Waxing

Prior to your treatment, your therapist will cleanse the area using a specially formulated pre-cleansing lotion. Your therapist will then apply a warm wax and remove the unwanted hair. You should ensure that the hair to be waxed is a minimum of around 0.75cm - 1cm so that the wax will take to the hair effectively. This is normally around 2 weeks post-shaving growth for most ladies or 4-6 weeks post waxing. Once the waxing has been completed, a soothing tea tree lotion is applied to soothe and help the skin recover from the waxing treatment.

Question: What length should my hairs be for waxing?

Answer: Generally the hairs will be trimmed to a maximum of 10mm. A minimum of around 5mm is required.

Question: Is waxing painful?

Answer: Its rather like removing a plaster. If you are a wax virgin then you may find it slightly more uncomfortable at first. The more waxing you have the less uncomfortable it becomes. It really depends on your threshold - taking pain killers around one hour prior to any waxing treatment may help.

Question: Will the hair stop growing after waxing?

Answer: Waxing makes the hair finer but it's not a permanent hair removal method.

Question: How long should I leave it between waxing sessions?

Answer: 4 to 6 weeks is recommended to allow the hair to grow to at least 5mm.

Question: Am I likely to suffer from any skin reactions?

Answer: You may suffer with red and or blotchy skin after waxing. This normally lasts for around 2 hours but may last up to 24 hours. If you are particularly concerned about the effect waxing will have on your skin, we are able to offer a free patch test at least 24 hours to your treatment. Call for information.

Question: Do you offer after care advice?

Answer: Yes your therapist will offer advice on the day of the treatment but general advice is given in our Top Tips for Aftercare section.

Question: What if I have more questions?

Answer: Please pop into the salon and any of our experienced staff would be happy to provide you with a free consultation.

• Dull the nerves – if suitable, take an aspirin or ibuprofen about 30-45 minutes before your wax.
• Apply some heat – take a warm shower or use a warm compress prior to your wax, it will open up the skin pores and allow the hair follicles to be removed more easily.
• Use a body scrub – the skin of the face is generally fine in terms of waxing, but the body needs a little extra help. A nice, gritty body scrub will help get rid of dead cells around the pores and hair follicles, making for an easier exit.
• Don't use ice – you might think that ice would numb the skin and reduce any pain but applying anything cold to the skin tightens the pores – you want the pores to be nice and relaxed to make things more comfortable.
• Don't drink alcohol – while having a couple of glasses of wine before getting waxed sounds like a fabulous idea, stimulants in the system can cause the skin to be extra sensitive to waxing.
• Try to relax – some people hold their breath or tense their body whilst getting waxed. It's easier said than done, but breathe deeply; a relaxed person will feel less pain.
• Don't wax at home – it's hard to do on yourself, and will really, really hurt if you don't know what you're doing.

• Avoid the sun immediately after waxing and wear sun screen; recently waxed areas are prone to hyper pigmentation (permanent darkening of the skin) if exposed to sun or a sun bed. Avoid saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools for at least 48 hours.
• Avoid heavy exercise for at least 24 hours after waxing.
• Don't use exfoliating products (AHA’s, scrubs etc) and loofahs for at least 24 hours after waxing as they may irritate your skin.
• Avoid tight clothing after waxing as this may result in irritation and ingrown hairs.
• After the first 24 hours, regular exfoliation (2-3 times a week) is helpful to remove dead skin so that hairs can get out above the surface of the pores and not become ingrown.
• After a Brazilian, avoid hot baths, hot showers and sexual activity for approximately 10 hours as during this period, your skin is more vulnerable to irritation and infection.
• Moisturise with tea tree or lavender lotion after shower or bath. Both have a soothing, antibacterial and healing effect.
• Don't worry, routine waxing helps the skin to be accustomed to the procedure and to minimise irritation.

Brazilian and Hollywood Waxing

What exactly is a Brazilian wax?

The traditional Brazilian is less about the "landing strip" left in front but more about the complete hair removal of everything behind. Brazilian waxing is not for the modest as it is basically done naked.

What exactly is a Hollywood wax?

Hollywood waxing removes all hair.

Will you be embarrassed?

Stripping down to nothing in front of a stranger will feel a bit awkward for many first time waxers - but do keep in mind:

• You are with a professional
• Nobody is judging you
• You're not the hairiest person they have seen - neither is your bum the biggest
• The whole experience is rather clinical
• A trained, fully qualified therapist will remove any unwanted hair as quickly and painlessly as possible, usually in about 10-30 minutes
• When it comes to the eternal question of pain, everyone has a different thresholds so there's no right answer here but pain killers taken around one hour before any waxing treatment can help reduce any pain you may experience
• You should expect to experience some discomfort during waxing but in our opinion, that momentary discomfort is so worth it. Hello soft, smooth skin and goodbye razor burn, ingrown hairs and not least that post shave itching that we all just love!