Waxing FAQ’s

1. What is the difference between a bikini wax and a Brazilian wax?

In my books, a bikini wax is removing hair just from the bikini line.  This can be customized however you would like.  You can clean up the top and come in farther on the sides, but it just removes any hair that would be visible while wearing a swimsuit.  A Brazilian wax is when I remove all of the hair, including the labia and the tush area.  You can choose to leave a strip or not (that's just personal preference, and I will ask you before we start).  Any service that removes hair off of the labia is considered a Brazilian wax, no matter how much hair you leave elsewhere.  If you would like something customized, just ask!

2. How long does my hair need to be to get waxed?

     You will need at least a 1/4 inch of growth for the wax to grab onto the hair (about the length of a grain of rice).  That usually means two weeks of growth if you have been shaving.  I know the grow out period is tough, but it will be worth it, I promise!  If you are not shaving, then don't touch it! I would rather your hair be too long and have to trim, than have it be too short and send you away for more growth.  If you have previously gotten waxed, then I recommend 4-6 weeks after your last wax.

3. Does getting a Brazilian wax hurt?

I mean, let's be honest, it's no walk in the park, but I will guide you through it. Usually the anticipation is much worse than the actual wax. Almost all of my clients say, "that was easier than I thought!" I will distract you and chat with you as much as possible; and before you know it, it will be over! A typical wax takes me about 15 minutes depending on your hair length. I move quickly but efficiently. Your first wax will be the hardest one, but once you get that one out of the way, it will get easier and easier from there. The more you wax, the thinner you hair will be! I will also never force you to do anything you are not comfortable with, so if at any time it becomes too much for you, please say something and I will stop. In over 10 years of waxing, I've only ever had one person quit on me, just sayin' ;)

4. What kind of wax do you use?

     I use both hard wax and strip wax.  Hard wax does not use a strip to be removed and is more gentle on the skin.  It also does not adhere to the skin as much as strip wax does.  Strip wax is best for larger, flat areas and is faster.  My strip wax is very gentle and hurts a lot less than other strip waxes you may have tried in the past.  With a Brazilian wax, I use strip wax as long as I can in order to be quick and efficient; then I start using hard wax for the more sensitive areas. I will also prep your skin with a pre-waxing oil.  This will hydrate your skin and create a barrier between your skin and the wax.  This makes it a lot less painful because the wax is not sticking to your skin, just the hair! (but shh... it's my little secret)!

5. How do I prepare for my very first Brazilian wax?

     Breathe! First thing to know is the anticipation is much worse than the wax.  The first wax will be the hardest, but once you get that out of the way, I guarantee the pain will be cut in half for your second wax!  The more you wax, the easier and more painless it becomes. Removing the hair from the follicle weakens the hair, and over time it will become thinner and finer, until the hair follicle dies and no longer grows, because that's the whole point right?  If you are nervous, you can pop a couple of ibuprofen 20 minutes before your appointment, and that should help take the edge off.  I recommend taking a shower beforehand, and don't apply any lotions or potions to the area. Some salons recommend gently exfoliating the area before your appointment, but I don't think it's necessary.  Waxing is a type of exfoliation itself, so we don't want to over exfoliate the area.  After your first wax you might have a few prickles left, but that's because we haven't gotten all of your hair on the same growth cycle yet.  If you keep coming every 4-6 weeks then by your second or third wax, you will see the nice, smooth results that you're after! So just come freshly showered, and the rest is up to me!

6. When and how often do I need to come in for maintenance?

     After your Brazilian or bikini wax I recommend coming every 4-6 weeks.  Four weeks at the very earliest, but often 4 weeks is too soon.  Your hair grows in cycles so we need to wait for all the cycles of hair to grow out in order to be waxed again to achieve the smoothest results!  Once all of the hair cycles have grown out, that is when you will get your smoothest results.  Six weeks and beyond can sometimes be too long in between waxes.  Five weeks seems to be the sweet spot for 99% of my clientele.  Also, don't shave or trim in between. If you shave it will be like starting from square one all over again, and no one wants that!

7. When shouldn't I wax?

     Let me first say that if you are unsure if you are able to get waxed or not, please consult your physician.  I am definitely not a doctor and cannot give medical advice.  Here is a list of some contraindications to getting waxed.  You should NOT get waxed if you are taking any acne medication that compromises your skin, including accutane.  You should NOT get waxed if you are using any harsh exfoliating topicals, including but not limited to retinols, Differin, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, or bleaching agents.  You should also use extreme caution if you have recently had a sun burn, wind burn, been in a tanning bed, or have diabetes. Please consult your physician if you are unsure.

8. What can I do to minimize ingrown hairs?

     Ingrown hairs are sometimes inevitable, but can be prevented, and treated. They are caused from the hair being removed from the follicle and when it grows back, it cannot break through the top layer of dead skin. To prevent this, all you need to do is some mild exfoliation.  I recommend something that isn't too harsh on your skin, like a loofah or a wash cloth.  I sell exfoliating gloves for $5 if you would like to grab those at the end of your service. Grainy scrubs can sometimes get uncomfortable.  There is no need to exfoliate until about 5-7 days after your initial wax.  After that, you’ll want to exfoliate in the shower 2-3 times a week; longer rather than harder.  Remember, your skin down there is very soft and delicate, so we want to treat it as such!  If you have a large ingrown hair that is uncomfortable, feel free to ask me or text me and I can help you get rid of it.   

Spray Tan FAQ’s

1. How do I prepare for my spray tan?

     The best way to prepare for a spray tan is to take a shower right before and exfoliate your entire body.  Also, don't apply any lotions before hand; the spray tan formula absorbs best on dry skin.  You'll also want to wear dark, loose fitting clothing to your appointment.

 2. When is the best time to get a spray tan?

     The best time to get a spray tan is as close to your event as possible.  Your tan will look it's best for the first 5 days, so if you are leaving for vacation on a Wednesday, I recommend coming in on a Tuesday.  Please note that if you are wanting to do any kind of waxing, that we must do that first. 

 3. How long will my spray tan last?

     With proper care, your spray tan can last up to 10 days!  See the next question for proper aftercare. 

 4. How do I take care of my spray tan?

     After your tan, you will want to avoid getting wet for 8 hours.  The tan needs to sit on your skin for 8 hours in order to fully absorb and process.  After 8 hours you may rinse, or you may also leave it on.  It will simply just stop processing after 8 hours, (no oompa loompas here)!  When you take your first rinse (no need to soap up) you will see a little come off; but don't worry that's just the cosmetic bronzer rinsing off and not your tan!  After your first rinse it’s important to keep your skin hydrated with a non-exfoliating lotion and after your rinse, you may shower normally from then on.  I highly recommend buying the tan extender lotion (it really does work)!  The tan extender will keep your tan on longer, hydrate your skin and help your tan fade more naturally when it does start to come off.  Once you feel your tan has run its course, you can start to exfoliate heavier in the shower to get it to come off. 

5. What things should I avoid after getting a spray tan?

     After getting your tan, you want to avoid excessive exfoliation or really tight clothing.  This will just cause your tan to come off quicker.  Keep your skin hydrated with lotion or the tan extender.  Also please note that your spray tan is not SPF and will not protect you from the sun so you can still get sunburned!  Applying SPF will not harm your tan.  You will also want to avoid any waxing.  Waxing is a form of exfoliation, so if you are wanting to get waxed (bikini or otherwise) please let me know and we can do your wax before your spray tan!