HOME CARE: Before and After Waxing (Detailed)
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This is my first wax (or first one in a really long time)! What do I need to do?
1) Stop shaving for at least 3 weeks.
Everyone’s hair grows at different rates, but to ensure that we can remove all the hair, I suggest not shaving for 3 to 4 weeks. If you come in with a lot of hair, I’ll be more than willing to trim it for you.
2) Exfoliate 2 days before.
I recommend using a salt scrub, dry body bush, or an African exfoliating net on your body, not the face.
I do NOT recommend using sugar scrubs (specifically for intimate areas), loofahs, or plain washcloths.3) Stop using retinoids or any other chemical exfoliants, (especially on the face) for 3-5 days. Any products containing kojic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, Vitamin C, retinol, tretinoin, tazarotene, adapalene, etc. If you’re using Accutane, please refer to your physician before getting waxed.
4) BREATHE. I’ll walk you through the whole process, and answer any questions you have.
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What is exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the intended removal of your body’s dead skin cells. Think of when you’re in the shower, and you scrub your body with a washcloth to remove the build up of dirt. When dead skin is removed, your body is cleaner and smoother . That’s why it’s so important to exfoliate with something like a salt scrub every 2-3 days continuously between waxes. This is the best way to reduce ingrowns as your hair starts to grow back.
You can exfoliate on damp skin in the shower, or dry skin. Using firm but gentle pressure, go in circular motions for 30-60 seconds in each area.
Remember to only exfoliate the bikini area, never inside the lips!
P.S!!!! These rules are for body exfoliation only. If you have questions about exfoliation for your face, it’s best to ask me in person so I can evaluate your personal skincare needs!
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What should I do after waxing?
1) Take a warm shower/bath when you get home. If you received a Brazilian wax, just rinse the area thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
3) Wear clothing and underwear that is looser over waxed areas for about 3 days.
3) Sleep without underwear the first two nights to let your skin breathe.
4) Starting on the 3rd day after waxing, exfoliate your skin with a salt scrub, dry body brush, African exfoliating net, or exfoliating glove. For the Brazilian area, only exfoliate the bikini line if you’re using a salt scrub. Do this 2 to 3 times a week for the best results.
5) Apply sunscreen to exposed areas that have been waxed. Especially if you’re going on vacation!
6) Contact me if you have any questions! :)
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What should I avoid after waxing?
SHAVING!
WHY? This is defeat the purpose of waxing, and will only make it feel like your first time all over again when you come back. Your hair growth will slow down, just be patient. :)Hot showers/baths, steam, saunas for 2-3 days.
WHY? Heat causes itchiness and irritation.Tanning bed or spray tans for 2 days.
WHY? Irritation and itching from radiation and/or product.Exercise for 2-3 days.
WHY? Sweat can cause itchiness and irritation. Tight leggings can also can result in ingrown hairs. -
What should I avoid (continued...)
Tight underwear/clothing for 3-5 days. WHY? Can block for pores where hair grows, causing friction, resulting in ingrown hairs. Avoid leggings, skinny jeans, tights & stockings, and tight underwear for long periods of time.
Intercourse for 24 hours. WHY? Sweat and friction can cause irritation, itchiness, and possible infection.
Exfoliation for 2-3 days. WHY? Waxing is considered exfoliation, so it’s best to wait to prevent bruising, bleeding, or irritation.
Retinoids and other chemical exfoliants.
WHY? Irritation and uneven skin tone. -
Any medications or health issues that could prevent me from waxing?
If you have any chronic and/or transmittable disease, you cannot be serviced. Especially if the disease directly affects your skin. This includes (but is not limited to) anyone with active herpes, AIDS, lupus, or COVID-19.
Please speak with your healthcare provider! If you’re taking any medication that causes thinning of the skin (like Accutane) or makes you bruise easily, you may not be a good candidate for waxing.
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I notice shorter hair left over. Should I shave them?
No. Please avoid shaving! This is make your hair grow back thicker and ruin all your waxing progress.
Leftover short hairs is normal especially in the beginning stages of waxing. This may be due to the hair being too coarse for the wax to remove it properly.
I’m more than happy to tweeze these hair, but you may feel discomfort because of the individual plucking. Also, if there’s an excessive amount of short & coarse hairs, I would recommend letting them growing out so that they can be removed more efficiently with wax.
Eventually all your hair will be growing at about the same rate, and when you hair becomes thinner, there should be no reason for excess stubble.
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I messed up and took a hot shower the same day or day after waxing! What should I do?
Take a clean wash cloth and soak it in cold water. Apply it to the areas that have been waxed. Pat dry.
Avoid scented soaps or lotions, and perfumes for about 3 days.
Wear loose underwear if you received a Brazilian or bikini wax.
If the areas become inflamed or too itchy to handle, you may need to visit a physician to receive proper care.
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I've been exfoliatiing, but my skin is sore.
Take a break from exfoliating for 5 days.
Reduce your exfoliation to 1-2 days days a week.
Remember not to scrub too hard.
Do you have sensitive skin? Is your skin red and bumpy? Sometimes salt scrubs aren’t the best for people with these conditions. Try sticking with a tool instead, like a dry body brush, African exfoliating net, or an exfoliating glove. Remember to keep them clean!
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I can't stop itching.
Look over the “What should I avoid after waxing?” section.
Sometimes the products you’re using to exfoliate can make you breakout or irritate your skin. Go for unscented salt scrubs and hypoallergenic products/tools.
Make note of your symptoms. Visit a physician for proper care if you’re extremely concerned.
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Do I really need to wait 24 hours after waxing to have sex?
Actually, you really should wait 48 hours to ensure there’s no chance of an infection. Most estheticians say 24 hours because we know it can be difficult for some to wait. Just pay attention to your body. One or two mishaps is no big deal. But eventually, you may pay the price at your next OBGYN visit.
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I have a cyst (or large bump). What should I do?
Don’t freak out! Just give it some time because it usually will go down on it’s own. If you try to pop it yourself, it may end up coming back (and BIGGER!).
You can gently exfoliate over it to help the process go a little faster.
If it becomes unbearably painful or too big, you may need to visit to a dermatologist and have it drained.