“To be able to enjoy smooth skin throughout your holiday I'd recommend getting a wax two to three days before your break for the best results," says Shimol from London-based salon Guys & Dolls.
HOW MANY DAYS BEFORE I GO ON HOLIDAY SHOULD I BOOK MY WAX? To avoid any redness or swollen legs when you pop on your bikini for the first time of the year, it's a good idea to plan a wax for two or three days before you jet off on your holidays.
Waxing is just as important as anything in your travel bag. Starting a pre-trip routine will save you time and help you maintain smooth, supple skin before, during and after your trip.
When it comes to your pre-wedding wax (a Brazilian bikini wax or regular one), Lindsey recommends coming in between three and five days before your wedding. “This allows time for the skin to recuperate and any irritation to desist,” she says.
Wait about 48 hours before swimming in a pool or at the beach, as the chlorine or salt water in the ocean can irritate your sensitive skin.
Sun and swimming should both be avoided right after your wax. The delicate skin down there will be extra vulnerable to UV rays for a couple of days, and sun exposure could lead to permanent damage and hyperpigmentation. Swimming could also expose you to bacteria and possible infections (yikes!).
We suggest taking a shower prior to your hair removal waxing appointment. This is why: Working on clean skin is hygienic for the wax technician. No special shower is required; an ordinary shower will do.
You want the hairs a certain length, however, to get the best result. How long should pubic hair be before waxing? Your hair should be ¼ inch long or 6.35 mm for optimal waxing. First-time waxing appointments require 2-3 weeks of hair growth for optimal bikini wax results.
After a client's first waxing, the results can last 3 to 6 weeks depending on the individual's hair re-growth rate. In most cases, hair growth is minimal during the first week or two and noticeably increases in the third and fourth week.
Up to 1/2 inch should be fine. If your hair is any longer you may feel some discomfort when the wax is applied. It will also make it trickier for your therapist to get the job done. Trim excess hair down beforehand or shave and wait a couple of weeks for it to grow back before returning to the salon.
Waxing cons
Waxing can cause inflamed hair follicles, pain, redness, ingrown hairs and skin irritation. Removing female facial hair while using retinoid anti-aging or acne products can lead to abrasions, infection and even scarring, so be sure to do your homework before trying a wax.
For the face, bikini line, and underarms, you will need to wax every 2 to 3 weeks. The time in between appointments allows the hair to regrow to a waxable length and accommodates the emergence of hairs that weren't previously in the active growth phase.
After a wax, the hairs that were in the resting phase will begin growing back, and that's why you'll see hair regrowth in a matter of weeks but not as thick as before. On average, a wax will last you three to four weeks.
“You should always leave at least 48 hours between having a wax and travelling,” advises Okorodudu. “If you have really sensitive skin, booking your appointment at least three days before you travel will give your skin more than enough time to settle from any irritation before being exposed to the sun.
Schedule your appointment for two to three days before your vacation. When you get waxed, it is very important that you let the waxed area breathe, and refrain from physical activity. It is normal to experience some redness and swelling for the first 24 hours afterwards.
Keep the waxed area clean, and avoid heat and friction during the next 24 - 48 hours. This means: No hot baths or showers (cool to lukewarm water only). No saunas, hot tubs, massage or steam treatments.
Lastly, your hair may be growing back quickly after a waxing treatment due to a diagnosed or undiagnosed medical issues. Hormone fluctuations caused by conditions like Polycystic ovary syndrome and some medications can all be potential factors as to why your hair is growing back at a faster rate.
If you experience stubble in a few days after your appointment it is most likely hairs that were not waxed, but tiny hairs that were under the surface coming through. Generally, clients start to see minor outgrowth at about two weeks.
The waiting period tends to be 3-4 weeks, depending on certain factors like a woman's period cycle or the amount of hair that grows back. In the end, you can wait longer than that or schedule an earlier session, but in all cases, you need to make sure the hair has grown at least 1/4 of an inch.
To prevent bumps and ingrowns, try applying a cold pack to the waxed area immediately following your service, which will close the pores and block bacteria from entering.
Taking Advil or Ibuprofen before any wax service can help minimize the pain. The Changes Estheticians recommend taking a half hour before your appointment for best results. Taking a painkiller prior to your appointment may reduce any mild swelling that might come about from the waxing.
Gently exfoliate your skin a day or two before waxing, but skip harsh scrubs the day of your waxing appointment. Exfoliation helps wax grab hair and not skin, but it can also leave skin more sensitive to pain, so lighter is better. A rough washcloth is perfect for gentle exfoliation, but don't scrub too hard.