Preparing for your treatment
Before you come for your waxing treatment please do not shave or trim your hair (the area you want waxed). In order for the wax to grip the hair it needs to be around 5 - 6mm in length. Some other dont's to be aware of - don't have a fake tan for a few days before (or after) - don't come straight from a hot shower.
Waxing is a very safe treatment however it cannot be done where there is sun burn, varicose veins, skin diseases, cuts and abrasions, chaffed or broken skin, warts or hairy moles. If you suffer from oversensitive skin, peripheral artery disease, peripheral neuropathy or diabetes you should consult your G.P or a health professional before being waxed.
Skin that has been treated with steroid creams, Retin-A, Differin or other retinoid acne products within the last 3 months cannot be waxed. Those who are or have been taking Roaccutane must wait at least 6 months after finishing the course before a waxing treatment.
What happens?
First of all any questions you may have about the treatment are answered. Then we will go through a consultation process to ascertain areas to be waxed, and to ensure no problems that may mean that area isn't suitable for waxing.
Once on the massage table the area to be waxed is cleansed with a pre-wax lotion, then warm wax is applied to the area, a paper strip pressed down and then quickly removed - its no worse then pulling a plaster off. The wax grips the hairs and when removed pulls them away with it. This is repeated across the area to be treated and once complete a soothing tea-tree lotion is applied to help calm the skin.
After your treatment, there are steps you can take to look after your skin which we will go through with you.
Waxing Aftercare
Please follow the guidelines below to ensure your skin is cared for properly over the next few days.
Please note: some slight soreness, small bumps and redness are commonand perfectly normal temporary reactions, particularly if this is your first wax. These symptoms should subside over the next 24-48 hours. If you experience persistent redness or irritation, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Keep the waxed area clean, and avoid heat/friction for the next 24-48 hours.
This means:
- No hot baths or showers (cool to lukewarm water only).
- No saunas, hot tubs or steam treatments.
- No tanning (sunbathing, sunbeds or fake tans).
- No sport, gym work or other exercise.
- Avoid scratching or touching the treated area with unwashed hands.
- Wear clean, loose fitting clothes.
- Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools.
- Do not apply deodorants, body sprays, powders, lotions or other products to the area, other than those recommended by your therapist.
- To soothe and protect the skin, apply an antiseptic cream to the waxed area regularly for 3 days following your treatment. Always wash your hands before applying any product.
To prevent ingrown hairs: starting a few days after your appointment, gently scrub the skin 3 times a week in the bath or shower using a loofah or exfoliating mitt. Also moisturise the area every day, which will keep the skin supple and help new hairs to grow through normally.
You may notice a small amount of regrowth after a week or so. It can take up to 4 treatments for your hair to get on a growth cycle that gives best results. Hair needs to be at least 1/2 cm long before it can be successfully removed by waxing; please do not shave between your appointments. To maintain your smooth appearance, we recommend regular waxing every 4-6 weeks.
