Adventures in Waxing - A post where I make the mistakes so you don't have to.

As a twenty six five old Esthetician, I was not what you would call a novice to the spa scene. But somehow, my approaching wedding seemed to crowd out all the common sense I had in my brain. I was in raptures with the wedding preparations and madly in love with the man of my dreams. Nothing could go wrong, right? ...Right?
Two days before my bridal photo shoot I decided to get waxed. I had to look my best! I scheduled the appointment for my brows and upper lip (yes, some girls have hair located on the upper lip-even brides). I was so excited that I failed to pay attention to what the wax technician was doing. I failed to notice that she asked no questions and barely even introduced herself. I did not see that she skipped the part where she was supposed to TEST THE WAX. That's right dear reader, third degree burns on my upper lip for all the world to see. I did not stay to have my brows done.
Why do I share this, you ask? So that no bride (or average Jill for that matter) ever has to suffer the pain and mortification that I did that day. Listen to me and spare yourselves! Luckily, I am an Esthetician and with this new reality shock, my training resurfaced and I knew how to treat it. By my wedding day two weeks later, I was back to myself with no scaring (some are not so lucky). I also had a great photographer who knew a thing or two about Photo Shop and my pictures turned out flawless.
And now, here is what you can do to prevent this or anything like it from happening:
1.) If you know you have an up coming event or occasion and have never waxed before, start your treatments three and a half to six months in advance. The average person will regrow their hair to waxing length within six weeks. Some will take longer, others, not so long. You need at least two treatments to see how fast your hair grows, how you respond to waxing and to get acquainted with your Esthetician or Cosmetologist. Do not start two days or even a week before the event.
2.) Find a spa or salon that you can trust. Ask around for a reputable place, preferably one that will offer you a consultation. You can always do a search on Google but I find that asking a regular (happy) wax client is the best way to find what you are looking for. Be warry of nail salons that offer waxing, you have no way of knowing if your technician has been properly trained in waxing or if he/she is licensed to wax at all.
3.) Be vocal. If your technician does not ask questions before he/she asks you to hop up on the table or chair, make sure you do. Let them know what you would like done and tell them any concerns you might have.
4.) Watch to make sure that the waxing area is clean, that a new spatula is being used and that the wax is tested before you have your treatment. Wax is usually tested by spreading a thin patch on the back of the technician's hand, the strip being applied and then pulled off. This is to make sure that the temperature is ideal and that the resin (the ingredient that allows the wax to adhere to the hair) has not been burnt off.
5.) Make sure your hair is 1/4 of an inch long. Any longer and you risk ripping, any shorter and waxing might not work for you at all.
6.) Know your limitations and contraindications. If you know you have very sensitive skin, ask for a patch test during your consultaion. The following should be considered :

• Sunburned or irritated areas cannot be waxed
• Moles cannot be waxed.
• You must wait a minimum of seven (7) days before waxing after a light chemical peel or microdermabrasion.
• Waxing cannot be performed if you have had laser skin resurfacing within the past year.
• Waxing cannot be performed if you have had a physician administered peel within the past two (2) years.
• If irritation should occur, recommend you use an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin to keep the area continually moist to avoid infection and scabbing.
• No sun for 12 hours following a waxing treatment.
• No hot baths for 24 hours following a body waxing treatment.
• No abrasives for 24 hours following a waxing treatment.
• No deodorants for 24 hours following an underarm waxing treatment.
• Women may experience extra sensitivity to waxing up to a week prior to the beginning of their menses.

If you currently use any of the following products, inform your technician as they can cause serious irritation:

• Acne medications of any kind
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic, Lactic)
• Oral Antibiotics
• Topical Antibiotics
• Retinol
• Salicylic Acid
• Exfoliants

WARNING:
If you are currently using any of the following prescription medications, you cannot receive a waxing service. You must discontinue use of these medications for a minimum of three (3) months prior to waxing. The exception is Accutane; you must be off this medication treatment course a minimum of one (1) year prior to waxing.

• Accutane (Acne medication)
• Adapalene (Acne medication)
• Alustra (Retin A)
• Avage (See Tazorac - Acne medication)
• Avita (See Retin A)
• Differin (Acne medication)
• Isotretinoin (See Accutane)
• Renova (See Retin A)
• Retin A (Acne and Anti-aging medication)
• Tazarac (Acne medication)
• Tazarotene (See Tazorac)
• Tretinoin (See Retin A)

Good luck to you as you embark on your own waxing adventure. Trust me, if you do it right, you will be one happy camper and there will be no need for Photo Shop!
XO - Nanette
Published with permission of Nanette Semon