Just as important as the waxing itself is making sure you take care of your wax afterward. Please, please follow the advice of your Therapist and refer back here for a guide of what (and what not!) to do…
Before your Wax….
So you’ve booked a wax. Here’s a couple of tips to lessen the pain (and increase the longevity of the hair free feeling).
If you’re really worried about the pain, and haven’t had waxing before then take 1 or 2 paracetamol about 30-40 minutes before your appointment. This can help reduce the surface discomfort.
Make sure your hair is long enough to remove completely from the roots – it should be at least 0.5 centimetres. If you’ve shaved the area within the last few weeks it might take a couple of waxes to get your hair into a cycle of growth that allows the most effective wax finish.
After your Wax….
You’ve just invested time, money and a little discomfort in order to be hair-free – so it makes sense to look after it. We don’t just make this stuff up for the sake of it! So, read on…
Immediately after your wax
It’s normal immediately after your wax for a little bit of redness and a prickly heat type rash to appear. This should disappear after a few hours and is normally due to a histamine reaction. Because waxing removes the hair at the root, it’s important that you keep the area clean and bacteria free. This means:
No sunbathing for at least 12 hours (have your waxing done at least the day BEFORE you go on holiday)
No swimming in a chlorinated pool for 24 hours
Same for spa baths or saunas
Avoid applying any topical lotions for at least 12 hours (fragrances and other lubricants can cause a burning sensation)
Also avoid touching the waxed area to ensure it remains bacteria free
Use a tea tree oil based product to apply to the area for it’s anti-bacterial qualities.
3-10 Days after waxing
As you skin closes over the follicles, the next consideration is to ensure you prevent ingrown hairs. This is when new, often softer hair can get trapped under the skin. A few simple measures can easily avoid this situation. Here’s where the “do’s” come in:
–Use a soft brush or exfoliating glove to gently buff the area every 2-3 days – this is particularly important after about day 3 through to about the 10 day mark. It doesn’t need to be hard scrubbing, just a gentle exfoliation.
Use a product like PFB to roll over the area after showering. This product contains lactic acid which helps ensure dead skin cells are buffed away allowing your hair back through the follicle opening.
The added bonus of following the after care advice (apart from your skin looking hair-free and smooth for longer), is that it really will make your next wax a whole lot quicker and less painful.
How long will your wax last?
If you’re a first-time or occasional waxer you will likely notice some new hair growth within 2-3 weeks due to the naturally staggered hair growth cycle. This part of regrowth will be sparse, about one-third of the hair normally present. Soon after the remaining hair will begin growing in.
Regular waxing will leave the area hair free for 3 – 6 weeks. Over time the density of hair in the waxed area may start to decrease as well.
More Information
More waxing questions? Please call or email one of our salons and our professional skin therapists will be happy to assist.