PRE & POST CARE
quickguide
Some of the main questions surrounding waxing to those who may be unfamiliar or new to the waxing process are: How do I prepare, what can I expect and what should I do to maintain my results.
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So I am going to explain all of that in this section.
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So the first subject I am going to touch on is what is happening to your hair BEFORE you wax.
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A lot of people misunderstand that waxing is a process when first starting out; it is not an instant solution for MOST people... sometimes I have a very lucky few that get a beautiful, clean wax right from the start -- but unfortunately for most of us this is the exception and not the rule.
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When you first start out waxing, we need to "wax through" the 3 cycles of hair growth to get you to start seeing optimal results (this means coming in every 4-5 weeks 3x consistently). During your first wax, you will have hairs in the Anagen (growth) Phase, Catagen (resting) Phase & Telogen (shedding) Phase. Majority of these hairs are in the Catagen Phase (up to 85% of all hairs!) So feeling or seeing stubble after your first wax doesn't mean you experienced a bad wax... it's just what happens. MOST of your hairs are just starting to grow -- and there will always be hair just under the skin getting ready to pop out. Wax has its limits and cannot easily pick up hairs below ¼" or stubble at all.
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So with this basic hair growth knowledge, we can now get into what to the FAQ's around what to expect, and pre and post care.
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How should I prepare?
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Preparing for your first wax should consist of the following:
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1. Grow you hair out for at least 2 weeks, I NEED at least ¼" hair growth (or about the size of a grain of rice) to be able to achieve a proper wax. If you do not have the proper length you will be prone to hair breakage, irritation & ingrown hairs!
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2. Start exfoliating! Lightly exfoliate the area to be waxed 2-3x weekly; and use a moisturizer afterwards. MADWAX sells wonderful, products that are targeted to waxers, and is amazing! It is extremely important to keep your skin free of dry dead skin, and moisturized.
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3. Stop taking ALL medications that could compromise your skin integrity during the waxing process in the recommended time frame provided by your doctor. These include:
-Benzyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, perscription scrubs, vitamin A, certain antibiotics, medications for hormones and drugs related to radiation and chemotherapy.
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4. Take a pain reliever 1 hour before your scheduled appointment time to take the edge off if need be.
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5. I do not use numbing agents in-salon, however, they do sell these at beauty stores and warehouses everywhere if you are interested in utilizing this method. You should apply these 30-45 minutes prior to your appointment.
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How should I care for my skin post-wax?
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1. Exfoliate! You should be exfoliating 2-3x per week to reduce the chances of ingrown hairs and to keep your skin smooth and free of debris.
2. Moisturize! It is essential to keep the skin smooth and hydrated to help the hair reach the skins surface without becoming ingrown
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3. Consider adding the "High Voltage" Treatment after your wax. This aides in killing bacteria, cell turnover and reduces inflammation.
This skin care regimen will make or break your waxing results, please keep that in mind. I usually tell my clients 20% of your waxing results come from the actual wax, 80% is what you are doing at home (i.e. skincare regime / properly following the 24-48 hour rules)
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AVOID ALL OF THE FOLLOWING FOR 24-48 HOURS POST-WAX
- Tanning, sun bathing or spray tans
- Saunas
- Hot Tubs / Bath Tubs
- Open bodies of water
- Intimate Activities
- No vigorous activities (working out)
- Touching or scratching the area
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And most importantly, DO NOT SHAVE OR PLUCK in between waxes. This only upsets and prolongs the process. If you shave/pluck in between waxes, expect it to be like the time all over again.
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​​What can I expect from waxing?
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1. Waxing is a PROCESS. Your first wax may not be completely smooth or clean feeling simply because of previous shaving, and hair being in the 3 various growth cycles aforementioned.
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2. Your wax may only last a few days to a week and a half.
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3. It usually takes 3 -4 consistent waxes (coming every 4-5 weeks) to get hairs on the same growth cycle. Waxes will then start to last anywhere from 2 ½ to 3 weeks for the average person.
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4. With consistent waxes, and proper skincare in between, you can start to expect your hair to become thinner, finer, and coming back a lot more sparse in areas.