How to Prepare for a Wax Appointment

To prepare for a wax, let the hair grow to about a quarter of an inch, exfoliate the area gently a day or two beforehand, stop using retinoids and exfoliating acids on that skin about a week ahead, and arrive with clean skin that has no lotion or oil on it. Tell your esthetician about any medications before she starts. That covers most of it. The details below make the appointment more comfortable and the results last longer.

How long does hair need to be for waxing?

About a quarter of an inch, or roughly the length of a grain of rice. Wax needs something to hold. Hair shorter than that tends to get left behind, and you end up with a patchy result.

If you normally shave, that means putting the razor away for two to three weeks. It is the hardest part of getting ready, particularly for legs, and it is worth it. Fine facial hair, such as on the upper lip or chin, usually needs less time.

Longer is not a problem. If the hair is long, it can be trimmed before waxing.

What should you do the week before?

• Pause retinoids and acids on the area. Retinol, prescription retinoids, and glycolic or other exfoliating acids thin the top layer of skin, and wax can lift that skin along with the hair. Stop using them where you will be waxed about a week ahead. This matters most for brows, lip and chin, since that is where most people use these products.
• Stay out of the sun. Sunburned skin cannot be waxed. The same goes for a tanning bed.
• Moisturize as usual. Skin that is in good condition lets go of hair more easily than dry, flaky skin, and by March most skin in central Illinois is still recovering from winter.
• Do not shave in between. Shaving resets the clock on length.

What should you do the day before?

Exfoliate the area gently 24 to 48 hours beforehand, with a washcloth or a mild scrub. This clears dead skin so the wax grips the hair, and it helps prevent ingrown hairs later. Do not exfoliate on the day itself, because freshly scrubbed skin is more easily irritated.

What about the day of your appointment?

• Come with clean skin. Skip lotion, body oil and self-tanner on the area, since they keep wax from gripping.
• For a facial wax, less makeup on that area is better.
• For legs or arms, wear loose, soft clothing. Tight jeans over freshly waxed legs are uncomfortable.
• Leave hot showers, hard workouts and the hot tub for another day. Warm, just-waxed skin is easily irritated.

Does waxing hurt?

It stings for a moment as the wax comes off, then it is over. Most people find it easier than they expected, and it usually gets easier with regular appointments as the hair grows back finer and sparser.

Many people find their skin is more sensitive just before and during their period. If that is true for you, book for a different week.

When should you not get waxed?

This is the part to read carefully. Waxing is not safe for everyone at every time.

• Isotretinoin (Accutane). Waxing is generally not done while you are taking it, or for at least six months after you stop, because skin can tear. Your prescriber has the final word on timing.
• Prescription retinoids. If you use tretinoin or a similar product on your face, facial waxing may not be suitable even with a pause. Ask your dermatologist, and tell Ashley what you use.
• Sunburn, or broken or irritated skin. Wait until it has fully healed.
• A recent peel or laser treatment on the same area.
• Medical conditions or medications that affect your skin or how it heals, such as diabetes or blood thinners. Check with your doctor first.

If you are unsure whether something applies to you, say so before the wax goes on. It is always fine to ask.

When should you book before a trip or event?

If you have never been waxed, do not make the first time the day before spring break. Book two or three weeks ahead so you know how your skin reacts, then again a few days before you leave if you need it.

For regulars, two or three days ahead is about right. Any redness has faded and the skin is still smooth.

It also helps to start early if you want smooth legs for summer. Hair grows in cycles, so the first wax or two will not catch every hair at the same stage. With a few regular appointments the regrowth evens out, which is a good reason to begin in spring and not in June.

What does Spathetics wax?

Ashley offers facial waxing, including brows, lip, chin, nose and a Full Face Wax, along with arm waxing and Half Leg Waxing from the knee down. Each one is listed with its current price on the waxing page.

What you do afterward matters as much as the preparation. The waxing aftercare guide covers how to prevent bumps and ingrown hairs.

A little planning is all a wax really asks of you. When your hair is long enough and your skin is ready, you can book an appointment online.