Frequently Asked Questions About Waxing

Whether you are a first-time waxer or a regular, the following information is good to keep in your back pocket.

How long should my hair be to wax?

Hair grows in many cycles. To get optimum results, please let your hair grow at least two weeks from shaving. Hair should be a minimum of ¼” but a bit longer will give a better result. If we’re waxing your legs, let it grow a month if you can. The longer the better!

Is my hair too long to wax?

Usually, too long isn’t an issue. Sometimes if it’s on the longer side, it can cause a bit more discomfort. If pubic hair is longer than an inch, you can trim it if you’d like (but is not necessary!) If you do want to trim, be sure NOT to trim it shorter than ½”. If the hair is too short, then the wax won’t grab it.

What can I do to prepare my skin for waxing?

Be sure skin is exfoliated well leading up to your appointment, but avoid exfoliating the day of. Your skin should be well moisturized, but avoid creams/oils/lotions on the day of your appointment. Taking pain relievers/anti-inflammatories before your appointment can take the edge off and reduce post-waxing inflammation. Follow package instructions for your preferred over-the-counter pain reliever/anti-inflammatory 30-60 minutes before your appointment. Do not drink alcohol before your appointment. It can thin your blood and increase the risk of bleeding. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine as it can make you more sensitive.

What type of wax do you use?

I proudly use Nufree. Nufree is technically not "wax" so it won’t stick to the skin and is safe for use on the entire body. While it isn’t a wax, it would be put into the category of “soft wax”. This means that the wax is thinly applied and then a paper/fabric strip is pressed on and then quickly pulled off. It is self-preserving and antimicrobial so it is safe, clean, and germ-free. It has been scientifically tested and uses no animal products.

What to expect after waxing?

You should be smooth and hair-free! Everyone's skin and hair are different so it’s hard to know exactly how your skin will react. Most people can expect to be red and sensitive. Pin-prick bleeding can be normal where the hair was removed. Some people may even experience a histamine reaction. You should also expect to be hair-free for a couple of weeks. The hair will then slowly start to grow in. At that point, you’ll need to wait another 2-4 weeks to allow all the hair to grow to a waxing length.

I got waxed but I see some short hairs left behind?

When you first start waxing, it may take a few waxes to get your hair growing on the same hair growth cycle, especially if you’ve previously been shaving. While I will wax and even tweeze some, there is always a chance that some short ones are left behind. If you plan to come back in 4-6 weeks, let them be. We’ll get them next time! Over time, your waxes will get smoother and last longer.

How long should I wait before waxing again?

Preferably, you should wax every 4-6 weeks. When you wax every 4-6 weeks, you wax your hair in its first stage of growth. When you wax it in the first stage of growth, it causes the most amount of damage to the follicle. The more you "damage" the follicle, the less the hair will grow.

What are the benefits of regular waxing?

• Smooth and even skin

• Slowed hair growth

• Finer hair growth (no blunt, coarse hair like you get from shaving)

• Less and less hair over time

• Less irritation and inflammation

• No cuts from razors

Can I shave in between waxes?

Not if you want the full benefits of waxing!

Does waxing hurt?

Unfortunately, yes! While I can make it less painful, pulling a hair from its root will always cause discomfort. There are some topical numbing creams/sprays out there but I do not recommend these being they leave a greasy film on your hair that makes it difficult to wax. You can always take some ibuprofen before your appointment to help with inflammation.

What should I do after waxing?

Be sure to keep the area clean for the next 24-48 hours. After waxing, your follicles are open and are more susceptible to bacteria. If bacteria get into your open follicle, it can cause an infection. So, skip the gym, hot tubs, saunas, long bike rides, friction (this includes sex) for 24-48 hours. These are just some examples, obviously, always use your best judgment on post-waxing activity. Also, do not touch the area. Our hands can be quite filthy and you don’t want to transfer that to your freshly waxed skin. There are a lot of post-waxing products to keep the area clean. We can chat about that during your wax if you’d like. Just ask!

What should I do in between waxing appointments for the best results?

First, do not shave! This will negate all the benefits gained from waxing. Exfoliate the area as your skin will tolerate. I use PFB Vanish which helps remove dead skin to allow the hair to grow out properly. If the follicle opening is blocked by dead skin, it can cause the hair to ingrow. You should also moisturize properly. Keeping the skin and hair soft, will allow the wax to do its job better giving you better results.

I have an ingrown hair. What should I do?

Resist the urge to pick (even though I know it's fun)! But you can cause a lot of damage and then it ends up looking worse than it did in the beginning. Be sure to exfoliate regularly. PFB helps prevent ingrowns, as well as get rid of current ones faster. If you're seeing me soon, let it be. I’ll take a look and assess if it's ready to be extracted. If it's not ready, we’ll discuss options.

Are there any medications that can prevent me from waxing?

Yes! It’s always wise to check for contraindications of the medication you are taking or talk to your physician or pharmacist. If you are using (or have used) any of these medications, please reach out to me so we can discuss waxing options. If you are using any medication that is not listed but is causing any disruption in your normal skin function, please contact your doctor before waxing.

• Accutane (please wait at least 6 months after use to get waxed)

• Adapalene

• Antibiotics

• Avage (Tazorac)

• Clindamycin

• Avita

• Differin

• Doxycycline

• Erythromycin

• Isotretinoin

• Madifloxicine

• Metronidazole

• Minocycline

• Other acne medications

• Renova

• Tazarac

• Tazarotene

• Tetracycline

• Topical Antibiotics

• Tretinoin

Some of the following products can cause your skin to be sensitive. Please let me know if you are using them and/or discontinue use before waxing.

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA-glycolic, lactic)

• Blood Thinners (or any medication that thins your blood)

• Retinol

• Salicylic Acid (BHA)

• Peels/Laser/Microdermabrasion

What skin diseases or issues prohibit you from being waxed?

• Sunburned skin (ouch!!!)

• Cold Sores

• Raised moles or skin tags (if you have one hiding in hair, please let me know!)

• Lesions or open wounds

• Varicose veins

• Scar tissue from recent procedures

• Recent tattoos

• Infected Ingrown hairs

Do you offer brazilian waxing for men?

I currently do not have the skill set to wax male anatomy. Many places around the metro do offer these services and are very proficient.

I have little white bumps, what happened?

Those are typically infected follicles (folliculitis). To avoid this, please read above for what to do after your wax. Mild cases of folliculitis often improve with at-home care. You can apply a warm compress multiple times a day, apply over-the-counter antibiotics, apply soothing lotions (like hydrocortisone), clean the affected area (gently wash with antibacterial soap), and protect the skin. As with anything you are applying, be sure you are not allergic or have any sensitivities to the product. If the issue persists, please see a doctor.

---

Got a question that isn't answered? Feel free to email me at service@thewaxdenmn.com

Ready to book an appointment? Click here.