Whether you’re coming in for a bikini wax for the first time or your 50th, we have a few tips for making sure you’re happy with your wax results!
Before getting to those tips, let’s start with some basic definitions. We’re often asked, what is the difference between the 3 types of bikini wax services? So let’s start there.
- Bikini – we’ll remove only the hair that would be visible around you’re the outer edge of bikini/panty bottoms.
- Bikini Extended – we’ll remove 1.5 to 2 inches more, including more towards the labia. You can let your esthetician know if you prefer to have the hair removed from your backside.
- Brazilian – we’ll remove everything from front to back, leaving you completely bare. Chat with your esthetician if you’d like to leave what’s referred to as a “landing strip”
Now that we’re on the same page regarding the different waxing options and you’ll be able to book yourself the right service, let’s talk about preparing for your appointment. A little pre-spa prep can help you to get the best results.
1. LENGTH
Most important is to ensure your hair is long enough for the wax to “grab” or adhere to. We suggest at least ¼ inch. If your hair is too short, you’ll either be told you have to reschedule or your specialist will not be able to effectively remove all of the hair in the area being waxed. Trying to wax hair that is too short could also result in ingrown hair and unnecessary irritation to the bikini area.
2. EXFOLIATE
Exfoliate, exfoliate … for good measure, we thought we’d repeat! To prevent ingrown hairs and ensure the wax securely grabs all the hair it can (and NOT your skin!), do your best to exfoliate the skin where you’ll be getting waxed one or two days before your treatment. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells that can block hair follicles and cause pesky ingrown hairs. They key is to use gentle exfoliating techniques that won’t make the skin more susceptible to sensitivity and irritation.
Stop by the spa to pick up some exfoliating gloves or grab a pair at your next appointment. These “handy” gloves are a helpful tool to allow you to get in a full-body at-home exfoliation during your bath or shower.
Another great option is to use those little round sponges we send home with you after a facial. They’re gentle and the perfect size to prep your bikini area. They’re also complimentary with your facial, so this is a great way to recycle. Both the gloves or the sponges are super easy to maintain. Simply rinse them with a little facial cleanser or shower gel and hang them to dry after every use. To ensure that they are thoroughly clean you can also throw them in your washer every few days or up to one week of use.
If you prefer additional exfoliation, try using one of our body scrubs made with natural ingredients like algae or freshwater silt. They offer amazing skin-smoothing properties while nourishing the skin. It is best to use these types of scrubs at least a full day, if not two days before waxing to protect the skin from further irritation.
3. PAIN MANAGEMENT
Waxing doesn’t have to be an excruciating experience! Many of our guests are nervous about waxing, either because of the things they’ve seen in the movies or because they’ve had bad experiences in the past somewhere else. Your comfort is always our top priority at Sanctuary Spa, unfortunately we can’t promise that there won’t be any pain or discomfort – it is inherent in waxing. However, our estheticians are trained to minimize the pain as much as possible with their wax techniques.
One of the first ways we try to make the experience as easy as possible is by choosing the right wax for your hair and skin type. Our estheticians are skilled at evaluating your skin type, and based on your sensitivity level, the texture of your hair, and the length of your hair, your esthetician will choose the best wax for you. We carry more than three types of wax to make sure that we can match you with a formula that will offer you amazing results. Additionally, our waxes are made with a variety of essential oils to provide antiseptic, anti-bacterial and soothing properties.
To mitigate the pain associated with waxing, one of the most important things YOU can do is to avoid scheduling your appointment the week of your period. Hormone levels and the general discomfort during menstruation can increase the sensitivity of the skin, which can make waxing seem more painful. For best results, it is best to schedule your wax service at least three before the start of your cycle. That said, you can absolutely get a wax while on your period, just be mindful of your comfort level, wear a tampon, and let your esthetician know. It’s completely natural and nothing to be ashamed of!
The other thing you can do is take some Ibuprofen 30-45 minutes before your appointment. This tip is pretty self-explanatory but one that can make a big difference. 
Our last pain management tip is for those who really have a low tolerance for any type of pain. Ebanel Numb 520 is an easy over the counter lidocaine based numbing cream that can be applied topically to the areas where you are getting waxed 20-minutes before the service. This can provide some relief of your pain, although we can’t promise to remove it entirely. If you are using this cream be mindful to apply it to external areas only!
4. SOOTHE
After waxing skin can have a slight burning sensation and become pink and sensitive. First Aid Oil is our solution to soothe your pain and calm your skin post-wax. A cure-all for our team members (and our kids) – bug bites, scrapes, and cuts all heal more quickly for us with a few drops of this oil. After a bikini wax, apply it to your inflamed skin and notice how quickly the redness and any lingering discomfort subsides. Ongoing use in between appointments can also help to loosen any ingrowns.
Additional Care Tips
The hard part is over! Use these last few pointers to care for your skin and enjoy the feeling of confidence that comes with self-care.
Avoid friction to the area for the next 24 hours. This also includes intimacy and exercise. Wearing seamless panties or underwear may give your lady bits room to breathe and recover. Also avoid steam and heat for 24 hours. A cold/mildly warm shower is ideal for soothing the area after your wax.
We hope these tips will help your next bikini wax be a little less painful and a lot more enjoyable. Visit Sanctuary Spa to experience the best waxing services in a lovely spa environment. Maybe even start your appointment with a cool glass of Prosecco or a hot cup of tea, and be sure to spend a few minutes in the heavenly massage chairs in our relaxation lounge.
Call us today (713.622.7722) or reserve your spot online. Mention this blog or the promo code BestWax5 to receive a 5% discount on your first wax at Sanctuary Spa. We’re here to answer any questions you may have, so please give us a call.
