Waxing 101
Updated: 2 days ago
Everything You Need to Know Before, During & After Your Wax
Smooth, silky skin can make you feel confident, polished and ready to take on the world. While there are several ways to remove unwanted hair, waxing remains one of the most popular choices for longer-lasting smoothness.
But did you know there are different types of wax? And that what you do before and after your appointment can make a big difference to your results?
Whether you're a waxing regular or considering your first appointment, here's everything you need to know.
What Is Waxing?
Waxing is a hair-removal method where wax is applied to the skin and then removed, taking the hair out from the root.
Unlike shaving, which cuts the hair at skin level, waxing removes the entire hair from the follicle. This means you can enjoy smooth skin for longer.
Depending on your individual hair-growth cycle, results can typically last several weeks before regrowth becomes noticeable.
Types of Wax
Not all waxes are the same. Your therapist may recommend a particular type depending on the area being waxed, your skin type and the type of hair being removed.
1. Strip Wax
Strip wax, sometimes called soft wax, is applied in a thin layer and removed using a paper or fabric strip.
Often used for:
Legs
Arms
Back
Chest
Larger body areas
It is particularly useful when treating larger areas quickly and efficiently.
2. Hot Wax
Hot wax, also known as hard wax, is applied directly to the skin and allowed to cool and set before being removed.
Because it grips the hair rather than relying on a strip, it can be particularly useful for smaller, more sensitive areas.
Often used for:
Underarms
Bikini area
Brazilian waxing
Facial areas
3. Bikini Wax
A bikini wax removes hair from the areas that may be visible outside a bikini or underwear line. The exact amount of hair removed can be discussed with your therapist before treatment.
4. Brazilian Wax
A Brazilian wax generally removes most or all hair from the pubic area, including the bikini line and often the back area.
Because this is a sensitive treatment, choosing an experienced professional is important.
5. Facial Waxing
Facial waxing can be used to remove unwanted hair from areas such as:
Upper lip
Chin
Sides of the face
Brows
The skin on the face is delicate, so professional advice is particularly important before facial waxing.
Benefits of Waxing
✨ Longer-Lasting Smoothness
Because waxing removes hair from the root, you can enjoy smooth skin for longer than you typically would after shaving.
✨ No Daily Shaving
Waxing can help reduce the need to shave every few days — or even every day.
✨ Smooth, Exfoliated Skin
Waxing removes hair while also removing some dead skin cells from the surface, leaving the skin feeling smoother.
✨ Hair May Feel Softer as It Grows Back
With regular waxing, some people notice that regrowth feels softer or finer over time. Results vary from person to person.
✨ Convenient
Waxing can be a practical option before holidays, special occasions, beach days, weddings or simply when you want to feel beautifully groomed.
Before Your Wax: How to Prepare
A little preparation can make your waxing experience more comfortable and help you achieve better results.
✔ Let Your Hair Grow
Your hair needs to be long enough for the wax to grip effectively.
Avoid shaving immediately before your appointment. If you're unsure whether your hair is long enough, ask your therapist.
✔ Gently Exfoliate
Gently exfoliating the skin before your appointment can help remove dead skin cells.
However, don't aggressively scrub the area immediately before waxing.
✔ Arrive With Clean Skin
Avoid applying heavy oils, body lotions or creams to the area immediately before your appointment unless your therapist advises otherwise.
Clean, dry skin allows the wax to adhere properly.
✔ Avoid Sun Exposure
Try to avoid tanning or significant sun exposure before waxing, particularly if the skin is already sensitive or sunburned.
✔ Tell Your Therapist About Your Skin
Always let your therapist know about any skin sensitivity, irritation, recent treatments or products you are using that may affect your skin.
What to Do After Your Wax
Your skin may be slightly red or sensitive immediately after waxing. This is usually temporary.
For the first 24–48 hours, give your skin some extra TLC.
🚫 Avoid Heat
Try to avoid:
Hot baths
Saunas
Steam rooms
Very hot showers
🚫 Skip Intense Exercise
Heavy exercise can create heat and friction, which may irritate freshly waxed skin.
🚫 Avoid Tight Clothing
Especially after bikini or body waxing, loose, comfortable clothing can help reduce friction.
🚫 Avoid Swimming Immediately
Give freshly waxed skin time to settle before swimming in pools, the ocean or other bodies of water.
🚫 Don't Touch the Area Excessively
Your hands can transfer bacteria to freshly waxed skin, so resist the temptation to touch or scratch the area.
When Should You Exfoliate After Waxing?
Exfoliation is your friend — but timing matters.
Don't exfoliate immediately after waxing.
Once your skin has settled, gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and may help reduce the likelihood of ingrown hairs.
Your therapist can recommend an appropriate exfoliation routine for your skin and the area being treated.
How to Help Prevent Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs happen when a hair curls back or grows into the skin instead of growing normally out of the follicle.
To help reduce the risk:
1. Exfoliate gently once the skin has recovered.
2. Keep your skin moisturised.
3. Avoid excessively tight clothing in areas prone to ingrown hairs.
4. Don't pick or squeeze bumps.
5. Maintain a consistent waxing routine.
If you frequently experience painful or persistent ingrown hairs, speak to your therapist or healthcare professional for advice.
How Often Should You Wax?
There is no one-size-fits-all schedule.
Hair grows in different cycles, and your ideal waxing frequency depends on:
The area being waxed
Your individual hair-growth cycle
How quickly your hair grows
How regularly you wax
Many people find that booking their next appointment every few weeks works well, but your therapist can help you establish a routine that suits you.
Is Waxing Painful?
Let's be honest — waxing isn't completely pain-free.
The level of discomfort varies depending on:
The area being waxed
Your individual pain tolerance
Hair thickness
Your previous waxing experience
Your skin sensitivity
The good news? For many people, the discomfort is brief and becomes easier to manage with regular waxing.
When Should You Avoid Waxing?
Waxing may not be appropriate if the skin is:
Sunburned
Broken
Irritated
Inflamed
Experiencing an active skin condition
Certain skincare products and treatments can also make skin more sensitive to waxing.
If you're using strong exfoliating or resurfacing skincare products, tell your therapist before your appointment so they can advise whether waxing is suitable.
Your Waxing Checklist
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
☑ Allow your hair to grow to a suitable length☑ Gently exfoliate beforehand — but not immediately before☑ Arrive with clean, dry skin☑ Avoid excessive sun exposure☑ Tell your therapist about skin sensitivity and relevant skincare products
AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT
☑ Keep the area clean☑ Wear loose, comfortable clothing where appropriate☑ Avoid heat and excessive sweating for the first day☑ Avoid swimming immediately after waxing☑ Don't scratch or pick at the area☑ Resume gentle exfoliation once the skin has settled☑ Keep your skin moisturised
Smooth Skin Starts With the Right Care
Waxing doesn't have to be complicated. Choosing the right type of wax, preparing your skin properly and following good aftercare can help you enjoy smoother, healthier-looking skin between appointments.
And remember: your therapist is there to help. If you're unsure which wax is right for you, how to prepare or what aftercare your skin needs, ask before your treatment.
Because beautiful skin isn't just about removing hair — it's about taking care of the skin underneath it too.
Ready for smoother skin?
Book your next waxing treatment and give your skin the professional care it deserves.
Just love it AES team!!! Thanks for the information.😍