How to Prepare for a Wax (and Aftercare)

Let hair grow to about a quarter inch (roughly two weeks of regrowth), exfoliate gently one to two days before, and skip retinoids and heavy sun beforehand. Afterward, avoid heat, the gym, hot tubs and sun for 24–48 hours. We use gentle, low-temperature botanical silk wax on brows, face and body.

Licensed esthetician · low-temperature botanical silk wax · new clients save 20% with code WELCOME20

How long should hair be before waxing?

About a quarter of an inch — think a grain of rice, or roughly two weeks of regrowth after shaving. That’s the length the wax needs to grip the hair cleanly and remove it from the root. Too short and the wax can’t catch it, so hairs snap or get missed; much longer and the wax can tug more than it needs to. If you shave between appointments, stop shaving about two weeks before your visit. Coming in on a regular four-to-six-week cycle keeps regrowth at the ideal length and makes each wax more comfortable than the last.

How should I prepare my skin before a wax?

• Exfoliate gently one to two days before — a light scrub or washcloth clears dead skin and helps prevent ingrown hairs. Don’t exfoliate the same day, as skin will already be sensitive.
• Pause retinoids and strong actives. Stop tretinoin, retinol, glycolic and salicylic acids on the area for about five to seven days before — they thin the surface and raise the risk of lifting or irritation.
• Avoid heavy sun and sunburn. Don’t wax skin that’s sunburned or freshly tanned.
• Come clean and dry. Cleanse the area and skip heavy lotions or oils that day so the wax adheres properly.
• Time it comfortably. Many people find waxing more sensitive right before their period, so book for a few days after if you can.

Let us know if you use any medication that affects the skin (including Accutane or prescription retinoids) — in some cases we’ll adjust or reschedule to keep your skin safe.

What wax do you use, and which areas do you wax?

We use a gentle, low-temperature botanical silk wax that’s kinder to sensitive skin than traditional hot wax. We wax areas above the neckline and general body areas — brows, lip, chin, full face, underarms, arms, and half or full legs, plus back and chest. See the full list and pricing on our waxing page. Many clients add a quick brow wax to a facial visit to save a trip.

What’s the aftercare for the first 48 hours?

Freshly waxed skin needs a little breathing room:

• Skip heat — no hot showers, saunas, hot tubs or steam for 24–48 hours.
• Skip the gym — sweat and friction can irritate open follicles right after waxing.
• Stay out of direct sun and don’t use self-tanner on the area for a day or two.
• Wear loose clothing over waxed body areas to reduce friction.
• Soothe and hydrate with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion or aloe.
• Start exfoliating again after two to three days to keep ingrown hairs away, then continue a couple of times a week.

A little redness or bumpiness right after is normal and usually settles within a few hours.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I get waxed?

Every four to six weeks for most areas — that keeps regrowth at the ideal quarter-inch length and, over time, hair often grows back finer and sparser.

Does waxing hurt?

There’s a quick sting as the wax is removed, but our low-temperature silk wax is gentler than traditional hot wax, and it eases with regular visits. Avoiding waxing right before your period helps too.

Can I wax if I use retinol or tretinoin?

Not on areas where you apply them — pause the product for about five to seven days first, since retinoids thin the skin and can cause lifting. Always tell us what you use.

Why do I get ingrown hairs, and how do I prevent them?

Ingrowns happen when regrowth gets trapped under dead skin. Gentle regular exfoliation (starting two to three days after your wax) and keeping skin moisturized are the best prevention.

Can I get a wax and a facial in the same visit?

Yes — a brow wax pairs perfectly with a facial. Just choose both when you book online. New clients save 20% with code WELCOME20.