Waxing Wisdom: Your Guide to Smooth, Radiant Skin
Guide points given by Waxing and Skincare Professional Brinley O’Brien, Licensed Esthetician
Whether you're a seasoned waxing devotee or preparing for your very first appointment, understanding how to care for your skin before and after waxing can make all the difference. At Sage Day Spa, we believe that beauty rituals should be both effective and nurturing—so here’s your complete guide to waxing pre-care and aftercare, designed to help you glow with confidence.
Before Your Wax: Prepare with Intention
A smooth waxing experience begins with thoughtful preparation. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
Check your hair length: Aim for ¼ to ½ inch (6–12 mm) of growth. Too short, and the wax won’t grip; too long, and it may be more uncomfortable.
Exfoliate gently: A day or two before your appointment, use a mild scrub or loofah to remove dead skin cells and help prevent ingrown hairs.
Cleanse the skin: On the day of your wax, shower or cleanse the area with a non-oily, gentle cleanser. Make sure the skin is dry before your appointment.
Avoid sun exposure: Skip tanning and sunbathing for at least 48 hours beforehand—sunburned skin is more sensitive and prone to irritation.
Skip lotions and oils: These can interfere with wax adhesion. Keep the area bare and product-free.
Manage discomfort: If you're concerned about pain, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen 30 minutes before your appointment (with your provider’s approval).
Dress comfortably: Loose, breathable clothing helps minimize friction and irritation post-wax.
Share your skin story: Let your licensed esthetician know about any medications (like retinoids or antibiotics) or skin conditions (such as eczema or psoriasis) that might affect your treatment.
Hydrate well: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment—hydrated skin is more resilient.
Breathe and relax: Nervous? That’s normal. Deep breaths and a calm mindset can ease the experience.
After Your Wax: Soothe and Protect
Post-wax care is all about calming the skin and preventing irritation. Here’s how to nurture your freshly waxed glow:
Stay consistent: Waxing every 3–6 weeks helps reduce hair density over time and makes each session easier.
Avoid heat: Skip hot showers, saunas, and steam rooms for 24–48 hours. Heat can aggravate sensitive skin.
Stay out of the sun: Newly waxed skin is vulnerable to sunburn. Avoid direct sunlight and tanning for a couple of days.
Wear loose clothing: Let your skin breathe—tight fabrics can cause friction and irritation.
Hold off on exfoliation: Wait 3–4 days before gently exfoliating again to prevent ingrown hairs.
Skip heavy products: Avoid thick lotions or oils immediately after waxing, as they can clog pores.
No swimming: Pools, hot tubs, and natural waters can introduce bacteria. Give it 24–48 hours before diving in.
Hands off: Resist touching or scratching the area to avoid irritation and infection.
Hydrate from within: Keep drinking water to support skin health and elasticity.
Soothe with care: Use aloe vera gel or a gentle, alcohol-free moisturizer to calm the skin. If irritation persists, a mild hydrocortisone cream may help.
Prevent ingrown hair: After a few days, resume gentle exfoliation to keep pores clear and hair growth smooth.
Skip the razor: Shaving between waxes disrupts the cycle and can lead to coarser regrowth.
Final Thoughts
Waxing is more than hair removal—it’s a ritual of renewal. By honoring your skin with thoughtful pre-care and soothing aftercare, you invite beauty to unfold with ease. And remember: every body is different. Listen to your skin, ask questions, and trust your esthetician to guide you.
Ready to book your next waxing session? Let Sage Day Spa be your sanctuary for smooth, radiant skin. Book now here on our website, or feel free to call with any questions or to book your waxing appointment by calling or texting the number found on our Contact Us page.
