Your Guide to Waxing this Summer

Holiday season is fast approaching! Are you planning on spending long days at the beach and making the most out of sipping cocktails by the pool? If this is this case then you may be thinking of dealing with any unwanted hair that has accumulated over the winter months. Even though shaving can provide a quick and easy solution in removing unwanted hair, the finished result is not always as smooth and long lasting as waxing. Here are some of our top tips and FAQs on waxing to put your mind at ease and feel hair free all Summer long!

Does waxing cause hair to grow back thicker or darker?
A common myth is that waxing causes hair to grow back thicker and/or darker and often a reason why people are put off by the treatment. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth! The colour and thickness of hair is usually down to genetics and hormonal factors which are entirely dependent on the individual. Removing hair with a razor is more likely to cause the hair to appear thicker and darker due to the angle that the hair is removed. Whereas, waxing removes hair from the root – preventing this issue. Consistent waxing can actually train the hair to grow back slower and over time the hair follicle may completely stop producing hair due to damaging the hair follicle itself by waxing.

Is waxing painful?
This is our most frequently asked question and cannot be answered with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer as pain is relative to each individual therefore each waxing experience will differ. The process of waxing itself can cause a short term pain response as multiple hairs are being removed from their root, which is completely normal. Symptoms of pain after the wax can be dependent on a number of different factors but this can be reduced with after care during the following days of your treatment. Over time, the more waxes you have, the more your skin can become used to the wax therefore reducing pain.

Is it normal to bruise/bleed when getting a wax?
No. When getting the treatment done, if you stay in the position the therapists asks you to and the skin is taught, there should be no bruising. You should tell your therapist if you bruise easily before your appointment in the consultation form.
You might notice some blood spotting while getting the wax, but this just means the hair has been pulled out from the root properly. Your won’t bleed at home after your wax.

How long can I expect my wax to last for before growing back?
After a clients’ first wax, results can last from 3-6 weeks. This depends upon personal hair growth, breakage and the frequency of waxing.

What type of wax do you use?
We use two types of wax; hot wax, and warm wax. There might not seem to be much difference in the name, however they are in how and where you use them. Hot wax is thicker, and grips to the hair and not to the skin unlike the warm wax. Some say this makes it less painful. You do not have to use a strip to take this wax off. You simply pick up the edge when it’s dry and pull it off. We use this type of wax for thicker, more sensitive areas such as eyebrows, underarms and intimate waxing.
Warm wax (also known as strip wax) has a thin, more sticky consistency. This wax doesn’t dry, and you place a strip on top, press it down and then rip it off. This wax is used on the bigger areas such as legs, back and chest.

How long does it take to have a wax?
This really depends on what you’re having done. A bigger area to wax takes longer to do, especially if it’s a full body! But also how corse your hair is as stubborn hair can be more difficult to remove.

How should I prepare for a waxing appointment?
Preparation is essential before any wax in order to minimise discomfort and help achieve the best results possible. Below is our Waxing Prep Checklist –

1. Check the area – Always examine the area you are having waxed. Inflammation, bruising or broken skin cannot be waxed over and should be thoroughly healed before your appointment.
2. Grow it out! (But not too long). Ensure to allow enough time for the hair to grow so the wax can grip to the hair. If the hair is too short the wax will not be able to pick it up. When the hair is too long, it is also hard for the hair to be removed completely as the hair can become matted. This causes more pain for you as a client. 2 weeks of growth or ¼ inch of hair is ideal for a leg, underarm or intimate wax. ½ inch of hair is enough for a chest or back wax, especially if the hair is coarse. If the hair is too long, either tell your therapist or trim the area before your appointment. No shaving!
3. Light exfoliation – you should gently exfoliate your skin 1-2 days before your wax. Exfoliation removes dry/dead skin which reduces ingrown hairs. Exfoliating can also leave the skin more sensitive, but by using a rough washcloth with a light scrub, it works perfectly to make your skin smooth and ready.
4. Moisturise. By doing this on the days leading up to your wax, it allows the wax to be removed more easily, however don’t do this on the day as too much moisture on the skin can lead to the wax not gripping to the unwanted hair.
5. Shower first. This may seem obvious but it is always good to freshen up before your trip to the salon. Not only does it include all of the above but it leaves you fresh and clean ready for your appointment.
6. Wear something something comfortable and loose – Waxing can cause skin irritation so wearing something light will reduce friction against the skin. On occasion, wax residue can be left on the skin so wearing anything too tight might make it more difficult to get changed. A loose fitting dresses, trousers and T-shirts are ideal options to wear for your waxing appointment.

Can I shave between waxing appointments?
Waxing slows down and reduces hair growth as stated above. Hair also grows much thinner thus making it easier to remove and less painful when waxed. Shaving just one time in between treatments will negate all that is gained from waxing and can further irritate follicles which can cause ingrown hairs. When getting regular waxes, if you shave, it will ruin the hair growth cycle you have created. Each hair follicle is different, therefore the hair naturally grows at different rates. After the first couple of waxes you have, the hair should all grow relatively at the same rate and shaving will alter that.

Can you get waxing while pregnant?
Yes you can but as a precaution we wouldn’t carry out any intimate waxing on a new client. It is perfectly safe to be waxed throughout your pregnancy, however if you are a new client we would be unsure of how your skin would react and would like to wait until after the first stage when your hormones have settled down just to be safe.

Is there anything I should do after my wax?
The after care of waxing is very important. Your pores will be open and exposed and at risk of infection and irritation in the first 24 hours.
1. Your therapist should clean and prep your skin before any waxing takes place. After your treatment, they will also apply an antiseptic cream/lotion along with aloe Vera gel to help sooth and reduce redness.
2. Avoid hot baths or showers when you get home for approximately 48 hours. This is because the area of skin is extra sensitive to heat. This also includes sunbathing and sun bed treatments.
3. Try not to wear tight or nylon material to your appointment and after. The friction will irritate the skin and not allow your pores to ‘breath’ essentially.
4. Don’t use perfumed lotions or creams. Again, this will irritate the skin as your pores will be open and exposed. Try using an antiseptic cream for up to 4 days after your appointment to minimise any risks.
5. If you do experience persistent redness or discomfort, consult your doctor.

The areas that we can do wax treatments are as follows:
• Legs
• Arms
• Chest
• Back
• Face
• Underarms
• Nostril
• Intimate waxing (Females Only)