Here are some tips to help you choose a waxer and get the most from your experience.

The Basics of Waxing

Choose Your Waxer Carefully

I take waxing VERY seriously.  I've been doing it for a long time and the more I do it the better I get.  Your first tip is to look for someone like me who does a lot of waxing.  You want the best you can find. 

Not all waxes are the same, and some are downright dangerous.  Every horror story you may have ever heard about someone getting their skin ripped off while getting waxed is due to sticky inferior waxes.  Quality really matters when it comes to your delicate skin.  

I prefer a hard wax to remove hair in the most delicate areas of the face, underarms, and groin.  This type of wax goes on thick and dries very quickly.  When the wax hardens it is removed with a quick tug.  No cloth strip is used. 


Hard wax does not stick to the skin but shrinks around the hair to grab it.  This makes it very gentle on the skin.  Using anything other than a hard wax on your private parts should be a crime.    

For large areas like arms, legs and backs I use a high quality cream wax that is water soluble.  This type of wax removes tough hair and still is gentle on the skin. I prefer a wax that is water soluble so that any residue can be easily removed before you put your clothes back on.  If you've ever stuck to your jeans after a wax you'll know what I mean.

Prepare yourself

Some people like to take a couple of Advil or Tylenol before their waxing visit to help avoid discomfort.  I find that with the proper waxing techniques this is not really necessary.  My job is to make sure it DOESN'T hurt that bad.

Freshen Up

If scheduling prevents you from showering before you come, ask me for a warm towel to freshen up with before starting.  This will help prevent you from worrying about unpleasant odors.

Eat before you come

If your blood sugar is low then any discomfort will seem more exaggerated.  This is true in all situations, not just waxing.  So have a quick snack before your appointment to give yourself the energy your body needs.

Don't Trim Your Hair!

Even if you think your hair is so long it can be braided, resist the temptation to trim your hair before the appointment.  Let me make that call.  There is nothing worse than having someone show up and their hair is too short for the wax to grab onto.  The longer your hair is the better the removal process will be.

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Get Comfortable

Depending upon what kind of waxing you want done, you may have to remove some of your clothes.  As an experienced waxer, I am completely comfortable with all forms of undress and will help you to feel comfortable too.  Ask for an extra towel if you are feeling too exposed.

Communicate

If you know exactly what it is you want, tell me as we get started.  If you are particular about your brow shape, for example, be sure and say so.  If you know your skin reacts a certain way, speak up.  Good communication makes a much easier job.

Remember to Breathe!

I'm convinced that the most painful wax pull you will ever experience is the one that happens while you are holding your breath in nervous anticipation.  Breathe!  

A simple technique that I employ really makes a difference.  Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale the wax strip is pulled.  The body simply cannot be tense while you are exhaling.  The difference is remarkable.  Try it.  It works for all kinds of painful experiences.  Don't hold your breath.  Just breathe!

After Your Appointment

Post-Waxing Irritation

It is normal to have a bit of redness after waxing.  Using quality waxes helps to minimize this, but the heat causes a certain amount of redness on its own.  This should disappear within a matter of hours. Applying a warm washcloth to the area or applying Lavender essential oil will help relieve any irritation.

For this reason, do NOT get waxed on the same day you are attending a big event.  Getting your brows done two hours before your awards dinner is not a good idea.   Getting a Brazilian wax on the same day you plan a hot tub date might not be that good of an idea either.

Be sure to tell your waxer about any post-waxing irritation that concerns you.

Keep it Clean

The hair follicles remain open for up to 12 hours after waxing.  That's plenty of time for surface bacteria to get lodged in there if the skin isn't kept clean.

• Don't apply deodorant for the rest of the day after underarm waxing.

• Don't apply any heavy moisturizers or oils to the skin for the next couple of days.  Keep the pores clean and open.

• Don't go tanning the same day as getting waxed.  Your skin will burn more easily on the day you get waxed and you may get hyperpigmentation (brown blotches from the sun).

• Don't get waxed if you already have a sunburn.  Really.  Trust me.



Judy Zifka, Esthetician

50th Avenue Salon

Portland, OR

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