Confessions of a Wax Specialist – It’s Worth the Rip.
Pros
+ Softer, smoother skin.
+ Less irritation and ingrown hairs.
+ Slow regrowth. Usually 4-6 weeks.
Cons
– Thick, course hair.
– Constant irritation and ingrown hairs.
– Fast regrowth. Usually between 2-3 days.
Waxing, a necessary evil that is a huge part of your skin care regimen, or at least it should be. It’s painful but honestly so worth the rip.
As I’ve mentioned in other posts, I’m a licensed Esthetician but I chose to specialize in full body waxing.
I realized in beauty school that facials weren’t for me, so the second I graduated and obtained my Esthetician license I dove right into learning how to become a great Wax Specialist – or a Cerologist if you want to get fancy with it.
In addition to being a Wax Specialist, I get the privilege to get to know people on a deeper level than just the “hey, how are you” conversations and I can build a level of trust with everyone I wax.
To this day, my coworkers can hear me through the suites laughing & talking with my guests. I have some that hold a place in my heart because not only have I helped them with their skin care needs, we’ve talked about our personal lives and bonded.
What is waxing?
Waxing is a form of hair removal that involves removing the hair from the root. During the service the entire shaft is removed, which provides longer lasting results than shaving.
It is a semi permanent way of getting rid of that unwanted hair while providing better results than the typical razor.
Using a razor can come with breakouts and discomfort, which is why waxing tends to be the best option for most people.
While there are some contraindications of waxing, for the most part everyone is a candidate for waxing services. Even expecting mothers!
Contraindications can be topical creams or Accutane. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT EVER get waxed while on Accutane. You will regret life.
Accutane is a vitamin A derivative that treats severe acne. For a short description, it exfoliates your body from the inside out. It’s tough stuff.
For some, it can take several months for the side effects to cease, which is why it is best to stay away from waxing during this time your skin is the most sensitive. Consult your doctor before doing anything.
Topical creams such as Retin A’s usually require you to stop use 3-5 days prior to getting facial services done.
Now, onto the fun part!
What is a Brazilian Wax?
A Brazilian wax involves hair being removed from your lady bits. You can have the specialist wax everything off or leave a strip behind. Brazilian services usually include the butt strip as well. Just the strip, cheeks not included.
What is the difference between the different kinds of bikini wax services?
If you’re not interested in the butt strip, plain bikini waxes – usually called a Bikini Full – are an option too.
A Bikini Full wax will cover the same surface area as a Brazilian, leaving the butt strip out.
Not interested in either? The next option is a Bikini Line wax. It will cover a strip over the top and about a 4 finger width along your bikini line on your leg. This makes sure no sneaky hair pokes out of a bathing suit.
Any of these services are customizable meaning you can remove all of the hair or leave some behind. In my experience, if guests leave hair it’s usually a strip or a triangle.
For the bikini line, some people will opt out of the top strip.
Like I said, it is entirely up to you how much hair you want removed, so make sure to go over exactly what you want in the beginning of the service. Once the wax is applied there is only one way for it to come off! Let’s make sure everyone is on the same page.
Contraindications of Waxing
Always tell your specialist if you’re on any medications, as some can affect the integrity of your skin.
+ Accutane.
+ Skin inflammation or irritation. (sunburns, open wounds, etc.)
+ Antibiotics or medications.
+ Retin-A or Retinol.
Waxing Aftercare
This is honestly one of the most important things to incorporate in your waxing routine. You must invest in aftercare to keep the integrity of your skin.
Think of this as protecting your investment. What would be the point of receiving a service if you aren’t following up with products to help give you the best results possible?
It would just be a waste of money.
Aftercare doesn’t have to be a million random products in your shower or on your bathroom sink. Your specialist will most likely recommend 2-3 products to go hand in hand with the wax and YOUR skin.
Your shower routine:
Exfoliate. Any scrub or exfoliating mitts will do. This will ensure that any hairs trapped underneath the skin will come up in time for your next wax. Exfoliating is only needed 2-3 times a week.
Out of shower routine:
If you’re someone who is consistently getting ingrown hairs, you will most likely have a serum to help treat them. Use this everyday for the best results.
Skin care is a consistency thing so doing this everyday will help your skin and your following waxes.
Follow up with a moisturizing product like a bikini balm or oil to nourish your skin. If your skin is dry and flakey during your wax service, this can cause irritation and hair breakage, which is what we are trying to avoid.
This is the baseline of aftercare. There are many products you can introduce to your regimen but for the sake of starting out, I would say these are the most important.
Exfoliate, Treat, Moisturize.
I plan on making another blog post about different aftercare products to use and go more in detail with them but for now these steps are good for beginners.
Now that we have covered the basics, it is time to book your bikini wax! It’s an uncomfortable service but it is the results we come back for. I promise you will not be disappointed.
The first one is the spiciest and as long as you go back within 3-4 weeks, it will be a piece of cake.
Happy waxing! xo
