As summer is coming to an end, the requests for Brazilian appointments are still coming through. Actually, in my four years of being an esthetician, Brazilian waxing isn't limited to just summer and vacation time anymore. It's managed to become a year round thing -- Especially in California.
So are you thinking of working up the courage to actually give me a call and get one? Here are 10 things that you should know before your appointment:
1. Make sure that you are making an appointment with a Licensed Professional, such as an Esthetician or a Cosmetologist.
If you're at a nail shop and think that getting waxed is more "convenient" since you're there already, think again. Several Manicurists wax in their salons under a Nail Technician License, which DOES NOT cover waxing.
I've had so many clients that have been waxed at a nail salon and have had horrible experiences. Their hair has been ripped, cut, and tortured. When the hair isn't removed properly, the hair will be broken off and grow back damaged and coarse. Obviously if you're coming in for a Brazilian wax, you aren't looking for your hair to grow back thicker.
Manicurists do not study waxing in school. It's illegal for them to wax, so make sure that you're not just letting anyone south of the border unless they have been educated to perform this type of service.
2. Communicate with your Esthetician.
Do you want a strip? A postage stamp? Or a Hollywood wax? There are at least a dozen types of Brazilian waxings, so make sure you COMMUNICATE with your Esthetician and let her know what you are going for, or if you have any questions or concerns. This will make your waxing experience a lot more enjoyable and guide your Esthetician to what you are going for.
When a client first comes into my office, I greet them with a bottled water and have them take a seat in the waiting room for a bit. This gives them time to unwind and fill out my Client Intake Form. The CIF basically goes over medications and other contraindications that could effect the waxing service. This is the best time to communicate with your Esthetician about any questions you have. Another thing that I do for my clients is I have them circle the type of Brazilian wax that they want to do.
I used to just ask clients if they wanted everything removed. One time I asked a client if she wanted everything removed. She said yes. I started prepping her skin and placing the wax on to remove everything, like she had agreed to. When she saw that I was actually removing everything (like she said to), she started yelling at me! "Don't you consult your clients first?!...You should have asked me first!...I'm very attached to my pubic hair!"...It was ridiculous. So now, to avoid instances like that, I have clients circle the picture of the design that they want. It definitely helps make the service go a lot more smooth.
3. Don't expect a miracle after your first session.
If you've been shaving your girly parts for years and years, you have been causing lots of damage to your skin. Whether you want to believe this or not, it's true. Shaving is bad for your skin. When I get a new client who is coming to me after shaving, I always let them know that not all of the hair will be able to be removed the first session. Why? Because the hairs are all different lengths, some shorter, some longer. The follicles are damaged and will hold on to the hair, making it more difficult to release. It usually takes at least four sessions (or four months) of consistent waxing to see results in hear growth and texture.
4. Avoid shaving, trimming, and tweezing for at least two to three weeks before getting waxed.
Hair will usually grow at around 1/4" per month. You want the hair to be that length so that the wax can actually pick it up. If the hair is too short, the wax won't bond to it and won't be able to be removed. If the hair is too long...Well it CAN be a bit more painful.
5. If Aunt Flo is in town, reschedule.
I can't even tell you how many times that I've had a client come in during their menstruation cycle, thinking that it's okay. There's two reasons why I'm not a fan of waxing someone on their period. 1. Even though waxing CAN be done while you're on your cycle, t's going to be extremely painful. If you think waxing is painful when you're not on your period, it escalades to another level when you do. Due to hormones, the skin is just another thing on your body that is effected. ...And 2? Well even though we see a ton of vajayjays daily doesn't mean that we want to see one with a tampon sticking out. Your best bet is to reschedule.
6. Exfoliate! Exfoliate! Exfoliate!
Before a new client comes in, I advise them to exfoliate the night before getting waxed. This allows them to remove the dead skin in the area and will make the waxing service a lot less painful. When you exfoliate, you're removing the dead skin cells, as well as opening up the hair follicles. After you get your service done, exfoliating is a very important part of caring for your skin. Why not start now? I always recommend using a natural loofa sponge and a body wash that contains Tea Tree Oil. I carry the Derma-E Tea Tree and E Face and Body Wash at the studio, which is a great product to keep those hair follicles open and clean.
6. Forget the pain killers.
Several clients that have come in to get this service again have joked with me, "I should have taken a Viccodin or something." I usually laugh, however, it's best not to take any pain killers such as Tylenol or Viccodin. This usually thins the blood and can cause excess bleeding during the Brazilian. There usually isn't any blood involved when getting waxed, however there are times that the wax will stick to scabs or ingrown hairs and can cause them to be lifted. This is normal.
7. Use a topical crème to hydrate and keep the follicles clean.
I recommend using an antiseptic crème twice per day to keep the hair follicles open and clean. I use Derma-E's Tea Tree and E Antiseptic Crème and apply just a small dime size once in the morning and once in the evening. This will help prevent those ingrown hairs, remove any redness or itching, and assist in guiding that new hair to grow through the hair follicle, instead of under the skin.
8. Be nice.
Okay, so your Esthetician is ripping the hair from your hair follicles. Yes, it's painful and you feel like you want to scream and cry for your mommy, BUT remember, YOU ARE PAYING HER TO DO THIS FOR YOU. It's important not to take your frustration, pain, and aggression out on your Esthetician. That means no kicking her. No grabbing her. No yelling at her. Kicking, grabbing, and yelling will only result in her possibly making a mistake or frustrating her.
I remember when I was seven months pregnant, I was waxing a client who was getting a first time Brazilian. She seemed nervous and I was trying my best to calm her down. She ended up kicking me -- Right in the stomach. This upset me because it could have possibly hurt my baby. I ended up having her leave the treatment room and I took myself to the ER to get examined. Luckily my son was safe, but I can't tell you how worried I was. When you're pregnant, chances are, you're already worried about a ton of things. Being kicked in the stomach by a frustrated client isn't something that should be added into the mix.
All Estheticians have the right to refuse service if things get out of hand. So, be nice.
9. Avoid all action south of the border for at least two hours after your service.
That means no exercise. No swimming. No hot tubs. No showers. No sex!!! The skin is still fresh and sensitive, so the best way to avoid getting ingrown hairs, chaffing, and possible infection, is to avoid anything down there for a few hours.
And...
10. Rebook your next appointment before you leave your treatment room.
Once you start waxing, the best way to take care of it is to get on a waxing regimen. That means making sure that you're getting waxed once every three to four weeks. Two weeks is too soon, and anything after five weeks is like having to start all over again. So, make sure you're seeing your Esthetician once a month. Doing this will reduce chances of getting ingrown hairs, hyperpigmentation, scarring, itching, and infection.
Now that you know how to prepare and take care of yourself after getting waxed, isn't it time to get started?
Visit my website and schedule your appointment with me!
