FAQS
I’ve never been waxed before. How is it done?
Waxing is the most common method of hair removal in spas today. Hair on any part of the body or face can be waxed. Warm wax is applied to the area and then removed, bringing the hair with it. There are two types of wax: hard and soft. Hard wax, which is easier on delicate skin, is often used on the face, underarms, and bikini area. Soft wax is used on the legs, arms, back, and chest.Waxing reduces hair growth when performed at regular 30-day intervals. Because waxing pulls the hair out by the root, it grows back softer, finer, and thinner. The more you wax, the less hair grows back.
Waxing should not be performed if you have particularly sensitive skin, because it pulls off a couple of layers of skin cells along with the hair. Waxing can cause tenderness and swelling. In addition, some medications will cause the skin to react badly to waxing. Don’t wax if you’re taking Retin-A, Accutane, or any type of acne prescription.
Waxing should not be performed if you have particularly sensitive skin, because it pulls off a couple of layers of skin cells along with the hair. Waxing can cause tenderness and swelling. In addition, some medications will cause the skin to react badly to waxing. Don’t wax if you’re taking Retin-A, Accutane, or any type of acne prescription.
Preparing for treatment
Let the hair grow out to about a quarter-inch to a half-inch above the skin. If hairs are too short, the wax won’t adhere strongly enough to pull them out. Refrain from taking a shower or bath within 2 hours of your treatment time. Soaking the hair will soften it, allowing it to break more easily and making waxing less effective. Do not apply lotion to the skin before your waxing session.
What to expect
An antiseptic oil will be applied to cleanse the area first.
- You will likely be asked to help hold your skin taut. Almost all of us have a little loose skin. Keeping that skin taut produces a smoother, less painful wax in less time.
- If soft wax is being used, the warm wax will be spread on the hairs in a thin layer. A cloth strip (muslin or pellon) is then applied to the wax, and rubbed in the direction of hair growth. The strip is then pulled quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth while the skin is held taut with the other hand.
- If hard wax is being used, a thicker amount of warm wax is applied and allowed to dry. No cloth strip is applied. The wax is flicked to allow the esthetician to grip it, and it is then pulled off quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth. Hard wax doesn’t adhere to the skin as much as soft wax, and is therefore used on more delicate areas such as the bikini area, underarms and face.
- The Skin Studio uses a mix of soft wax and hard wax. This makes the appointment go faster, which makes any pain or discomfort end sooner. *We only use hard wax on sensitive areas such as the face, underarms, nipples, and brazilian area.*
How much does it hurt?
Most people tolerate it well, and get used to the sensation after a few treatments. The level of discomfort you will feel depends on your level of pain tolerance in general, and on which area is being waxed. If you still find waxing very uncomfortable after several treatments, some estheticians offer numbing crèmes that can be applied 45 minutes prior to the service. Many clients also feel relief from taking two ibuprofen tablets prior to their appointment, to reduce discomfort and decrease inflammation in the post-waxed area. For women, it is generally best not to schedule waxing services just prior to or during your period, as you are more sensitive to heat and/or pain at this time and will likely experience more discomfort.
Home care after waxing
It’s important to care for the waxed area properly after treatment to prevent ingrown hairs, breakouts, or other reactions. Exfoliation, either with a coconut oil/sea salt scrub or topical exfoliant (we sell Bioelements Quick Refiner), will help keep the skin clear. Avoid using a bar soap because it leaves a film on the body that could contribute to ingrown hairs. For the face, back, and chest, use a more gentle exfoliant and an anti-breakout gel (Bioelements Quick Refiner). Directly after waxing, avoid direct sunlight and tanning booths, especially while the skin is still red from treatment. For 24 hours after waxing, avoid exercise, sexual activity, hot tubs, swimming pools, lakes, rivers, tanning beds (http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/tanning), and products with harsh chemicals, perfumes, or dyes. Apply a gentle moisturizer 24 hours after treatment.
Your esthetician
Your skin care treatments should be provided by a properly trained professional. Don’t hesitate to ask Tina or Melinda about her background, training, and experience—especially as it relates to the treatment you are considering. Your skin care therapists is a professional member of Associated Skin Care Professionals. Our members have been validated as meeting their state’s licensing credentials and/or core training requirements, and agree to follow a code of ethics which ensures you’ll be treated responsibly and with the utmost respect. ASCP also provides its members with comprehensive resources that allow them to keep up with changing trends, making certain you’ll receive the most up-to-date therapies available.
What is Brazilian waxing?
Many people are familiar with bikini waxing, which removes pubic and leg hair that would otherwise show when a bathing suit is worn. It is common in the United States and is preferred by many for the sleek feeling it provides. A brazilian wax involves waxing off all pubic and labial hair from front to back for women and all genital hair for men, including that on the penis and scrotum. A full Brazilian wax involves the removal of all genital hair. You can also request a variation on the standard Brazilian if you prefer to leave a small amount of hair. Strips, triangles, squares, and arrows are possible shapes that can be created by removing the hair around the shape. Any shape with rounded edges will not turn out as well.
What to expect
Try to arrive relaxed and ready to bare all. There is no modest way to receive a Brazilian wax; the area to be waxed must be exposed. Tina and Melinda are professionals, and your dignity as a person will be respected in the treatment room.
Be ready to fill out a questionnaire and describe what medications, herbal supplements, and skin care products you are using.
For women, it is best not to schedule a wax just before or during your period as it generally will feel more uncomfortable to be waxed at that time of the month.
You can take 1-2 ibuprofen 30 minutes prior to your appointment to decrease sensitivity and inflammatory response following waxing. There are also numbing crèmes that can be applied 30-45 minutes prior to your appointment that help minimize the discomfort of waxing. Remember that the genitals are sensitive. Please do not try a product that is not approved on this delicate region of the body.
You should trim the hair to 1/4 " or 1/2” in length for best results prior to your appointment. If it’s shorter, the wax may not be effective, and if the hair is longer the wax will tug on the skin more, causing more discomfort. If you do not have time to trim prior to your appointment, be sure to let Tina or Melinda know so that she can add extra time to your appointment for trimming.
Melinda will use an antiseptic oil on the area first to cleanse. Any excess oil is then removed. Wax is applied to the area one section at a time. The wax is removed quickly and pressure is applied to the area to minimize discomfort. It is normal to have a histamine reaction following waxing in this area, in which you may see red irritated skin and bumps for 24 hours or even longer. This is very common and will subside. To expediate the calming process, we absolutely recommend putting a couple drops of lavendar oil in your hand, rubbing palms together, and patting the calming and healing oil to the affected area. Lavendar oil should calm any itching or irritation associated with waxing. Pssst! It's great for bug bites as well!
Melinda has learned the best techniques for removing the hair efficiently and effectively. Some of the positions you may be asked to be in may be a little embarrassing, but your esthetician is a professional who does this type of waxing frequently and will be very professional and understanding with you.
Be ready to fill out a questionnaire and describe what medications, herbal supplements, and skin care products you are using.
For women, it is best not to schedule a wax just before or during your period as it generally will feel more uncomfortable to be waxed at that time of the month.
You can take 1-2 ibuprofen 30 minutes prior to your appointment to decrease sensitivity and inflammatory response following waxing. There are also numbing crèmes that can be applied 30-45 minutes prior to your appointment that help minimize the discomfort of waxing. Remember that the genitals are sensitive. Please do not try a product that is not approved on this delicate region of the body.
You should trim the hair to 1/4 " or 1/2” in length for best results prior to your appointment. If it’s shorter, the wax may not be effective, and if the hair is longer the wax will tug on the skin more, causing more discomfort. If you do not have time to trim prior to your appointment, be sure to let Tina or Melinda know so that she can add extra time to your appointment for trimming.
Melinda will use an antiseptic oil on the area first to cleanse. Any excess oil is then removed. Wax is applied to the area one section at a time. The wax is removed quickly and pressure is applied to the area to minimize discomfort. It is normal to have a histamine reaction following waxing in this area, in which you may see red irritated skin and bumps for 24 hours or even longer. This is very common and will subside. To expediate the calming process, we absolutely recommend putting a couple drops of lavendar oil in your hand, rubbing palms together, and patting the calming and healing oil to the affected area. Lavendar oil should calm any itching or irritation associated with waxing. Pssst! It's great for bug bites as well!
Melinda has learned the best techniques for removing the hair efficiently and effectively. Some of the positions you may be asked to be in may be a little embarrassing, but your esthetician is a professional who does this type of waxing frequently and will be very professional and understanding with you.
What about home care?
Melinda can provide the best guidance on caring for your skin after a treatment. For 24 hours following a Brazilian waxing, you should not sunbathe, use a tanning bed, use a hot tub (or ANY other body of water that may introduce bacteria), be sexually intimate, or perform exercise that will cause significant sweating. Loose clothing worn after the appointment is the most comfortable. Keep the area clean and gently exfoliate the area every 2-3 days to prevent ingrown hairs. Special products can be purchased for this. Melinda will recommend which products will be best for you.
If you decide you want to continue sporting your Brazilian style, waxing at approximately four-week intervals is recommended to reduce discomfort on follow-up visits. In time, less hair will grow back, and it will become finer and lighter in color. When you choose to stay on schedule, the wax is much faster and less painful. The first time is the worst.
If you decide you want to continue sporting your Brazilian style, waxing at approximately four-week intervals is recommended to reduce discomfort on follow-up visits. In time, less hair will grow back, and it will become finer and lighter in color. When you choose to stay on schedule, the wax is much faster and less painful. The first time is the worst.
How can I get a “safe” tan? How do I choose the right sunblock?
Like many people, you’d love to have that bronzed look but don’t want to expose yourself to harmful ultraviolet rays. With spray tanning and airbrushing, there are ways to get this attractive look safely. The tanned look has been popular for decades and reached a new level of sophistication in the 1970s when tanning beds were invented. Many people found them a fast way to get an even, year-round tan. However, dermatologists soon became alarmed at the growing incidence of skin cancer and started educating the public about the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet rays.
Some manufacturers of tanning beds promote the misconception that getting a base tan in a tanning bed will protect you from an even more damaging sunburn. But dermatologists agree there is simply no safe way to sunbathe or use a tanning bed.
http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb/shining-light-on-ultraviolet-radiation
Some manufacturers of tanning beds promote the misconception that getting a base tan in a tanning bed will protect you from an even more damaging sunburn. But dermatologists agree there is simply no safe way to sunbathe or use a tanning bed.
http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb/shining-light-on-ultraviolet-radiation
Spray and airbrush tanning
Fortunately, there are safe alternatives. Most dermatologists consider spray and airbrush tanning as safe as applying makeup.The active ingredient for sunless tanning, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), is derived from raw sugarcane and sugar beets, which reacts with the skin’s amino acids to produce color. This color develops three to four hours after application, deepens over the next 24 hours, and lasts one week to 10 days. A session usually takes 30 minutes or less and may be performed in a spray booth or with a handheld spray unit. Clients undress to their level of comfort; many wear bathing suits. The solution easily washes out of fabrics you wear to your session and, in general, does not rub off onto clothes.
You’ll still need to wear sunscreen, as spray and airbrush tanning don’t provide protection from the sun.
Despite this page answering questions about spray and airbrush tanning, The Skin Studio offers neither spray nor airbrush tanning services.
You’ll still need to wear sunscreen, as spray and airbrush tanning don’t provide protection from the sun.
Despite this page answering questions about spray and airbrush tanning, The Skin Studio offers neither spray nor airbrush tanning services.
Help or hype?
It’s also helpful to know which sun protection aids on the market measure up to their claims. Following are a few products and procedures you may have heard about.
- Some companies promote ingestible pills that purport to provide sun protection. Experts say there is insufficient scientific evidence to support these claims.
- There are bracelets that manufacturers claim will signal you when it’s time to apply more sunscreen or to move into the shade. Experts don’t consider these an adequate safeguard.
- While some companies claim their contact lenses protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays, this is a little misleading since the entire eyeball needs protection. For best results, use a pair of comfortable wraparound sunglasses with an ultraviolet block and polarizing lenses.
- Cellulose fabrics, like acetate and rayon, block some ultraviolet rays. Rit makes a product called SunGuard, a detergent you add into your washer, that significantly improves the sun protection factor of cotton clothes for about 20 washings.
- For maximum safety, look for some combination of these ingredients in a sunscreen: avobenzone, mexoryl, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide.
- Your car windows are already protecting you from 50–75 percent of the sun’s rays. Film that rejects as much as 99 percent of ultraviolet rays can be applied to windows. Have this done professionally, however, as the do-it-yourself products are very difficult to apply effectively and often bubble. Many states govern how much you can tint certain car windows, such as the windshield and driver’s side front window. A window-tinting professional can provide guidance on this.
