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Waxing Treatments Policies & FAQs

FAQs: Waxing Services

Why Should I Wax?

Waxing is a form of hair removal that removes the entire hair from the hair follicle. Unlike shaving, Nair or clippers, which blunty cut the hair at the surface. Warm wax is applied to the skin and “shrink wraps” around the hair follicle allowing the hair to be pulled from the root. Because the entire hair is removed, skin is left very smooth and outlasts any other form of hair removal, you wont believe it till you try it. 

 

Who Should Not Receive Waxing?

Waxing services are not recommended for the following:

  • Persons who are diabetic
  • Those on blood thinner medications
  • Hemophilia or other bleeding disorders
  • Any person with a contagious skin disease
  • Any person with an active rash
  • Any person with dermatitis or active skin condition
  • Active Herpes Simplex or Cold Sores
  • Bikinis: Herpes, genital warts, STDs
  • Persons taking Accutane, Retin-A, or using differin. For Accutane you must wait a year to be waxed.
  • Recently received BOTOX or other injectables in the area
  • Cancer patients: Currently receiving chemotherapy wait until 6 weeks after the last cancer treatment and receive clearance from your physician.
  • Lupus - active rash, consult with your physician.
  • Sunburned, clients who are sunburned should wait until skin has completely healed.
  • Varicose beings

If in doubt, always consult with your physician about whether or not waxing is safe for you.

 

I am on Medications, Should I Receive Waxing?

Prior to your initial service, you will complete an intake consult form. Please advise your esthetician of any medical or skin conditions and also if you are taking any medications prescribed by a doctor such as blood thinning agents, seizure medications, Retin-A or Accutane. Users of Retin-A, Renova, Differin or Accutane should not have waxing on the face as these medications tend to weaken the skin. Because of this, tearing of the skin may occur when the wax is removed. For Accutane we recommend waiting a year until your last use to wax again.

Does Waxing Hurt?

Yes and no. Waxing does hurt most the first time. Waxing over time becomes more bearable, however some areas may be more sensitive. If there is pain or discomfort it is generally due to:

  • We are removing a lot of hair at a time. From course to terminal hair, you may experience varying degrees of discomfort. With repeat visits (including your very next visit), discomfort from waxing is greatly diminished.
  • Sensitivities if menstruating, pregnant, or taking certain medications

 

We use two types of wax, strip wax and stripless/hard wax. We use strip wax on larger areas. Hard wax in general is more gentle for the skin. Talk with your esthetician or wax tech if you have sensitive skin or are concerned with discomfort with waxing. In the future, for minimum discomfort we do have numbing agents for larger areas that will help, and to ensure speedy visits, come in for waxing treatments every 4 weeks.

What Should I do Before My Waxing Appointment?

Please stop tweezing and/or shaving 3 to 4 weeks prior to your first treatment. Exfoliation is recommended 2 to 3 days before your treatment. Do not sun tan 24 hours before treatment. For ingrown hairs, please release the trapped hairs 4 days prior to your appointment. If you need assistance with ingrown hairs, please let your esthetician or wax tech know and they can perform an ingrown hair release treatment.

How Long Does My Hair Need to Be for a Wax Appointment?

Your hair should be 1/4" for virgin hair to 1/4" to 1/2" long for hair that has been shaven or wax previously. Typically wait 3-4 weeks of outgrowth after your last shave. A good rule of thumb to remember is if you can EASILY pinch the hair, you’re ready!

What Should I Do at Home for Maintenance?

Home care is a must to ensure the best results. Start your home care the day after receiving your waxing treatment, even if irritation is present. Before that (i.e directly after your treatment and then for at least 12 hours) refrain from using the sauna, deodorant and from tanning. We encourage you to discontinue tweezing, shaving or using any other method of hair removal during your wax life. Exfoliate 3 days after your services for best results and to reduce issues with ingrown hair.

Will My Hair Grow Back Thicker or Stronger?

We wish we could stimulate hair growth! Only hormonal changes – either natural or artificial – can alter our hair. When we experience puberty and our hair changes, we begin to shave and we liken the hair change as the result of the shaving. Shaving blunt cuts our hair and thus leaves a stubble. Waxing pulls the hair out by the root so when it regrows, it is very fine at the tip. With waxing, new hair growth is soft.

How Long Will My Waxing Last

Most people get waxed every 4 weeks with great success. Please keep in mind that It is important to have 3 to 4 weeks of outgrowth before your initial waxing to have maximum hair removal. However hair growth can take up to 6 to 8 weeks.

More times than not, the hair on your bikini, underarms, brows, and upper lip will have a quicker response rate to waxing. Your legs, however, will likely not be as smooth after your first visit. You’ll not be able to see the hair but you will feel it. Do not be discouraged, with each wax your hair will get softer and softer.

Please note that hair grows in 3 stages, so you’ll need 3 waxing services, 4 weeks apart to have your wax stay beautifully smooth all the time.

Will My Skin Experience a Reaction?

Possibly. The upper lip, back and chest are all areas that are prone to breakouts. If you have a tendency towards ingrown hairs and irritation from shaving, you are more likely to have the same reactions waxing, although dramatically decreased. To minimize skin reactions, you should use proper home care and come to get waxed on a regular schedule. All-in-all, come in like clockwork, every 4 weeks on the dot, exfoliate your skin and moisturize. If you notice a hives or inflammatory reaction, topical Benadryl or similiar OTC histamine cream is recommended.

What Should I Wear During a Waxing Treatment?

We suggest wearing loose clothing. The skin is usually sensitive post waxing service and you won’t want to wear anything that rubs. You will not leave in discomfort, but expect the waxed area to be sensitive.

What Shouldn’t I Do After Waxing?

Do not get extremely sweaty. Do not sun tan, use a sauna, touch the area or exfoliate in the area waxed for 24 hours.

Will I Be Completely Smooth Following My Waxing?

To accomplish a smoothness in the area being waxed, it is recommended to continue waxing services regularly. Smoothness will generally be acheived after your third (3rd) waxing visit. This is due to the 3 stages of hair growth. So, 3 growth stages + 3 waxes = the best wax. By “best wax” we mean: No hair left behind, ultimate smoothness, slow hair regrowth and little skin irritation.

How Often Should I Receive Waxing?

Depending on hair growth, we recommend booking your services every 4 weeks. We do experience different growth rates but on average, the 4-week mark is the best time. Although it can take up to 6 to 8 weeks depending on your hair growth cycle. 

 

I'm Pregnant, Can I Be Waxed?

It depends. We will let you decide. During pregnancy, your body is producing extra blood and fluids to support your growing baby. As a result, your skin may be more sensitive than usual, making waxing more painful. If you've never been waxed before, it might not be a good idea to start during pregnancy.

  

Can I get a Wax While I am Menstruating?

It depends. Receiving wax while you are menstruating, may be painful as the skin is more sensitive during this time. However, we let you decide. There are differing opinions as to whether or not waxing hurts more on your cycle. Some do believe the pain is worse while others experience no changes in discomfort at all.

 

Do You Tweeze During My Waxing? Should I Tweeze at Home?

With the exception of during a brow waxing treatment, tweezing may not be necessary. We’d appreciate it if you did not tweeze at all on your own as we want all of your hair to grow in at the same time so that we can remove all of your hair at the same time. If you tweeze, you will disrupt your hair growth and thus will forever be tweezing as your hair will be grow in randomly. After 3 waxing treatments, your hairs will usually be all on the same growth cycle.

 

Is Waxing Unsanitary?

We practice smart, clean waxing and take universal precautions. We use gloves, sterilized disposable waxing supplies, clean & prep the skin prior to hair removal, sanitize & disinfect our tools and follow compliance of state and federal regulations governing the Esthetics profession. We do not double dip into our waxing as per New York State regulations. We follow strict protocols for cleaning, disinfection and sterilization to ensure proper kill off of bacteria. Please feel free to discuss any concerns you may have with us via email or by phone at (518) 306-4108.

 

BIKINI & BRAZILLIAN WAXING

 

For bikini and Brazillian waxing: We do not recommend coming if you are menstruating or are pregant for this service, as the skin is more sensitive at this time. In addition, those who have herpes, genital warts or other STD cannot receive any kind of bikini waxing.

To prep for this service:

  • Exfoliate 2 to 3 days prior to your service.
  • Release trapped or ingrown hairs 4 days prior to your service.
  • Area should be cleaned, please follow proper hygiene prior to your service.
  • Hair should be trimmed to 1/4 inch. Long hairs will be painful.
  • If applying a number agent prior to your appoint, follow the manufacturer's instructions for how and when to apply. 

 

What is a Bikini (American) Wax and How Long Does it Take?

In general this is the removal of the hair around the bikini line. The service got its name for clients who wanted to prep for vacations and swim suit wear, but now is a desired service all year long. For the bikini wax, we remove hair exposed at the top of the thighs, along the groin area to the thigh and just under the naval, if needed. We will wax around the area of your underwear, and we will not need you to change into a special disopable for this service. The service takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the amount of hair in that area.

 

What is a Brazillian and How Long Does it Take?

It’s kind of like a Bikini wax that involves the complete removal of hair, front and back. You decide if you want to go completely bare or would like to keep a small landing strip or triangle of hair. The Brazilian alone (without any added waxing service) should approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on how much hair growth and area.

Do I Have to Be Completely Undressed for a Brazillian?

You will only need to undress from the waist down (including your underwear). We know it may be a little unnerving for you to be exposed in this manner, even if you have met our staff before. We will use draping techniques and position you to keep you feeling comfortable during your treatment. We want you to feel comfortable and we want to ensure modesty for all of our clients. Botanicals Spa is a confidential, safe, no judgement zone.