing as it's best to have this type of treatment 24-48 hours beforehand to ensure the area has calmed down post wax. I always give my clients aftercare advise post treatment or during if I notice any adverse affects from the previous treatment- usually ingrown hairs. Most people that have waxing done are familiar with the exfoliate, moisturise, no sun exposure or swimming for 24 hours, etc. 

Because my client was having a special weekend I gave her a couple of samples with strict instructions to reapply the after wax a couple hours after treatment and to use it the following morning after showering. It worked a treat and she would now like a bottle to use everytime. 

Moisturizing after waxing is essential to keeping the skin soft and to help prevent irritation and ingrown hairs caused from dry skin. Australian Bodycare Tea Tree Hand and Body Lotion offer several sizes 100ml £8.50, 250ml £15.99, 500ml £25.99 and it contains 5% tea tree oil which provides an antiseptic protection after waxing.  This can be used daily as a hand, face and body moisturiser or after waxing to help calm the area and reduce redness.