Questions & Answers about Body Waxing
Body waxing has become one of the most requested services at salons across the country. Why? Compared to other hair removal methods, waxing is more affordable and very safe. If you have never experience waxing before, you are going to have some questions about what to expect. The following is a sample of questions most often asked before a schedule of body waxing is begun. The information applies whether you’re planning to have your bikini, your back, face, or legs waxed.
Q. What length does the hair on my body have to be to get a successful wax?
If you want good results, you’ll want to stop shaving for about 2 or 3 weeks, or until your hair grows to about 1/4″. This may be a bit irritating, just ignoring your hair growth, but the process works a lot better if the wax has something to hold on to. A little bit of discomfort while letting your hair grow will pay off with better results.
Q. Is there anything I need to know to prepare my skin for waxing?
You must have no sun exposure for the 48 hours prior to waxing. About 2 or 3 days before you come in for the waxing, lightly exfoliate the area to be waxed, using any exfoliator that you would typically use on your body. Don’t over-scrub, just as you would gently exfoliate your face. On the day of your waxing, be sure you thoroughly cleanse the area being waxed, but do not exfoliate, and do not apply any oils, lotions, powders, perfumes, etc.
Q. How much discomfort or pain will the actual waxing procedure cause me?
To be perfectly honest, there will be some pain and discomfort during the first waxing visit. However, each appointment after that will become easier, due to the simple fact that there is less hair to remove each time. Pain threshold is different for each person, so it is hard to estimate the degree of discomfort that any one person will experience. It is certainly not extremely painful, but your level of pain tolerance will be something that you and your esthetician can and should discuss before beginning the waxing procedure. Avoid waxing during times that your skin is stressed for whatever reason. One such time is during your period, which has been shown to be a time that your skin is more sensitive.
Q. If I’m having a bikini wax, can I leave my panties on?
Your panties can remain on, if you choose. However, your esthetician will provide you with disposable underwear if you would like to be covered, but don’t want your own panties to accidentally come in contact with any wax. Ask your esthetician before you begin what you need to know about a bikini wax and what to expect during the waxing procedure. Before you begin is the time to discuss the actual bikini line you want the waxing to follow on your body. Keep in mind that any time you feel uncomfortable during a bikini wax procedure, you should let your esthetician know that you’ll need to stop for a moment. If you feel uncomfortable with the procedure or your esthetician isn’t willing to listen to you, you’ll want to stop the waxing service and find another, more professional, esthetician.
Q. After the waxing is over, do I need to baby my skin?
Treat your skin to a little rest and relaxation for about 48 hours after the waxing. As before the waxing, avoid the sun for at least 24 hours, and definitely stay our of any tanning bed for 48 hours or more. Just like before waxing, stay away from any lotions, powders, perfumes, and especially any product that contains scents and/or alcohol. They both will set up a real burning sting on your delicate skin.
Q. How long will I be able to go between waxings before I see hair growing in again?
Depending on how long you’ve been maintaining a waxing routine and how fast your hair normally grows, you could be relatively hairless for anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. The longer you’ve been waxing at regularly scheduled visits, the longer your hair will take to reappear. However, during the first 3 sessions, most people experience rather unnerving hair growth that was not expected. Hair actually grows in cycles; so the hair you see today is removed but there is hair under the surface that is waiting until tomorrow or the day after to make an appearance. After about the 3rd waxing, you’ll notice that we’ve caught up with your scattered hair growing intervals, and now all the hair has had a chance to be removed at least once. Now each waxing should result in fewer hairs, and longer times between waxing appointments.
Still deciding if you want to start waxing instead of shaving? Do you find yourself constantly wondering when you shaved last, or have way too many occasions when you wanted to wear shorts but had to wear slacks because you forgot to shave? When you’re at the beach or pool, do you find yourself constantly readjusting your swimsuit to hide those stragglers that keep peeking out? Waxing may be your answer. Once you establish a routine with your esthetician for waxing, you won’t ever want to see a razor again. Give your esthetician a call today to schedule a consultation.
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