It's important esthetic professionals help their customers get the best results from waxing so they’ll have a great experience and become a loyal customer. Doing what you can to ensure a smooth appointment accompanied with ideal results encourages your client to stick to waxing and become a repeat customer. And, ideally, they'll happily spread the word about your great service!
Waxing tips your clients need to know:
Do:
- Let your technician know if you are using Retin-A, Renova, Accutane, or any other skin care product containing AHA's. These ingredients will cause your skin to be ultra-sensitive, leading to too much skin being removed or lifted during waxing. Bruising, burning, bleeding, scabbing, or scarring may occur, so we must ensure your skin is in proper condition to be waxed.
- Allow 2 weeks of hair growth (about a 1/4 inch). The wax needs something to grab onto! If hair is too short, the wax will be ineffective in removing the stubble and more tweezing may be involved. If hair is too long, the wax can tug and pull, causing more pain than necessary. If in doubt, opt for the hair being too long and allow your wax specialist to trim if necessary.
- Prep the skin 1 or 2 days before your appointment with a basic, gentle sugar or salt scrub to help loosen the hair and clear dead skin from the follicle. Don’t overdo it – use gentle pressure when exfoliating the skin. Make sure the scrub does not contain ingredients such as AHA’s or other exfoliating acids that may cause your skin to be too sensitive for waxing. Regularly exfoliating your skin (about 2-3x a week) will greatly help in getting the best results from waxing.
- Shower before a wax. Clean skin prevents infection. Make sure your skin is properly hydrated and moisturized for best results. Don't worry about arriving with lotion on your skin, your technician should be properly cleansing the skin prior to the wax service regardless.
- Some people find taking an anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen, half an hour before their wax eases discomfort. Avoid aspirin or any other medication containing blood thinning properties.
- Avoid caffeine as much as possible on the day of your service. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and can increase blood flow and skin sensitivity.
- Prior to your appointment for a facial waxing service, let your wax specialist know if you've had a peel or invasive (aggressive) facial treatment within the past 2 weeks.
- Relax and remember to breathe. It definitely helps!
Don't:
- If you can help it, don't schedule your appointment a week before or during your period. Your skin is more sensitive at that time, and any discomfort will be heightened.
- Don't tan 24 hours before or after a wax. Recently waxed areas are more prone to hyperpigmentation and sunburn. Wait 24 hours after waxing before getting a spray tan.
- Don’t have sex or strenuously exercise for 24-48 hours after your wax (this especially applies to Bikini/Brazilian waxes), as this invites too much bacteria into the freshly waxed skin, thereby increasing your chance of getting bumps, breakouts, ingrown hairs, etc.
- Don’t wear clothes that are too constricting or tight around the area you’ve been waxed for 24-48 hours, as this may irritate the skin and lead to undesirable skin reactions. Wear loose-fitting, soft cotton clothing.
- Avoid hot tubs, pools, lakes, and the ocean (swimming) for 24 hours after your wax. While your pores are open, your skin is more susceptible to exposure to bacteria and irritation.
- Do not wax a new area for the first time before a big event! You never know how your skin will react or how long you will be sensitive. You wouldn't want to spoil an important day! Strive to begin a waxing routine at least 3 months prior to the event.
Waxing After Care:
- 3 days after your wax, begin exfoliating the area with a gentle sugar or salt scrub. 2-3 times per week is sufficient and will help to prevent ingrown hairs and help to keep the skin silky smooth.
- Keep your skin properly hydrated and moisturized. Supple skin allows for a more effective and comfortable waxing service.
- Don't shave between waxes! This makes the hair more resistant to future waxing and gets the growth cycle out of whack. If you stick to waxing, subsequent waxes will be less painful and your hair will become progressively softer and less dense over time (genetics plays a role as to if and how fast this will occur).
- Stick to it! Schedule your wax appointment every 4 weeks (depending on how fast your hair grows) for best results.
Oftentimes, you’ll find clients are completely unaware of the many different factors that may affect their outcome from waxing. Since knowing is half the battle, please share these wax tips with your clients. Ways to share:
- Include them in periodic emails to your clients
- Include tips and contraindications on your website or blog
- Print the advice and tips as a handout to accompany your price list
- Share on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc
Many of you have additional insights to contribute to this list. We'd love to hear your suggestions! Please feel free to comment below.
