Best Ways to Prep Your Skin Before a Waxing Appointment

Waxing is a kind of semi-permanent hair removal. In strip waxing, the therapist spreads a thin layer of wax on the skin. A strip of cloth or paper is then pressed firmly onto the wax, causing it to adhere to both the skin and the paper. The therapist then peels off the strip in the direction of hair growth that removes both wax and hair.

In strip-less waxing, a thicker layer of wax is applied to the treatment area. It is then allowed to cool and harden. The therapist then removes the wax and the hair. This method is suitable for people with sensitive skin, and it is less painful than strip waxing. The results of both methods last 4 to 6 weeks.

Waxing is not something that should be done impulsively. It takes scheduling and preparation to get the best results. With that in mind, here is some advice:

Check the site area before going to your appointment.

Look for moles, inflammation, warts, and other skin problems. Waxing will make inflammation or sores worse, so a client who develops them should reschedule. Waxing can irritate things like moles, so the therapist should be told about them beforehand so they will be able to work around them.

Check the length of the hairs.

Waxing is most effective if the hair being removed is between an eighth to a quarter of an inch long. That is about the same is two to three weeks’ worth of growth. If the hair is too short, the wax will not be able to get a good enough grip on it to remove it. If it is too long, the waxing will be more painful.

Moisturize the skin up until the day of the appointment.

If the skin is healthy and well-moisturized, it will be easier for the therapist to remove the wax. However, too much moisturizer can interfere with the wax’s grip by coating the hairs. Therefore, a client should not use moisturizer on the day of the appointment.

Keep your skin very clean.

That is especially important if one is having the bikini area waxed. Parts of the body that are normally warm and damp are more likely to have bacterial growth, and waxing can increase the skin’s vulnerability to infection.

Be careful with prescription medications.

Some prescription medications can make the skin more sensitive. People who use Accutane, for example, should stop taking it a month before getting their skin waxed. People who use Retin-A or other retinol-based products should stop using them two weeks before the appointment. Clients should talk to their dermatologists about their prescriptions and any changes they might have to make before getting waxed.

Schedule Your Consultation

Contact Facial Aesthetic Concepts at one of our three Orange County locations to schedule your waxing appointment. Our treatment providers can answer any additional questions you may have.