Waxing for beginners:
You want to get waxed, you NEED to get waxed, but you have so many questions about it all. Well, look no further, we have answers for all of them - even the "embarrassing" ones. Let's chat.
Understanding the basics of waxing 101
The conversation you're having with yourself probably goes something like this...
"I really want a Brazilian, but I’m so scared because I know it will hurt, and I feel so self conscious about a stranger being up in my business. Plus, I don’t know if my hair is long enough, and do I want a modified Brazilian or a full Brazilian or a regular bikini? I’m feeling tortured with decisions, so I’m just going to shave. ...Sh*t, now I have razor burn.”
What your Esthetician will tell you:
“For starters, we totally get why you would feel nervous about getting waxed - whether it’s in the bikini area, your lip, legs, whatever. When we first started getting waxed ourselves, we were nervous too ... who wants to experience pain? BUT, if you’re seeing someone who’s highly trained, then their technique will make all the difference. Plus, the more you do it, the less pain you’ll experience.
Here’s why: After you’ve waxed a few times, your hair becomes less dense and starts to grow in all at the same time (hair grows in cycles). If you’ve been shaving for a long period of time, that hair becomes thick. However, once you have your 3 or 4 waxes under your belt, your hair growth pattern evens out, resulting in thinner hair that comes out at the same time.
As far as being self conscious, we get that too. Just remember, we’re professionals and we’ve been waxing people forever! We don’t see naked anymore. Seriously.”
The birds, the bees & the Do's and Don'ts of Waxing:
DO let your hair grow out to be at least ¼” long. What does that look like? Think of a grain of rice.
DO stop using any acids, retinoids or exfoliants 5 days prior to your treatment. These products can thin the skin and make you dry, resulting in the skin potentially lifting. Bad situation.
If you’re experiencing ingrown hairs DO exfoliate after any irritation has subsided, using gentle loofah, scrub, or chemical exfoliant - like salicylic acid. Exfoliating helps to slough off the dead skin cells, unclog the pores/follicles - but remember, stop a few days prior to getting waxed.
DO plan to wax every 4 to 6 weeks for the best results
DON’T shave between appointments. Shaving throws off your hair growth cycle and you’ll never be totally smooth from waxing if you shave. Plus, shaving strengthens the hair follicle, resulting in thicker hair that hurts more when it’s being removed.
DO schedule a facial wax a couple of days prior to a big event to allow time for any redness to subside.
DO understand that you will be more sensitive a week prior to and during your period.
DO understand that you CAN get waxed if you're having your period, just wear a tampon.
DON’T schedule a waxing if you’re planning to be in the sun or a tanning bed. DON'T plan to EVER go in the tanning bed.
DO avoid tight clothing, sweating, friction, sun/tanning exposure 24-48 hours after your appointment.
DON’T use heavy creams or lotions after your wax for 24 hours, as they may occlude the hair follicle, which may cause ingrown hairs.
DO try to take some deep yoga breaths before and during your treatment.
The difference waxes at SkinQ:
Basic Bikini Wax - Quick, easy, and basic! A good option if you want a natural look. The basic bikini wax removes hair from outside the bikini line (about 3 fingers width) and a little off the top (two fingers width).
Modified Brazilian (aka French bikini) - This option removes more hair than the Basic Bikini Wax, but less than the Brazilian Wax. The bikini line is further in without any hair removed from the labia. Everything else goes, and taking off the backside is optional.
Brazilian Wax - "No hair, don’t care!" The Brazilian Wax removes all of the hair, everywhere. Front, back, sides, and top ... unless you prefer to leave a landing strip or triangle at the top.
And finally, we'll do everything possible at SkinQ to make your waxing experience as painless, quick, and thorough as possible. If you still have any questions, please reach out. We got you.
Peace and Love,
Emily & the SkinQ Crew