Waxing dos and don’ts… always a hot topic! Waxing is a seasonless endeavour when you have a vacation planned. The last thing you want to worry about on your trip is whether or not you’re bikini-ready down there (yikes!). As much as we’d like to say just book a wax and be done with it, there’s some things you should know before baring down — waxing dos and don’ts. Not only with when you should book (not too soon before you hit the pool) and how to prevent ingrown hairs (yuck). We enlisted the help of waxing pro, Lexi Miles, founder of Toronto’s Waxon Waxbar, the destination for everything wax-related, to give us some tips on how to get the best waxing experience ever.
Waxing dos and don’ts: What type of skin prep should you do before getting waxed?
Exfoliation is key when it comes to waxing dos and don’ts. Exfoliating before getting a wax will help prep your skin and hair for your wax services. It helps release ingrown hairs from under the skin’s surface and leaves the skin renewed, which will help you to achieve a flawless wax experience.
Trim your hair if it is too long to ease discomfort when the wax strip is removed. The ideal hair length is ¼ of an inch (the length of a grain of rice) or for any of you who haven’t yet converted to waxing (P.S. now is the time) 12 to 14 days after shaving. However, we do have Lycon Stripless Hot Wax that removes hair as short as 2 mm, for emergency wax situations! It happens sometimes, we know.
Prince Reigns is an Oprah favourite for helping with ingrown hairs.
What can you do to help prevent ingrown hairs?
The frequency and consistency of your waxes is number one. Waxing every 4 to 6 weeks helps prevent ingrown hairs. When your hairs are shorter and on the same growth cycle it reduces the discomfort during a wax service and also helps you to achieve a flawless wax.
Use Oprah favourite Prince Reigns Ingrown Hair Serum, daily to get rid of ingrown hairs and prevent them from coming back in the future.
Waxing dos and don’ts: Is there such a thing as too long or too short when it comes to getting waxed?
Yes! This is one of those big things on the waxing dos and don’ts list. When the hair is too short it throws off the hair growth cycle so when getting waxed some hairs are removed and some aren’t, making it more difficult to achieve a flawless wax. When the hair is too long it can break, which can cause ingrown hairs or the wax can pull the skin during your wax service, which can cause unnecessary discomfort.
For those who are afraid of the pain or have a low pain threshold, what do you recommend?
A shot! Kidding….for ‘ouchless’ hair removal we recommend BareEase numbing cream. Simply apply the cream 20-30 minutes before your wax service to reduce pain. Great for first time waxers or pregnant women as their increase in hormones can result in a more uncomfortable experience.
A waxing room at the Waxon Waxbar.
What’s the best advice you have for a below-the-belt waxing newbie?
Most importantly, go somewhere that specializes in waxing. WAXON Waxologists are certified estheticians and are some of the best in the industry, known for their quality and efficiency in waxing services.
How many days before you go on vacation should you plan to book your wax appointment?
It’s important to wait at least 24 hours before going into the sun after getting a wax. Heat on heat is an irritant and could cause a reaction because the skin can sensitive post wax. We recommend booking your wax appointment one to two days before your vacation in the sun.
What are some post waxing dos and don’ts?
DO exfoliate after 24 hours and remember to do it frequently.
DON’T wear super tight clothes immediately after waxing.
DO hydrate! Your skin will thank you.
DON’T have a hot shower, have sex or work out for at least 12 hours.
DON’T tan or go in the sun for at least 24 hours after waxing. Heat and/or sweat on open pores can cause a reaction.
What should you look for when choosing a waxing salon?
A place that specializes in waxing. When they specialize in one thing you can expect to receive a higher quality service because that’s their focus. Be sure that the Esthetician waxing you is certified — you would be shocked how many are not. No double dipping! Double dipping wax sticks can harbor bacteria and cause cross contamination.
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