Waxing advice, aftercare, myths and methods

We are often asked to clear up myths and rumours about waxing and all salons are required by law, to provide aftercare advice on how to properly care for the treated area. So here's everything you need to get you started.

If you have any further questions about waxing after reading this page please don't hesitate to call or email the salon for further advice.

Waxing preparation

There are ways to prepare for waxing that can help or improve your experience, here's our recommendations;

Exfoliate regularly and at least 48 hours prior to your waxing appointment.
Do not apply any body lotions, perfumed products, oils or deodorant to the area to be treated.
Hair should be at least 5mm long for successful removal, first time waxers may want to leave at least 1.5 cm.
If you are menstruating we are still able to carry out bikini waxing as long as you are using tampons.
If you have any damage to the skin, are suffering with sunburn, skin conditions or any unexplained rashes you may not be able to be waxed, please call the salon at least 24 hours prior to your appointment.
You do not need to be concerned about the length of your hair our therapists are able to wax professionally on any length hair. Hair can be too short however, and needs to be at least 5mm long.
You should book your wax appointment at least 48 hours prior to your holidays.

Waxing aftercare

For 24 hours after your waxing appointment you are expected to:

Avoid touching the area without washing your hands first.
Avoid scratching the waxed area.
No hot bathsif you need to only have a brief cool shower.
No saunas, jacuzzis, steam rooms or any other heat treatment.
No tanning, this includes sunbathing, sunbeds and fake tan.
No exercise or anything that causes excessive perspiration.
Avoid swimming.
Do not apply deodorants, perfumed products or lotions.
To soothe and protect the area apply aloe vera gel, ensuring you wash your hands prior to application.

Waxing methods

The primary waxes used in beauty salons are hot wax and strip wax, to confuse the issue these waxes are also known by other names;

Hot wax can also be called, film wax, peelable wax and Brazilian wax. This was once the only wax used in salons until the invention of strip wax. Hot wax is applied to the growth area, left to set and removed by the therapist. This is the method we use for all intimate waxing in the salon.

Strip wax is also known as soft wax or warm wax, it is applied to the growth area with either a spatula or a roller and the therapist applies a paper or cotton strip on top of the wax to remove it.

As with all things, there are many different brands making a variety of claims, we feel that after 30 years of working with professional brands, there is very little difference in performance with professional quality waxes, the onus is on the ability of the therapist and their skills. There are many wonderful brands out there but the bottom line is, if you can't wax no particular brand of wax will change that.

Myths & legends! -

Waxing makes your hair growth stronger!

This is the biggest myth surrounding waxing, it's the favourite mantra of threaders, as we have a secret Jets and Sharks rivalry going on where we have "brow off's" turf wars at secret locations around the UK. Sadly this statement is just simply not true, if anything waxing will break down hair growth over time.

Myths & legends! -

Waxing is agony!

When done well and regularly, waxing becomes less and less painful. There are times when you pain threshold is lower such as during pregnancy and menstruation, but generally speaking women have a high pain threshold and waxing is a walk in the park!

Myths & legends! -

Waxing gives you ingrowing hairs.

If follicles are going to become ingrown there is little you can do to prevent this. Infections in the follicles can encourage it, so if you shave, always clean and sterilise your razor between uses. If you suffer with ingrown hairs electrolysis is an effective method to stop them.

Treatments