As beauticians, we know that the beginning and end of a hair removal service is more than just the hair removal itself – pre- and after-wax care is also very important. The waxing process itself is really only half the job, but your clients may not know that the proper post-waxing care they do afterward is just as important as the service they just received!
Taking care of your skin after waxing is important not only to ensure your skin is looking its best after waxing but also to make the results look better and last longer. What are the steps to ensure your clients are following the best post-waxing care routine? Here we will discuss all the ins and outs of hair removal and post-hair removal care, how to maintain the results of hair removal for as long as possible, and we will also discuss how to best care for your skin before hair removal.
Remember – if you know exactly how to give the best after-wax care, your clients will too! Not only does it give them confidence in their ability to care for their skin after hair removal, but it also builds their trust and confidence in you and your expertise by ensuring their skin remains healthy and hair-free for as long as possible.
1. Why do you need post-wax care?
So what are the key points of care after waxing? Shouldn’t the hair removal wax service be done as soon as it’s done?
This is a question you might hear from first-time clients or those who may not fully understand the importance of locking in moisture and accelerating skin repair after an appointment. However, it’s all about education! Providing them with the best after-wax care tips will set them up for success.
2. How long should post-wax care be done?
After a hair removal service, clients’ skin will become a little sensitive and will want to receive extra TLC within 24-36 hours of their appointment. To ensure their skin and hair removal are looking their best, your clients can simply add an extra step to their daily skincare routine to ensure their freshly waxed skin is cared for.
In addition to paying extra attention to freshly waxed skin, your clients will also need to pay extra attention to what they wear, or simply their daily habits, to minimize germs. This will also reduce the chance of breakouts or ingrowns on your freshly waxed skin. We’ll get into more details later!
Although the first 24-36 hours are the most important for post-wax care, clients should practice proper skin care every day – even if they haven’t had a recent wax. No matter where they usually get their hair removed, keeping their skin happy and healthy is the secret to ensuring they always look their best.
3. Why is post-wax care important?
Post-wax care is focused on prevention and maintenance and is as important as your daily skincare routine – whichever one is best for your skin! Not only does it protect you from ingrowth and bacterial buildup, but it also helps restore the skin after the waxing process.
Ensuring clients understand the post-hair removal process is just as important as ensuring they understand regular skin care. Not only does this act as a preventive measure against skin irritation, but it also ensures they won’t be tempted to shave if they see any hair growth between appointments. Doing so may inflame their skin or impair the progress they are making during hair removal.
4. Precautions for post-waxing care
What should clients do and shouldn’t do after a waxing service? How can they keep skin from irritation and make the results last longer after you go home after hair removal? There are a lot of questions, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with all the answers on what to do after your hair removal appointment, plus all the post-hair removal care benefits you can get!
1) Use post-wax lotion
Immediately after your hair removal appointment, make sure your client fully understands the importance of moisturizing and soothing the skin with a post-waxing lotion or the best post-waxing product available. Always offer these products to your clients as an add-on purchase, or advise them on which after-wax care products are right for them. Post-wax lotions and post-wax oils remove wax residue from the skin and work to hydrate, moisturize, and soothe the hairless area.
What post-wax products should you recommend to your clients? We’re glad you asked this question. Make sure your clients use products specifically designed for after-wax care and products that are appropriate for their skin type or susceptibility to irritation.
For clients with average skin types, be sure to introduce them to post-wax lotions and post-wax oils. This combination soothes and moisturizes skin while locking in moisture and removing wax residue.
For clients with sensitive skin types, direct them to use post-wax lotion and post-wax oil. This combination is a highly sensitive client’s dream. This neurosensory formula relieves pain, soothes inflammation and irritation, and provides an extra layer of moisture to accelerate skin repair.
For clients who are particularly prone to breakouts or ingrown hairs, Calendula After Wax Mousse and After Wax Oil are recommended. This combination removes residue, soothes irritated and inflamed skin, and disinfects the skin to keep it germ-free from bacteria and dryness.
2) Apply a soothing or cold compress
If a client feels their skin is particularly irritated or inflamed after their appointment, a cold compress can be applied to the freshly waxed skin. Cold compresses can relieve inflammation, and redness and soothe the skin. However, don’t advise them to apply ice cubes or ice packs directly to their skin as this can be a bit too harsh on sensitive areas.
3) Exfoliate skin after waxing
Another important step in the waxing post-care process is to exfoliate the skin 24 hours before and after waxing. As a result, ingrown hairs are prevented and dead skin cells are removed. Additionally, before and after the appointment, clients can experience relief from hair removal pain by clearing dirt and debris from their skin.
To exfoliate, clients are advised to use an exfoliating mitt, scrub, or gentle tool to prevent ingrown hairs and cleanse the skin.
4) Moisturize after waxing
After exfoliating, make sure to provide your skin with extra moisture after your initial application of post-wax lotion and post-wax oil. After leaving approximately 24 hours after their appointment, they are advised to use an intensive post-wax cream to provide extra protection to the skin. Not only does this cream moisturize and soothe skin, but it also promotes skin cell regeneration, speeding up the healing process.
Likewise, when moisturizing after waxing, make sure your client uses a product specifically formulated for freshly waxed skin. This will allow them to avoid exposing their sensitive skin to products containing pore-clogging chemicals or fragrances.
5) Wear loose clothes after waxing
We’re sure you don’t have to tell your customers twice! Encourage them to wear loose, breathable clothing during their appointment and in the days after. This is especially important for those undergoing bikini or Brazilian waxes, as these areas are particularly susceptible to irritation, breakouts, and bacteria from friction.
For bikini and Brazilian waxing clients, be sure to advise during scheduling that they wear loose, breathable underwear in addition to their regular, loose-fitting clothing. This will ensure that there is no unnecessary friction and bacteria build-up in their bikini area.
5. Things not to do after waxing
Just as it’s important to make sure your clients know what to do after waxing, they must also know what to avoid after their appointment. There are many things clients can do after waxing that they think will help the healing or soothing process, but actually end up hurting it!
1) Do not touch freshly waxed skin
We know it can be tempting to scratch or otherwise massage freshly waxed skin, but touching freshly depilated skin can easily clog pores or lead to bacterial buildup and infection.
2) Exfoliate immediately after waxing
While it is recommended to exfoliate 24 hours before and after your service, it is important not to exfoliate too close to the time of hair removal (both sides!). Exfoliating too soon after use may further irritate delicate and sensitive freshly waxed skin.
3) Use a lotion that is not formulated for use after waxing
Customers may think there’s no harm in using a body butter, lotion, or body wash that isn’t specifically designed for freshly waxed skin, but unfortunately, they’d be wrong! Products that are not specifically formulated for waxed skin may clog pores, causing breakouts, irritation, and bumps on the skin.
4) Apply fragrant lotion or perfume to freshly waxed skin
Just like using lotions or creams that are not designed for extremely delicate skin, using perfume or lotions that contain fragrance can easily irritate and clog your pores.
5) Wear tight clothes
After a waxing appointment, it is important that the client wears clothing that protects the skin from friction, sweat accumulation, or otherwise prevents the skin from receiving airflow. Stay away from skinny jeans or pants, and clothing made of heavy synthetic materials.
6) Exercise or participate in strenuous activities
For approximately 48 hours after a waxing service, your client will want to avoid doing anything that will cause a lot of friction or sweating. This includes exercise, sex, or any physical activity. Not only do bacteria thrive on sweaty skin, but the sweat itself can clog pores, causing breakouts and inflammation. Additionally, friction can further irritate the skin and cause damage to delicate skin, leaving it susceptible to infection or ingrown hairs.
7) Go to the beach/pool
Especially during the summer, clients may be tempted to wax and then go swimming or to the beach immediately or within the next few days. After all, they did just get a fresh wax and they look beautiful!
However, this is a bad idea. Swimming in desalted or chlorine-filled water within 48 hours of waxing can cause irritation and further develop bumps on delicate skin. Water can also easily carry a variety of bacteria, which can also harm freshly waxed skin. Not to mention how harsh chlorine and sand can be! It is best not to come into contact with water within 48 hours after waxing to ensure skin safety.
Additionally, exposing yourself to excessive sunlight at the beach or pool within 48 hours of your service may leave your already sensitive skin highly susceptible to burns and scarring because the protective layer that normally blocks the sun has been stripped away. Even after the 48-hour window, make sure the client takes extra care to apply sunscreen to their skin if they are going to be active outdoors (which they should be doing anyway!).
8) Get a chemical peel
The last post-waxing no-no is to avoid chemical peels for at least 72 hours after the waxing service. The top layer of skin cells has been removed during the waxing process, making the skin very sensitive. Chemical peels performed within 72 hours of waxing may damage, overdry, or lead to infection in this delicate area.
Once you meet with your client, be sure to let them know the complete dos and don’ts of the post-wax care process. You won’t be there to point out what they’re doing wrong or advise them to stay away from certain activities, However, you can at least provide them with the tools and knowledge they need to keep their skin healthy and protected.
6. Conclusion
As an esthetician, it is your responsibility to ensure that your clients are educated and aware of the post-wax care process to ensure that their skin is not only well cared for, but that your clients are happy with the lasting results after waxing. By educating new hair removal clients on how to keep their skin looking its best and providing them with the best post-hair removal care tips, you can both help them and build a relationship with them based on trust and confidence.
Take good care of them during their appointment and let them know the dos and don’ts of caring for their skin after hair removal, In addition, you’ll provide them with amazing results that will keep them coming back for more. It’s a win-win!