Prickly Peach

Waxing is the most effective way to keep any unwanted body hair in check—it’s fast and long-lasting, leaving you with soft and smooth skin, wherever it may be. It’s not always painless, however, even if you are a seasoned hair-removal veteran. To keep pain away and make sure you get the best result, there are few easy things you can do to get ready before your waxing appointment.

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1. GROW IT OUT

You’ve got to give the wax something to grab on to, and that means letting your hair grow to about a quarter of an inch before it’s ready to be waxed. Too short, and the wax will be sticking to your skin instead of your hair, and you won’t get the perfect result you’re after.

Everyone’s hair grows at different lengths, so there’s no magic time to wait for, but for most clients, three weeks after last shaving is a good guideline.

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2. DON’T WAIT TOO LONG

Let your hair grow too much between removal sessions and you’ll be back at square one. Longer hair can be slower to remove, and therefore more painful—and we’re all for making your waxing session as painless as possible!

Fully growing out the hair can also mean you get out of sync with its growing cycle. If all your hair is growing in at the same time, each wax session is more effective, and you’re less likely to get pesky, uneven stubble in between appointments.

While a lot of people go six weeks between waxing sessions, you’ll get best results coming every 3–4 weeks.

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3. TAKE CARE WITH SKINCARE

I like my clients to moisturize the day before an appointment, but if you’re coming in for a chin, lip or brow wax, pay attention to any other skincare you’re using.

Serums and treatments with active ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids and retinol can make your skin more sensitive, so make sure to avoid them in the week ahead of your appointment.

More importantly, prescribed medications—whether oral or topical—like Accutane, Retin-A and Differin can sensitize your skin and mean waxing is a bad idea. Talk to me before your appointment if you’re using any dermatologist-prescribed skin treatments.

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4. EXFOLIATE

You probably exfoliate your face regularly already, but it’s just as important to exfoliate the rest of your body, particularly areas you’re getting waxed. Dead skin cells can make it hard for body hair to break through the skin surface, increasing the risk of ingrown hairs—plus you’ll get a smoother, faster wax when the skin’s exfoliated first.

Use a body scrub several times a week in the shower, and you’ll take care of those dead skin cells before they build up too much.

Don’t forget the bikini area or underarms either. For more sensitive areas, use a soft washcloth to lift dead skin cells without causing irritation.

Make exfoliation a part of your body care routine, and exfoliate a day or two before your waxing appointment for best results.

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5. DON’T FEEL SELF-CONSCIOUS

Some people feel a bit awkward coming in for a bikini wax, whether traditional or a full Brazilian, but there’s nothing to worry about, as long as you’re clean and healthy. I am a professional, and I’ve done this hundreds of times!

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6. FORGET ABOUT THE PAIN

Waxing is known as the hair removal method that hurts the most. And while it’s not completely painless, it’s usually over with before you can even notice. For some the pain is totally manageable, while others like to take an over-the-counter painkiller before the session. Thirty minutes before is plenty of time for it to take effect and take the edge off.

If you’re not keen on popping the painkillers, then try a more natural approach. Simple breathing exercises, like those you might learn at a yoga class, will relax your body and calm your heart rate, making the pain much less of a big deal. Long, slow, even breaths will go a long way in making your waxing appointment a comfortable experience.