Preparation:
The hair should at least ¼ of an inch long for best results. That means at least a couple weeks of hair growth. If you have course hair, the length should be closer to ½ inch for your first wax. It is very important to have enough hair growth so the wax can grab. If your hair is too short, I will ask you to reschedule.
Exfoliate the area to be waxed. This removes all dead skin cells and ensures a more even hair removal with smoother results.
Discontinue use of Retin-A, Differin, Renova AHAs, BHAs, etc 1 week before your wax appointment. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about being waxed while on certain prescriptions.
Do not apply lotion, creams, or oils before coming in. Avoid working out or taking a hot shower or bath right before your wax. These can cause the hair to soften which leads to the hair breaking instead of removed.
To help with pain management, take pain medication like Advil 1 hour prior to your appointment.
You can still be waxed during your menstrual cycle as long as you are wearing a tampon. Be aware that your period and the days leading up to your period may make you more sensitive.
You can be waxed while pregnant, just let me know. More time and added cushions will help your experience. Take pregnancy safe pain medication before you come in as you will be more sensitive.
Aftercare:
It is normal to have redness, tenderness, and rash-like bumps after your wax. This will typically go away within a couple hours. If you have sensitive skin, this can take up to 24 hours. You can use hydrocortisone nightly to prevent whitehead-like blemishes from occurring (they go away on their own after a couple of days).
Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, steam rooms, pools, hot tubs, saunas for 24 hours.
Avoid heavy perspiration and sexual acts for 24 hours.
Keep the area clean and dry and avoid touching the area to keep it bacteria free.
After 3 days gently exfoliate the area with a loofah or mitt. Exfoliate only a couple times a week- this will help keep ingrown hairs away. If you are prone to ingrowns, use a chemical exfoliant i.e. ingrown hair serum once a day until they diminish.
Every person experiences different hair growth rate, but a Brazilian wax typically lasts 3-4 weeks. If this is your first time waxing or you occasionally wax, you will notice new hair growth within 1-2 weeks. Regular waxing will train your hair growth to be on the same growth cycle leading to 2-3 weeks without hair. It’s very important to not shave or tweeze in between wax appointments as this will interrupt the process and create different hair growth cycles.
Regular waxing will weaken the hair follicles making the hair grow back thinner and slower. In fact, many clients will notice that after years of consistent waxing, hair in certain areas do not grow back at all.