The Topeka Spa Retreat Journal
How To Prevent Those Pesky Ingrown Hairs From Becoming An Issue After Waxing
How to prevent those pesky ingrown hairs from becoming an issue after waxing
Ingrown hairs occur when the new growing hair instead of popping out of the skin curls itself back into the hair follicles. Bacteria and inflammation are introduced, leading to redness and often pus-filled red pumps. Tiny whiteheads can develop as well. Ingrown hairs can sometimes be painful and get infected.
Ingrown hairs are more common on your legs, your underarms, and especially on your bikini line (really, anywhere you are repeatedly using methods of hair removal, including shaving and most certainly waxing).
Everyone wants smooth, soft skin, that’s why many resort to waxing over shaving their hair, as this hair-removal method keeps regrowth away for longer periods of time and eventually leads to hair growing in much thinner.
Let me share my best tips for preventing ingrown hair after waxing.
1. Prep for Your Waxing Appointment
Gently exfoliate the area where you will be waxing several days before your session. This exfoliation will help to removing dead skin cells along the way and make unwanted hair easier for the wax to adhere to.
2. Avoid Exfoliating Directly After
Right after a wax treatment, your skin is a little inflamed. Think of it as a sun burn or a wind burn. So, hold off on the sugar scrub, or the AHA. (This means both physical and chemical exfoliating products). You want to give your skin a chance to heal and reduce the chance of irritating the skin further. Keep in mind your freshly waxed skin can be vulnerable for a few days.
3. Take It Easy With Self Care After
You might have your waxing treatment schedule smack in the middle of all your errands. It’s best to avoid certain activities for at least 24 hours after your wax. Types of activities to avoid – workouts, cycling, sauna, suntanning, or pools. Also avoiding tight-fitting clothing (like workout leggings) is also recommended to let the skin breathe.
4. Avoid Heavy Lotions
Moisturizing is important, but it’s possible you can overdo it with the products that can make the situation worse. The opening of the pore could get blocked by the lotion and contribute to whiteheads. Using a post-wax oil or treatment helps keep the skin lubed up and prevents bacteria from developing. Try our PFB Vanish roll-on serum.
5. Only Let Estheticians Wax You
This should go without saying, but if you’ve ever been tempted to do a quick wax at a nail salon, this tip is for you. We’re dealing with skin here, and in sensitive areas. Estheticians know best, and they know how to avoid risk of infection. They’ll also send you home with expert after-care advice following your appointment and be a resource should you need further guidance as hair grows back.
6. Best to avoid a wax treatment if you have the following
You wouldn’t want to come in for a wax of any area if you have a sunburn or have shaved in the last two weeks. The hair must be long enough for the wax to adhere to. (1/4 inch). If you’re focusing on your bikini area or going for a full Brazilian wax and you have a UTI or yeast infection—It’s best to reschedule until the condition has subsided.
7. Dry brushing
For extra exfoliating measures, dry brushing is always a good idea. Whether you wax or not, you should be dry brushing to exfoliate your skin, improve circulation, and improve overall skin texture. This could be an alternative to using an exfoliant.
How Much Should You Pay For A Bikini Wax Treatment?
How much should you pay for a bikini wax?
There are different reasons why the price of a bikini wax varies. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of bikini waxes and what affects the cost.
The price could be anywhere from $30 to $50 for a bikini depending on the location.
1 – Location
The bikini wax cost can vary depending on the geographical location. Here are some possible reasons for the variation in prices:
Overhead Costs -Salons in expensive cities may have higher rent and operational costs.
Competition in a city or region can influence the prices of bikini waxes. High competition can lead to lower prices as businesses compete for customers.
Demand: More demand for bikini waxes can also lead to higher prices. Salons may charge more for their services in busy cities or regions with high demand.
2 – Type of Salon or Spa
The type of establishment – high –end spa’s typically charge more than chain salons or budget-friendly places.
High-End Spas may offer a more luxurious and comfortable experience.
Chain Salons often have standardized pricing and offer a consistent level of service. The quality and skill of the waxer may vary across different chains.
Independent Estheticians often offer competitive pricing and personalized service.
3 – Level of Experience and Expertise
The level of experience and expertise of the waxing professional can also impact the cost. The following tips will help you choose a reliable and skilled waxer:
Read Reviews: Look for customer reviews of the salon or esthetician you are interested in to get a sense of their quality of service.
Ask for Certifications: Check if the waxing professional has any certifications or training in the field to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge.
4 – Different types of bikini waxes to consider.
Basic Bikini Wax: Removes the hair visible outside a regular bikini bottom.
French Bikini Wax: Removes more hair than the basic bikini wax, leaving a small strip of hair in the front.
Hollywood Bikini Wax: Similar to Brazilian but removes all hair including the back.
Extended Bikini Wax: More extensive than basic, but not as much as Brazilian.
High Bikini /lower belly Wax: Removes hair higher up on the bikini line.
Butt Strip: Removes hair from the butt area.
Full Butt Wax: Removes all hair from the buttocks.
What Is A Brazilian Wax? Everything You Need To Know.
Whether you’re prepping for swimsuit season or just want to go completely hair-free. The thought of getting a Brazilian wax treatment will make you opt for the trusty razor instead:) Let me help you set the record straight. Waxing has come a long way, as a licensed Esthetician for 20 plus years I have seen it evolve into a treatment that doesn’t have to be too painful.
If we’re being honest (and we are), waxing isn’t about checking off a box. It’s a more convenient, effective way to rid your body of unwanted hair for a couple weeks, verses shaving which the hair comes back in a few days.
In the beginning of my career waxing was mostly done using strip wax which can be very painful. Currently most establishments use hard wax with a little bit of wax oil on the skin which will help diminish the amount of pain significantly.
Let begin with what exactly is Brazilian wax?
A Brazilian wax is a hair removal procedure that involves the complete removal of pubic hair. This means all hair in the front, back, and everything in between will be waxed off by a professional. This might sound a little intimidating or intimate, but the results are smooth skin that last for weeks. (This doesn’t include the inner thigh – bikini area)
Let’s talk Brazilian Wax vs Bikini Wax
There is only one key difference between a Brazilian wax and a bikini one: how much hair is removed. Bikini wax only removes hair along the bikini line (inner thigh- bikini area), just inside the panty line in front. The wax is applied, quickly removed, and takes the hair from the root. The results are temporary, with even regrowth, but it may take some time before hair becomes noticeable again.
The Downsides of a Brazilian Wax
Other than the discomfort you may feel during treatment, other side effects include redness, discoloration, bumps, these should subside in one to three days.
Do people get ingrown hairs when getting a Brazilian Wax treatment?
Ingrown hair is one of the most common causes of bumps after a Brazilian wax. They occur after a few days of waxing as the hair regrowth starts. The new growing hair instead of popping out of the skin curls itself back into the hair follicles. As a result, tiny bumps are formed on the body that feel itchy and painful. Not everyone gets ingrown hairs. The way to avoid this, is after a few days of hair growth gently exfoliate away dead skin cells, unclog pores, using something with granules, a wash cloth or a after wax serum containing an Alpha hydroxy.
How to Prep
Before booking a waxing appointment, you’ll want to make sure there’s enough hair on your pubic area to be removed. You’ll want about a quarter to a half-inch long. You’ll also want to gently exfoliate a day or two before to prevent ingrown hairs.
If you happen to be on your period on the day of treatment, you can still go through with treatment. But keeps in mind there may be increased sensitivity to pain during your menstrual cycle as your hormone levels shift and a greater chance of inflammation. It may be a good idea to plan ahead to avoid getting one when you have your period.
What to Expect
You will begin with a consultation, that will explain the process.
You’ll be laying down for the treatment with your bottom half exposed. Powder may be applied to absorb any moisture and allow the wax to adhere to the hair better. Hair will be removed in small sections, applying warm wax (never hot wax that will burn your skin) and then quickly removed. Pressure may be applied to minimize discomfort and sometimes they might need your help in holding certain areas taut to help the process move along. For precision and a clean surface, tweezers and scissor are used if necessary. Once they’re done, they’ll help you with a post-waxing regimen to make sure your skin stays smooth and healthy.
Post-Care
For aftercare, avoiding saunas, hot baths, rigorous workouts, or anything that might make the skin too hot for the first day or so. Wear loose clothes and cotton underwear as any friction from tight clothing might cause irritation. You’ll also want to avoid direct sunlight on newly smooth skin for at least 48 hours.
You can expect a Brazilian wax to last between three to six weeks, depending on your hair growth pattern. It’s recommended to get a follow-up appointment every five to six weeks.