Monday, August 8, 2011

8 Helpful Hints Before You Bare it All

WHY WAX?
Oh my lovelies, you wax because it is SO much easier than shaving. For years I did the ol' razor routine, frustrated with ingrown hairs and my inability to get the closest shave. I wasn't able to justify the time or money for waxing hair that would eventually grow back. If only I had known...

After my first Brazilian I finally realized that the time (and money) were completely worth it. If you're at the gym getting your body bikini ready, trust me, a bikini wax is the finishing touch. You'll get a good 3-4 weeks of hairless skin and no panicking "Shoot! I need to shave!" when you get those last minute let's-hit-the-beach calls. Plus, you'll never "miss a spot." Our aestheticians know that when you want it waxed, you want it gone. Enough said.

NEW TO THE WAX POT?
Here are a few suggestions and helpful hints from those of us who've braved the wax, shed the hair, and lived to rave about the results.

1) Consider popping an ibuprofen or Tylenol an hour before your appointment to help dull the pain. (Stay away from aspirin though, it thins the blood and could make you more prone to bleeding.)

2) The first time will hurt. However, it will hurt no where near what you've allowed yourself to imagine. Remember to BREATHE during the wax and distract yourself by talking to your Aesthetician --she's armed and ready with conversation starters.

3) Wear loose clothing, preferably cotton, and appropriate underwear before and after the wax appointment. The area will be sensitive, so comfort is key.

4) Avoid hot baths, hot tubs and other chlorinated pools, as well as tanning beds and saunas for 24 hours after your wax to protect your new clean skin.

5) A topical ointment like No Bump Rx ($16) will help prevent ingrown hairs after waxing. It's recommended to use it after showering for the first 7-10 days after your wax. However, you can continue to using it right up to your next appointment.

6) Exfoliate! Begin exfoliating 48 hours after your wax to help prevent ingrown hairs and slough off dead skin cells (this is also a great tip for those getting leg waxes). A products like Yonka's Phyto-Gel Exfoliate ($45) can be a great option.

7) Hydrate your skin. You'll want to use a non-toxic, parabin free, unscented moisturizer to prevent dryness. We highly recommend Epicuren's After Bath Lotion ($16-$50), which is a fresh unscented moisturizer with all natural ingredients. It's great for sensitive skin and we love to use it as a body lotion, too.

8) Still unsure? Ask questions. When booking your appointment, ask our staff about the service and express any concerns you might have. We're here to help make your visit as painless as possible and make sure you're prepared. We won't blush at your questions--promise!