Intimate waxing is one of our most popular treatments at TBR but we know it’s probably not everyone’s favourite treatment and is more of a necessity than a luxury. That’s why our therapists are very highly trained and we pride ourselves on our ability to make your waxing treatment as comfortable as possible whilst also protecting your modesty at the same time!
How do you like yours?
At TBR, we are very keen to promote the importance of pre-treatment and post-treatment care around Waxing. It’s something that many salons don’t pay enough attention to, yet it can mean the difference between a great waxing treatment and a total disaster. We want you to be educated in how to prep your skin before a wax and how to care for it afterwards. This will help you get the very best results from your treatment.
So please follow our steps below and say hello to silky smooth skin!
Waxing Pre-Treatment Advice (for all areas):
- Stop the use of any shaving/depilatory cream for approx. 2-4 weeks prior to a waxing treatment. This is to ensure hairs are of a sufficient length to be removed – at least 5mm (1/2cm). However, the full 4 weeks is the desired time frame as it allows for all hair growth stages to be complete, reducing the chance of patchy/uneven re-growth. We recommend around 1cm.
Compare the hair to a grain of rice!
- Refrain from using body lotion/moisturising body washes on the day of your waxing treatment as they may prevent the wax from being applied and removed efficiently.
- Wear old underwear for all intimate waxing treatments – please note you may be asked to remove your underwear completely for Hollywood/Brazilians.
- Waxing can still be carried out if it is your time of the month, as long as a tampon is used.
- Any fake tan will be removed in the area being waxed.
24 hour waxing Post-Treatment Advice (applies to all areas):
- Do not use any lotions – this includes deodorant, perfume, self-tan, moisturiser, body wash and shaving gel – these could block pores and cause irritation.
- Avoid tight clothing.
Trying to squeeze into your skinny jeans straight after a leg or intimate wax will rub against your skin and cause you to sweat more!
- No heated treatments i.e. sun beds, saunas or swimming.
- Avoid hot baths or showers.
- Don’t do anything that will rub the area or cause excess sweating i.e. the gym.
Excess sweating after waxing could lead to irritation and in even worse cases, Folliculitis. This is inflammation of the hair follicles which can appear as small, red bumps or pus-filled spots and can be itchy and sore. This does usually resolve on its own within a couple of weeks but is not a nice experience to have after waxing. So please follow the above advice to help prevent any unwanted skin reactions such as this.
We usually recommend 4-6 weeks between successive wax treatments. This can vary from client to client.
How do you like your brows?
We can’t stress enough how important the Pre-waxing care is when it comes to your eyebrows. Have you ever experienced red, raw, sore skin after an eyebrow wax? Perhaps you’d been having them waxed for months or even years with no issues and then one day the “therapist took the skin off” your brows. This is called skin grazing and it is extremely common and can happen to anyone at any time.
There is a common misconception that the wax must have been too hot or the therapist simply didn’t know what they were doing. This is very rarely, ever the case and as much as we want someone to blame, it usually isn’t the therapists fault!
The most common cause of sudden skin grazing is due to the use of Retinoids and Acids in skincare, which people often use leading up to a wax, either without knowing the ingredients of their skincare or simply without being aware of the risks associated with these ingredients when it comes to waxing. These ingredients can thin the skin and should not be used for at least 7 days, ideally 14 days prior to waxing.
Ingredients to avoid:
- Retinol/Retinal/Tretinoin and any other Vitamin A derivatives.
- Exfoliants like AHAs/BHAs – glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid.
Other reasons for skin grazing:
- Sunburn/sun damaged skin
- Hormonal changes
- Medications/antibiotics
- Over exfoliation before treatment
- Enviornmental factors such as exposure to harsh weather
- Allergies
- Dry or Dehydrated skin
- Very sensitive skin
- Skin has experienced trauma before
Of course, not all therapists are sufficiently trained and it is possible for wax to be too hot, for the skin not to be stretched properly or for the area to be repeatedly waxed over which can all cause skin grazing. We can assure you that this would never be the case at TBR and we strive to always provide the highest quality of care during all our treatments.