Beautician Lorraine Quinn from Beauty at the Lodge Ballybofey gives tips on how to prepare for the perfect wax and the low down on Hollywood and Brazilian intimate waxing.
Ah Summertime, the season of swimsuits, suntans and having to get waxed! When the weather heats up, clothes come off and everyone starts showing some serious skin.
Everyone knows that shaving is a hassle. Shaving takes time, it’s an everyday ritual to keep those cactus-like legs at bay.
Waxing is definitely the way to go!
Brazilian and Hollywood waxes are my forte here at ‘Beauty at the Lodge’, as a specialist in this field and with over 10 years’ experience in Advanced Male and Female Intimate Waxing.
I absolutely love waxing, I know it probably sounds a little sadistic but I pride myself on delivering the perfect waxing treatment to my clients, whilst always maintaining the utmost respect and professionalism.
Waxing is one of our most popular treatments in the salon and during one month we will perform over 500 intimate waxes.
However, I realise that not everyone is quite as au fait with the humble Brazilian and Hollywood wax as we are, and to be fair they do sound more like holiday destinations then treatments.
So I thought I’d write this basic guide about the difference between them and also give you the answers to some frequently asked questions. Just in case any of our lovely clients who don’t currently have intimate waxing are too shy to ask, and also for any potential clients out there who may also be too shy to enquire!
What is the difference between Brazilian and Hollywood Wax?
A Brazilian Wax is where all the hair is removed from the labia, perineum and bottom. A ‘landing strip’ of hair is left on the mons pubis (the top of your pubic bone. This is usually a strip of hair (i.e a rectangular shape) but some clients prefer a triangle.
A Hollywood Wax is where all the public hair is removed as well as from the mons pubis leaving you 100% bare down there/as naked as the day you were born!
A Californian Wax is where the hair is removed from the inner thigh, sides of the bikini to form a tight thin strip of hair that runs from the mons pubis straight down
Can I have Intimate waxing whilst pregnant?
Yes, we specialise in Pregnancy waxing, from the moment you know up to the week you deliver.
We have waxed countless newly pregnant and heavily pregnant ladies and we know the challenges that you experience, so our aim is to make the experience as quick and as simple as possible. This leaves you feeling clean and smooth which is not only great for during the birth but for the couple of weeks following.
Waxing when pregnant is okay up to the week you deliver
What to look for when choosing a salon for intimate waxing?
ALL salons offer waxing but not all of them do it well. A Hollywood wax shouldn’t be intimidating nor should it be agonisingly painful. You want a salon that has expertise and experience in intimate waxing.
You shouldn’t have to ask for thoroughness – you should be leaving a salon totally satisfied with your waxing, feeling smooth and clean as a whistle, having rebooked your next appointment.
What should I expect at my first intimate waxing?
If you are new to waxing you would have been patch tested prior to this appointment.
On arrival, you will be asked to fill out a consultation form, just to make sure you are not contraindicated to any product being used throughout the treatment. You are then shown to a room, this you should find in a spotless, clinical condition. You will have a modesty towel laid out for you and some wipes.
The main focus at this point is to relax you, make you feel as comfortable as possible. The treatment procedure will be explained up-front talking you through every step of the way. Full aftercare advice will be given on completion of your treatment.
Does intimate waxing hurt?
Pain thresholds are different for each person but our therapists are expertly trained in techniques that offer minimum discomfort when performing intimate waxing.
How long does intimate waxing take?
Depending on how much hair you have and which treatment you require, a waxing treatment can take from 15 mins to 45 mins for a Hollywood wax.
How often will you need intimate waxing?
Everyone is different, but 95% of our clients come in 4-6 weeks. Regular waxing sessions ensure that your hair grows back finer and thinner as the hair follicle has less grip on the hair.
How old do you have to be to have intimate wax?
Salons may differ, but we say 18 years old.
Can I shave in between sessions?
You can shave but this will knock out your waxing cycle because you will need at least 3 weeks regrowth for an intimate wax.
How long would the hair have to be?
So that the wax can do its job, you will need at least 3 weeks growth any shorter than that and you will not achieve a good result .
First session the longer the hair, the easier to wax.
Exfoliating is a must before your waxing
Exfoliating is key in the week or so leading up to your wax appointment. Exfoliating will slough off the top layer of skin, loosen up those wayward hairs and make their exit that much easier. Exfoliate your legs as though your life depended on it but light gentle circular movements to exfoliate the bikini area. (do not exfoliate or moisturise the day of your waxing treatment)
Don’t mess with ingrowing hairs
As tempting as it might be, do not squeeze, pinch or otherwise terrorise these little bumps with tweezers. Once tormented they can become prone to infection. If you tend to suffer from ingrowing hairs, employ products that prevent ingrown hairs. We stock the fantastic Lycon X-It Spray and Anti Bump Foaming Gel which prevents ingrowing hairs. A 125ml bottle would last you 4/5 months and set you back €21. Well worth it to keep your skin silky smooth and bump free. This product is great for post shaving for men too.
Don’t Shave…Just don’t
Waxing is a commitment. Don’t just do it once and then never again. I mean you can, but that’s pointless.
The hardest part about becoming a wax convert is dealing with hair growth between waxes. You may be tempted to shave but the longer you stick with waxing, the better it gets, really, if you wax once a month and never shave in between. Your hair will start growing way finer and way slower.
We see a lot of clients who (now) only have to come for their waxing every 6 weeks because it’s worked so well.
Plus, once you’re on board with the whole ‘set it and forget it’ mentality of waxing the idea of returning every second day to shaving will seem incredibly unappealing.
Post Wax Care
No swimming, heat treatments, saunas sun beds, hot showers or baths for 24hrs after waxing. Avoid sun exposure ideally for 48 hrs after waxing. SPF sun protection is always recommended when exposing your newly-bare skin to the sun.
Waxing for intimate areas is a treatment that gets more popular each year as more and more women discover the benefits. If you are considering intimate waxing but have concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me, I will be happy to answer your questions.
Lorraine x
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