Getting a wax can be a great way to achieve smooth, hair-free skin, but proper preparation is key to ensuring a comfortable and successful experience. Here are some tips on how to prepare your skin for waxing.
1. GROW IT OUT.. BUT NOT TOO MUCH
Keep hair long enough for the wax to grip it. Too short & the wax can’t pick it up well enough to remove it; too long & it prevents the wax from adhering. Two to three weeks of growth (about an 1/8 to a 1/4 of an inch hair length) is ideal for waxing.
2. TAKE A RETIN-A BREAK
Certain medications can sensitize skin to waxing. As wonderful as Retin-A creams are for skincare, they also leave skin more susceptible to injury during waxing. Hold off on retinol-based products for two weeks before waxing.
3. GENTLE EXFOLIATION
Gently exfoliate your skin a day or two before waxing, but skip harsh scrubs on the day of your waxing appointment. Exfoliation helps wax grab hair & not skin, but it can also leave skin more sensitive to pain, so lighter is better.
4. MOISTURIZE LEADING UP TO THE DAY OF
Healthy, well-moisturized skin allows the wax to glide more easily. Too much moisturizer could coat the hair & interfere with the wax’s grip, so make sure not to moisturize on the day of your waxing session.
5. LAST MINUTE CHECK
Make sure there’s no broken skin or inflammation on the day of your waxing appointment. If you have moles or beauty marks, point them out to the esthetician so they can be protected during the waxing process.
