Waxing

What kind of wax do you use and why?

I use a soy-based strip wax called NuFree. It goes on with a stick and comes off with a paper strip. It is vegan and free from potential irritants. On certain waxing services such as Brazilian waxes, I also use what is known as “hard wax” - Made by a company called Mermaid, it paints on with a stick, hardens, and comes off as its own strip. On a legs or back wax, I often also use a disposable roll-on wax cartridge, free from artificial colors and additives, made by the company Nacach.

How long should my hair be for my waxing appointment?

In order to provide you with an effective wax, the minimum length hair needs to be is 1/4 inch. (This is about the length of a grain of rice.) If in doubt, err on the side of more length! It might feel uncomfortable in the moment, but the results are worth it.

What are the different styles of Bikini wax?

American - Following the natural triangle shape of the bikini area, I will remove anything that would be outside of a typical pair of underwear or swimsuit. This includes in the creases of the leg.

French - Similar to an American, but instead of the triangular shape, the sides will be shorn in to create a rectangular shape around the outside of the labia.

Brazilian - All of the hair on the front and back, included the labia or penis and scrotum, a few inches onto the glutes (butt cheeks), and intergluteal cleft (butt crack) is removed.

Will waxing hurt?

Yes, you will experience some discomfort during your wax, but it isn’t anything you can’t handle!

The experience and technique of your wax professional, as well as the variety of wax used, can help reduce discomfort as well as potential for reactions to the wax itself. (Reactions are extremely rare with the hypoallergenic waxes I use, since they are also free from synthetic colors and smells.)

Should I take Ibuprofen after my waxing appointment?

Some of my clients like to take over-the-counter pain relief either right before or right after their service. This is an individual preference and it is actually outside of my scope of practice to recommend taking any medicines.

What can I expect after my waxing appointment?

Most clients will experience some form of post-wax inflammation. This can include mild bumps, redness, mild warmth or swelling to the skin and tenderness. This is because the forceful removal of hair causes stress to the surrounding tissues. It's all temporary!

How soon can I go back to normal activity after my waxing appointment?

Most of you will be able to immediately return to normal activities like exercise and sex right away with no issues. It is VERY important to keep the area clean, dry, and free from bacteria for the first 72 hours if you will be engaging in any activity that could possibly bring bacteria to the skin. Clients will also need to keep the freshly waxed area out of the sun during this time. It is STRONGLY advised to avoid pools, hot tubs, and saunas for the first 48-72 hours following a wax.

It is advisable to plan to wax a few days before you will need to be in a swimsuit or for a special event like a wedding, just in case. Contact me to plan around your special event!

Should I be doing anything between waxing appointments?

The most important aspect is to keep the area clean and dry. When we wax, an outer protective layer of dry skin is also exfoliated off with the wax strip. This leaves our skin more vulnerable to infections/bacteria entering the freshly waxed area. Keeping clean with a basic shower routine is always step #1.

I like to use coconut oil initially (for the first two days) just to protect the skin. However, coconut oil can be clogging for many skin types if used long-term. If you haven’t used it before, consider testing in a smaller, non-sensitive area not close to the waxed region. There’s no need to moisturize or do anything with special products after your first wax but we can adjust your routine accordingly by adding products depending on your personal needs. Everyone should exfoliate 2-3 times per week between appointments. Exfoliating gloves are provided at your first service to get you started.

How do I prevent ingrown hairs after my wax?

Some clients experience ingrown hairs. This is when a build up of skin that has not sloughed off naturally becomes thick enough that an incoming hair cannot power through it. Instead, this hair turns around and grows back into the skin, causing inflammation and sometimes pain.

While I can tweeze out and even lance an ingrown hair in the studio that is painful and needs relief, it is better to try to prevent them. You can do this by making a concerted effort to exfoliate a waxed area beginning 72 hours after the wax and continuing until most of the hair has grown back in, about 2-3 times per week.

This can be achieved by using a natural cloth (like a cactus or agave fiber cloth), exfoliating gloves, or a gritty natural sea sponge, or a dry brush in circular motions over areas where ingrowns are common, daily, before or during a shower. At the very least, using a loofa vigorously can help. (A pumice stone is too much grit and can damage delicate skin.) This will help keep dead skin sloughing off.

Cleaning skin well after exercise and swimsuit use also helps. For severe cases, I can recommend medicated products you can purchase (such as Finipil) that can help provide relief.

What if I’m uncomfortable having someone see my body during my wax?

You are a beautiful being. One deserving of self care. I recognize the trust you're placing in me and how difficult it can be to relax in an environment with someone you may not be super familiar with. 

I see a wide variety of body shapes, ages, ethnicities, hair types, and abilities in a judgment-free space. It is really important to me that you all feel safe and secure when you see me for any service, especially an intimate one.

I have been a licensed massage therapist for 13 years and a licensed esthetician for nearly 10. In my professional work, I have seen thousands and thousands for bodies during that time, and on average, I perform 20+ Brazilian waxes per week. Between waxes, massages, and skincare, I have a lot of experience working around anatomy, skin, bellies, piercings, scars – you name it.

The point is, I never want you to think that's how I see you. When you're in my studio, we're reaching to a deeper level. My focus is solely on how to help. If there's ever anything I can do to help you feel calm and comfortable, please don't hesitate to be in touch. Nothing should keep you from the self-care you deserve, and I'm honored to help.