Whether this is your first time doing a professional wax or you’re a regular at your local waxing salon, there are a few steps you need to take if you are looking to get the most out of your wax. When it comes to body waxing, how well you prepare and take care of the treated area determines the results you’ll see after the appointment, whether that be silky smooth skin or irritated skin that is sensitive to the touch. For best results, follow the instructions provided by your waxing studio and take extra good care of your skin.
At Celebrity Skin Chicago, our waxing technicians have years of experience with bikini waxing, eyebrow waxing, leg waxing, and more. We’ve perfected our hair removal techniques over the years, and we are pleased to offer professional body waxing for men and women. If you are looking to get the most out of your appointment at our Chicago waxing studio, check out the tips below, and book an appointment with us today!
Waxing Preparation Tips
As with any other type of skin treatment, your results will depend on how well you prepare beforehand. This is especially true with body waxing, as your hair will need to be a certain length and your skin will need to be properly prepped. Here are some waxing preparation tips to get you started:
Let Your Hair Grow
One of the most common problems we encounter at our waxing salon is clients who don’t have enough hair for us to remove. Short stubble isn’t long enough for the wax to adhere to, so we need the hair to be at least 0.5 – 1cm long for us to remove. So, if you’re planning a beach vacation or you’re going somewhere romantic for your anniversary, plan ahead and let your hair grow out for a few weeks beforehand.
Exfoliate Beforehand
We can’t emphasize this tip enough — exfoliating is the key to making sure your hair emerges rather than getting trapped under the skin and turning into painful bumps, otherwise known as ingrown hairs. Exfoliating before your waxing appointment ensures that the hair grows evenly, and it can help the hair reach the ideal length faster. Before your appointment, take a shower and thoroughly exfoliate the area, but don’t use a harsh soap or scrub too hard.
Stay Away From Moisturizers & Creams
Your skin needs to be clean and dry in order for the wax to get a good grip on the hair. After you exfoliate in the shower, refrain from using any moisturizers, creams, or salves, as these products make it harder for the wax to take hold. Arrive at your appointment clean and dry, and your waxing technician shouldn’t have a problem removing your unwanted hair.
Stay Out Of The Sun (And The Tanning Bed)
A common mistake people make when they’re getting ready for a special occasion is tanning before getting a professional wax. Tanning in the sun or in a tanning bed makes your skin more sensitive, especially if you get burned. Add wax to this and you’ll be in a world of pain (and peeling), so we recommend waiting a few days after your waxing appointment to get your tan on.
Spray tans are a different story — you won’t be in pain if you get an airbrush tan before your body wax, but the wax might remove some of the fake tan, resulting in blotchy skin. If you’re planning on getting a professional wax and a spray tan, make sure to do the waxing first, then wait a day or two before you visit the tanning salon.
Take Some Ibuprofen
Some people have a lower pain tolerance than others, which is especially common for clients who have never had a professional wax. If you are worried about your Brazilian wax, underarm wax, or any other type of wax being painful, take one or two Ibuprofen with food before your appointment to minimize any discomfort you may experience. The great thing about body waxing is that it’s quick and easy, so any pain you feel will only last for a second or two after the wax strips are removed.
Waxing Aftercare Tips
Waxing aftercare is just as important as waxing preparation, especially when it comes to preventing skin irritation and making sure the hair grows back evenly. Here’s what our waxing technicians recommend:
Don’t Shower, Swim, Or Sweat
Your skin will need a little time to recover after a professional wax, so we recommend not showering, swimming, or sweating for at least 24 hours after your appointment. Exercising may cause friction on the freshly waxed area, which can cause your skin to become red and irritated. Not only that, but sweat can clog your pores, which also contributes to irritated skin right after a wax.
Another thing to watch out for is chlorine and other chemicals found in swimming pools and hot tubs. To avoid skin irritation, we advise that you avoid submerging the area in pool water for a day or two after your waxing appointment and refrain from applying sunscreen, tanning lotion, or bug spray.
Lay Off The Skin Products
In addition to staying away from sunscreen and bug spray, our waxing technicians recommend not using any skin products on the area until a day or two after your appointment. Some skin products contain chemicals, fragrances, and other skin irritants, so it’s best to refrain from using certain moisturizers, cleansers, and other products on your skin until the area has had time to calm down. For example, if you have had an armpit wax, don’t use deodorant, and if you’ve had an eyebrow, chin, or lip wax, stay away from makeup until the coast is clear.
Stay Out Of The Sun
Remember what we said about tanning before your waxing appointment? The same goes for after you’ve had the hair removed. Your skin will be extra sensitive after you get a professional wax, so it’s best to avoid exposing the area to the sun for a day or two after your appointment. Trust us — the last thing you want is a sunburn on your freshly waxed skin!
Don’t Shave Or Pluck
Waxing isn’t a type of permanent hair removal. That being said, your hair will grow back every three to four weeks, and you’ll need to schedule additional appointments if you want to remain hairless. Try to refrain from shaving or plucking the hair between appointments, as this will throw off the growth cycle and result in ingrown hairs. If left alone, waxing results in hair that is softer and doesn’t grow back as thick.
Get A Professional Wax In Chicago
Now that you know how to prepare for a wax and how to take care of your skin afterward, it’s time to book your next waxing appointment! If you have any additional questions about waxing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our waxing technicians at Celebrity Skin Chicago. We’d be more than happy to provide additional tips and advice, as well as help you schedule an appointment at our waxing salon. Contact us today to get started, and stay tuned for future blog posts about waxing, airbrush tans, eyelash extensions, facial peels, and more!