It’s always swimsuit season somewhere, and when it comes to getting bathing-suit ready, hair removal is typically our clients #1 concern.
Waxing: One of the most popular hair removal methods, waxing involves the use of heated wax to remove hair at the root. Â Warmed wax is first applied to an area of hair growth followed by a wax or paper strip. Â The strip is then pulled off to remove hair at the root.
- Soft wax: This is the wax most people think of when it comes to hair removal. Â Applied after it’s warmed, it’s then removed with paper or cloth strips. Â Because it clings to dead skin cells and removes them along with hair, it’s best if this was is only applied to an area once. Â This is a great wax to use for larger areas such as the legs or back.
- Hard wax: Â This wax hardens to lift the hair off the skin as it cools so less dead skin cells are removed. Â Rather than using a cloth or paper strip for removal, your therapist will lift a small “tab” of the wax covering the area of hair removal and pull the rest of the strip off using it. Â Hard wax is best for removing hair from smaller sections as it becomes brittle once it hardens and can break if applied in larger sections – great for sensitive skin found in the bikini area, upper lip, or other sensitive skin on the face.
Your pre-wax to-do list:
- Seek out a pro. Â Sure, there are plenty of at-home waxing kits that promise to remove hair, but therapists have been trained to make your waxing experience as safe, quick and painless a possible. Â Just like any DIY beauty procedure, an untrained hand waxing at home can mean taking risks, whether it’s irritation, a burn, or even an eyebrow that you meant to keep!
- Let your hair grow. Â So many are tempted to tidy up in between wax sessions, but allowing your hair to get on a similar growth cycle is what the pros recommend. Â As long as you don’t shave or trim in between visits, the waxes will get easier and less painful. Â Your hair will get finer, thinner and more sparse. Â If you must shave in between sessions allow for at least 2 weeks growth. Â You want the hair to e at least a quarter inch to half inch long to get it waxed. Â Any shorter and the wax may not grip the hair properly and you will end up with little or uneven result.
- Check your ingredient labels. Â Avoid exfoliants 48 hours before and after your wax, and stop using retinol products 3-5 days beforehand. Â Both remove dead skin cells, promote the turnover of new cells and retinol in particular can thin the top layer of skin, making it more sensitive. Â Waxing is already an exfoliantas it clings to both hair and dead skin cells, so applying it to a skin with a diminished layer of dead surface cells can mean it clients to those that are living – ouch!
- Prepare for a little pain. Â Although your therapist will make you as comfortable as possible, ultimately they are pulling out your hair. Â Expect some discomfort in more sensitive areas, and if you are sensitive to pain you may like to consider taking a pain reliever of applying a topical anaesthetic prior to your appointment.
- Avoid an irritation situation.  Wear loose-fitting clothing and waxing later in the day to avoid letting your skin come into contact with potential irritants.  It’s also best to steer clear of caffeine and alcohol before a wax as both can further sensitize skin, increasing the potential for pain and irritation.
Inside the treatment room
So, now you’ve booked your appointment – what can a first-timer expect once they step in the treatment room? Â To begin, your therapist might ask you what products you are using on your skin and it is important t that your honest and disclose everything so that they can better identify any contraindications that might prevent her from being able to perform a wax. Â Depending on the kind of wax you are receiving, you may also need to shed a layer or two of clothing. Â At Forme Spa you will be offered a disposable g-string for g-string/Brazlian waxes. Â Remember there’s very little your therapist hasn’t seen, so don’t be shy. Â If you’re getting a Brazilian and she asks you to reposition your legs there’s no need to be embarrassed.
Post-wax maintenance
Once your wax is done, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Not-so-smooth sailing. Â You are most likely not going to be 100% smooth after your first wax. Â It can take anything from 3 to 5 waxes to get hair on the same growth cycle – especially if you are transitioning from shaving to waxing.
- Say “no” to sun. Â Avoiding a sunburn goes without saying, but if you happen to have gotten too much sun before a wax you should reschedule. Â You should also avoid exposing freshly waxed (and extra-sensitized) skin to damaging UV rays for at least 24 hours after waxing and be extra diligent with a broad spectrum sunscreen when you do (but you already are, right?).
- Exfoliation is key.  While you should avoid using exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) for at least 48 hours after a wax because they make you more sensitive to the sun, the key to dodging ingrown hairs is in keeping pores clear of any dead skin cells.  A leave-on gel exfoliant like Bioelements Quick Refiner is ideal for the bikini line and underarms, and a exfoliating cloth like Bioelements Cactus Cloth for larger areas.  You may also like to consider a hair retardant such as PFB.
- Get on schedule. Â With regular waxing, your hair will become thinner and more sparse, making future waxes less painful. Â Schedule another wax for 3-4 weeks out before you even leave the spa.
 If you have any questions about waxing, electrolysis or IPL, please just ask your local Forme Spa.
