Waxing Pre-Care & Post Care Instructions

1. Hair Length: Make sure hair is at least 1/4 inch long (about the length of a grain of rice) for the wax to grip properly.
2. Exfoliate Gently: Lightly exfoliate the area 24-48 hours before your appointment to remove dead skin and prevent ingrowns. Avoid harsh scrubs right before waxing.
3. Clean Skin: Arrive with clean, dry skin. Skip lotions, oils, deodorant, or self-tanner on the area the day of your appointment.
4. Pain Prep: If you're sensitive, you may take an over-the-counter pain reliever (like ibuprofen) 30-60 minutes before. Avoid alcohol, as it can make skin more sensitive.
5. Avoid Sun & Heat: No tanning, sunburns, saunas, or hot tubs on the area at least 24 hours before your wax.
6. Schedule around your cycle (optional): You may feel more sensitive right before or during your period, so plan accordingly if that affects your comfort.
7. Medications/Skin Care: Avoid waxing if you're using retinoids, Accutane, or other medications that thin the skin. Always lets your esthetician know about prescriptions or topical treatments. (See contraindications)

1. Hands Off: Avoid touching freshly waxed skin to prevent bacteria from causing irritation or breakouts.
2. Skip Heat & Sweat: No gyms, saunas, swimming, or hot tubs for at least 24 hours to let your skin calm down.
3. No Sex: Refrain from sexual activity for 24-48 hours after intimate waxing. Friction, sweat, and bacteria can irritate sensitive skin and increase the risk of bumps and infection.
4. Stay Cool: Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for 48 hours- waxed skin is more sensitive and prone to burning.
5. No Harsh Products: Avoid perfurmes, deodorants, exfoliants, and active ingredients (like retinol or acids) on the waxed area for at least 24-48 Hours.
6. Loose Clothing: Wear soft, breathable fabric to reduce friction and irritation.
7. Exfoliate Late: after 2-3 days, start gently exfoliating a few times per week to prevent ingrown hairs. Pair with a hydrating, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
8. Normal Reactions: Redness or small bumps are common and usually fade within a day. Use a cool compress or soothing aloe get if needed.
9. Avoid Picking: Do not shave, tweeze, or pick at the hairs between appointments-it disrupts your waxing cycle and may cause irritation.

Keeping up with regular appointments (every 4-6 weeks) helps train hair to grow back finer and softer, making each session easier over time.

Stop using the following products for the recommended time before your appointment:

Vitamin A / Retinoids (Face & Body)

• Prescription tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova, Refissa): Stop 7–14 days

• Retinol, adapalene (Differin), tazarotene (Tazorac), trifarotene: Stop 7–14 days

• Oral isotretinoin (Accutane): No waxing until 6–12 months after discontinuation

Exfoliating Acids

• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA: glycolic, lactic, mandelic): Stop 5–7 days

• Beta hydroxy acids (BHA: salicylic): Stop 5–7 days

• Polyhydroxy acids (PHA): Stop 3–5 days

Other Topicals

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Stop 5–7 days

• Topical antibiotics (clindamycin, erythromycin): Stop 3–5 days

• Topical corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, etc.): Stop 5–7 days

Skin Treatments

• Chemical peels: Wait 2 weeks

• Laser resurfacing or microneedling: Wait 4–6 weeks

• Dermaplaning, scrubs, or exfoliating facials: Wait 1 week

Waxing is not recommended if you:

• Are currently using Accutane (oral isotretinoin) or within the last 6–12 months

• Have active sunburn, windburn, or very recent tanning (natural or spray tan)

• Have open cuts, wounds, sores, bruises, or rashes in the area

• Have active herpes simplex (cold sores) or skin infections in the area

• Have recently had injectables, Botox, or fillers in the area (wait 1–2 weeks)

• Have undergone radiation or chemotherapy (doctor’s clearance required)

• Have severe varicose veins (for leg waxing)

• Have skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis in the wax area

• Are prone to keloid scarring or have very fragile skin

• Are taking certain blood thinners, steroids, or strong antibiotics (doctor’s clearance recommended)

• Wait 48–72 hours after waxing before restarting tretinoin, retinol, acids, benzoyl peroxide, or scrubs.

• Always apply SPF 30+ daily to protect freshly waxed skin.