With summer on the horizon and new bikinis in your online shopping cart, it’s time to get back into the habit of getting waxed. While shaving cream and a high-end razor can get rid of hair, experts agree that waxing is a much better method for hair removal. Waxing keeps your skin smooth and hairless for several weeks at a time, and hair growth post-wax is thinner and much more manageable in the long run.
Going in for a waxing appointment isn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. Whether you’re waxing small areas (upper lip) or larger ones (legs), there are steps you must take to prepare your skin before waxing.
Here are the steps you need to follow to get the best results, minimise pain, and help your esthetician:
- Check Your Skin And Hair
If you’re booking your very first waxing appointment, check with your dermatologist or your chosen salon for possible allergens. Wax contains artificial ingredients and fragrances, so if you have sensitive skin, you may want to do an allergy patch test beforehand.
Before you go in for your appointment, make sure to check your skin thoroughly. If there’s any inflammation, broken skin, or wounds, those need to heal before you can get waxed.
Don’t shave or trim your hair before a wax. The ideal hair growth is about the size of a grain of rice. If your hair is too short, the wax will not grip it properly and will likely be more painful on your skin and less effective.
- Prepare Your Skin
It’s essential to take care of your skin 24/7, but your wax area needs special pampering in the days leading up to your waxing appointment. How you treat your skin and what products you use in between waxing sessions will drastically affect how your skin will react to the wax and how much pain you feel during the session.
For the best results, gently exfoliate your skin a few days before your appointment. This will allow hair to break through the surface more easily. Don’t scrub too hard, though, because this will lead to irritated skin that’s more sensitive to pain. A rough washcloth is perfect for this setup.
Extra moisturising will go a long way in allowing the wax to release from your skin. As much as possible, your lotion should be non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog the pores. Don’t moisturise on the day of your appointment because hair coated with cream and other products may resist pulling.
- Prepare For the Pain
Many waxing products and treatments in the market claim to be “totally pain-free” or “practically painless.” Don’t believe them. Even if you’re a waxing veteran who’s been getting wax treatments for decades, getting hair ripped out of your body will always be somewhat painful.
Pain is part of the waxing process. However, there are ways to mitigate pain if you have a low tolerance. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and exercise a few days before your appointment can make waxing slightly more tolerable. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever 45 minutes to an hour before your appointment.
Conclusion
Waxing is the most effective way to get rid of body hair, and coming into your appointment prepared will significantly help keep the pain at bay. In fact, it will help out your esthetician, too! Exfoliated, hydrated, healthy skin will make the process easier and considerably less painful. Once you get through it, you’re free to wear your bikini and short-shorts and have fun!
Are you looking for skin treatments or body waxing services in North Sydney, NSW? Serenity Skin and Body is a beauty boutique clinic dedicated to providing a safe space for you to achieve total body wellness through our skincare regimens. Get in touch with us today to book an appointment!
