How did you get into waxing?
I used to be a loyal customer at European Wax Center. The Esthetician I got waxed by started talking about her job and what she liked about it. She told me where she got her Esthetics license (Avenue Five Institute) and soon after I enrolled! I got a job a European Wax Center and loved making women feel good about themselves since I struggled with that for a while myself. Waxing is a perfect fit since I now get to do that everyday!
What was your first waxing experience?
I have always suffered from razor burn so shaving my bikini area has been a nightmare. Do you remember those at-home waxing kits where you warm a waxing strip by rubbing it between your hands? Then you apply and remove the strip while making it look completely painless? Well before I had my first professional brazilian wax, I tried one of those at-home waxing kit in high school. And let me tell you, IT’S HORRIBLE! I remember being so nervous to remove the strip on my bikini line. I ended up applying another strip to the other side of my bikini line and figured it would be a good idea to remove both at the same time. This way I won’t chicken out with waxing the other side if the first side hurt too much. After waiting about an hour, I finally had the courage to do it. I ripped both strips off and screamed in pain! The wax pulled off multiple layers of skin and blood started rushing to the surface immediately. Needless to say, I swore I was never going to wax again. Obviously, I learned how to wax properly and am now addicted!
How long does a bikini wax take?
A bikini wax takes about 15 minutes. We strive to make the process as quick and painless as possible. Perfection is our goal while making sure the customer is comfortable.
Is there anything I can do to prep for my wax?
Yes! First, make sure your hair is long enough. You need to wait about 3-4 weeks from your last shave before a waxing appointment. This means the hair should be about 1/4th of an inch in length. Second, exfoliate! It’s important to exfoliate your skin a couple days before your waxing appointment. This will help get rid of any dead skin and loosen up any ingrown hairs. For more information on prepping for a wax, click here.
What do I need to avoid after my wax?
This is very important. No sex, swimming, tanning, or any kind of rubbing or sweating 24 hours after your wax appointment. These rules are important because all of your hair follicles are open and vulnerable. Bacteria or infection could then find its way unto those follicles and disrupt your skin. However, you’ll be fine the next day to go back to your regular routine! For more information on post wax care, click here.
Any products you recommend?
Absolutely. We always recommend PFB Vanish for our bikini clients to help prevent ingrown hairs. However, you only need to use it twice a week since the product is very strong. A little goes a long way! Exfoliating is also important so it’s easier for the new hairs to grow in smoothly. We recommend the Grape Seed Body Scrub to get the job done. Lastly is moisturizing! Keeping the hair follicles moisturized will help the hair slide out of the follicle better. It also keeps the hair healthy and less likely to break when being waxed out. For this, we have our Healing and Restoring Cream. It is absolutely amazing!
What’s the difference between a bikini line, bikini full and a brazilian?
A bikini line removes the sides (panty line) and a strip across the top. The goal is to prevent any hairs from “poking out” if you are wearing a bikini. A bikini full removes as much or little from the front of your bikini area, but nothing in the back. The brazilian removes everything from the front and the back! You can also opt to leave a landing strip or triangle if you don’t want to be completely bare.
Does waxing hurt?
We would be lying if we said there wasn’t any pain involved. Luckily, we are constantly learning new techniques so it will be the least painful possible. Plus we use a high quality hard wax which is safer for your skin and only adheres to the hair. Most of our clients feel hard wax hurts less than soft wax because of this. Our goal is to keep your waxing appointment quick and comfortable so you keep coming back!
How long does my hair need to be?
1/4th of an inch is ideal. This means roughly 3-4 weeks of hair growth. Some clients can even wait longer in between appointments if they hair growth cycle is slower than normal.
Is there an age limit?
This is a tricky question because it varies for different services. Bikini area? Clients must be 17 years or older. Eyebrows or any other body waxing? As long as a parent is present, no problem.
Can I shave in between my wax appointments?
NO! Shaving will disrupt the waxing process and cause the hair to grow back in thicker. It’s important for all the hair to be on the same cycle and grow in together. That way the hair will be pulled out together instead of growing in at different times. So absolutely no shaving please!
How long does a wax last?
3-4 weeks on average depending on your hair growth cycle.
Can I wax if I’m pregnant?
Yes you can, but make sure to clear it with your doctor just to be safe. Keep in mind the wax might be slightly more uncomfortable due to the change in hormones during this time.
When can’t I wax?
It’s not safe to wax an area that is sunburned, laser burned or where you have breakouts. You also cannot wax any areas where you use Retinol products or if you are on Accutane.
What kind of wax do you use?
We use Mermaid Wax Premium Hard Wax, a European style hard wax. This means there is no fabric strip is placed on top of the wax. Instead, the wax hardens on its own and is able to be pulled off by itself. We choose to only use premium wax because keeping our clients skin healthy is what’s important.
Will my hair change when I start waxing?
You bet! When hair gets pulled from the root, a lot of the hair follicles will be killed off and stop growing back. That means each wax will be less painful since there isn’t as much hair as before. Your hair will also grow back in softer and finer. This is because a new baby hair is growing back in, compared to cutting off the hair at the surface when you shave. No more prickly beard feeling! Yay!
How often should I wax?
Everyone’s hair is different, but most people will wax between 3-5 weeks on average. Some clients can wait even longer if their hair growth cycle is slower than normal.
Can I wax during that time of the month?
Sure. Now keep in mind, some people are more sensitive which makes them avoid waxing during his time. As long as you are comfortable, clean and can wear a tampon during the service, we don’t mind.
How can I prevent ingrown hairs?
The best thing you can do is to make sure to exfoliate your skin. Getting rid of dead skin cells will make it easier for the hair to push through the skin. If too much dead skin builds up, the hair will turn back under and cause an ingrown. We offer a Grape Seed Body Scrub which is great for exfoliating. This product encourages cellular renewal without tearing the skin by using ground grape seeds and multi-fruit acids. Another product which helps keep ingrowns away is PFB Vanish. It has antibacterial ingredients and powerful exfoliants to lift away ingrown hairs.
What are my options if I don’t want to remove everything “down there”?
No problem! You can also opt to leave a landing strip or a triangle, just ask!
Can I tan after a wax?
Wait at least 24 hours to tan after a waxing appointment.
Why choose waxing over shaving?
Where do we start!? Waxing lasts a month compared to a day like shaving. Your hair will also come back in softer and finer which makes the grow in process less annoying. A lot of those hair follicles also get killed off after getting pulled out. That means each wax is less painful since we are removing less hair! With shaving, the hair grows back in immediately which might cause painful razor burn. Plus, it comes in as a coarse, prickly, thick hair which is annoying enough as it is.
If you have additional questions that we did not answer on this page, feel free to give HK Wax Center – Austin Arbor a call! We would be happy to answer them for you!