Prepping your clients for summer waxing

If your clients would like super smooth hair free skin for up to 14 days ensure that your clients prepare the area of the body to be waxed efficiently and effectively. 

The hair must be grown long enough for the treatment to be successful which can be challenging in the summer months but worth it! Two to three weeks of growth is ideal. 

Clients should be booked in for a patch test prior to having a waxing treatment, to check to see if they have any concerns or contraindications. 

The end result from any waxing treatment is all in the prep of the area. Clients should be gently exfoliating the area to be waxed 24 hours before with a mitt or exfoliator as this will allow the hair to be removed more easily during the treatment and could prevent ingrown hairs. It is especially beneficial to pay attention to any areas that are prone to dehydration or dryness as hair being removed from these areas seem to be more stubborn. 

Discourage clients to be heavy handed whilst exfoliating as this could irritate the skin, and they should avoid doing this the day before if they have sensitive skin. 

Moisturising regularly will keep the area hydrated and ready to be waxed. The client should shower before arrival which allows for the hair to be removed more easily as there will be less oils on the skin. I recommend to also check that the client has not been sunbathing within the last 24-48 hours, and always observe the areas for any tenderness or inflammation.

Clients should be advised to wear loose clothing for the treatment to allow the skin to breathe and this will certainly be more comfortable for the client. 

Don't forget the right aftercare advice

It is essential that clients are given the correct aftercare advice. It could even be communicated before the appointment so that the client knows what they may experience during the treatment, for example tingling, blood spotting and what they should avoid doing for 24-48 hours after the treatment for example scratching, exercise and sunbathing. 

The correct aftercare product should be applied after waxing; it can be an oil, gel or cream which soothes the area and combats any discomfort. My favorite is the Salon System Just Wax Expert Protect & Calm a dual-purpose waxing lotion which can be used after waxing, to calm, cool and moisturise skin. It also contains skin conditioning and nourishing ingredients including marshmallow root regarded for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Approximately three days after the treatment the clients can gently exfoliate the area to prevent ingrown hairs but only for two to three times a week followed by a kind moisturiser. Be sure to book in your client between three to six weeks, and kindly ask your client to avoid shaving in the interim. 

Anjula Thakar is a Salon System Educator and Waxing Expert.