The Beginner’s Guide: Waxing
How Does Waxing Work?
TLDR: Waxing removes hair from the root for smooth, long-lasting results. It reduces regrowth and prevents stubble, making it a great alternative to shaving.
The long version: A wax treatment is a hair removal method that pulls hair from the root, leaving skin smooth and hair-free for weeks. It’s a great alternative to shaving, as it reduces regrowth over time and helps prevent stubble. The wax adheres to the hair and, when removed, takes the hair with it—resulting in longer-lasting smoothness compared to shaving.
Your Wax Appointment: What To Know
Are you getting ready for your first wax? Hopefully it’s with yours truly at Gameela Skin😏 Regardless, here’s what you need to know to have the best experience:
Hair Length Matters
For the wax to grip properly, your hair should be about 1/4 inch long—roughly the size of a grain of rice. If it’s too short, the wax won’t be able to remove it effectively, and if it’s too long, it may cause more discomfort during removal.
If you plan to get a bikini wax, I recommend about 7-10 days of hair growth before your appointment.
Establish a Waxing Schedule
As with all skin and beauty treatments, maintaining smooth skin and slow hair regrowth requires consistency! Different providers may have different recommendations. Here’s MY general waxing schedule guide for different areas:
Eyebrows – Wax every 4 weeks to keep your brows properly shaped.
Face – Wax every 3 weeks for the best results.
Underarms – Wax every 2 weeks to keep the area fresh and clean.
Bikini Wax – Wax every 4 weeks, depending on personal preference.
Legs – Wax every 4-6 weeks for long-lasting smoothness.
Consult a Waxing Professional
If you’re a waxing newbie, a trained professional (hi, it’s me Nancy) can help you select the right treatment and ensure your waxing experience is as comfortable as possible. I am always here to walk you through your treatment every step of the way AND to provide guidance for aftercare to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. If you have questions following your wax treatment with Gameela Skin please reach out via email at, info@gameelaskin.com.
Pre-Wax Treatment Tips
To get the smoothest, irritation-free results, I recommend following these pre-waxing tips:
Discontinue the use of Retinol
If you use any skincare products containing retinol (or another type of exfoliating acid), I recommend discontinuing them at least 5-7 days before your appointment. Why? These ingredients can make your skin extra sensitive and prone to irritation - something we want to avoid after your wax treatment.
If you need a retinol alternative, I recommend using the Restoring Face Oil with Bakuchiol by Whish Beauty. This product is a great natural and gentle option for all skin types that doesn’t cause irritation following a wax treatment.
Exfoliate Your Skin
Gently exfoliate the area 24-48 hours before your wax treatment to remove dead skin cells and help prevent ingrown hairs. Avoid harsh scrubs—opt for a mild exfoliant instead. Need a recommendation? Try out the Mandelic Perfecting Polish by Rhonda Allison.
Avoid Heavy Moisturizers
Avoid applying thick moisturizers or oils within the 24 hours leading up to your appointment. These products can create a barrier that makes it challenging for the wax to grip the hair properly. Plus, this may irritate the area. The best way to prep for your wax treatment? Arriving with fresh, natural skin!
Waxing Aftercare Tips
While aftercare is minimal, caring for your skin post-wax is still just as important as prepping for it! I recommend following these aftercare tips to keep your skin happy and irritation-free:
Avoid Excessive Heat or Steam
For at least 24 hours after your wax appointment, I recommend skipping the hot showers, saunas, and steam rooms! Too much heat can irritate your fresh, smooth skin and leave you feeling uncomfortable. Keep it cool, and your skin will thank you! This is a good excuse to go home and relax after your treatment.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
After waxing, your skin is extra sensitive to the sun! 🌞 To keep things glowing and smooth, make sure to apply SPF and skip sun exposure for 24-48 hours. This helps prevent burning, redness, and dark spots.
Avoid Fragrance Lotions, Perfumes, or Soaps
I may recommend avoiding fragrance at *all* times, but especially in the 24 hours following your wax. Freshly waxed skin is very sensitive, so skip any heavily scented products (such as body soaps, face masks, etc.) for the first day or two following your treatment to prevent skin irritation.
Top Wax Treatment Questions
More questions? There’s no such thing as asking too many questions when it comes to your skin. Here are some of the most common questions and concerns I get about waxing at Gameela Skin:
Will I get Ingrown hairs?
Ingrown hairs can happen, but they’re preventable with a little TLC if you follow the proper aftercare regime. Regular exfoliation and moisturizing keep your skin smooth and help those hairs grow in the right direction.
Can I shave between wax appointments?
The short answer: It depends on how long you go between wax appointments.
The long answer: If you are on a consistent waxing schedule, shaving between appointments does have the potential to interrupt your waxing cycle and make hair removal less effective over time. For the best results, stick to your waxing schedule (I’ve provided a recommended schedule above) and avoid shaving in between.
Does Waxing Hurt?
While waxing is one of the more gentle forms of hair removal, everyone is different. Waxing may cause some discomfort, especially if it’s your first time. The discomfort level may also depend on the area being waxed. However, with consistent treatments, the process becomes easier as hair grows back finer and weaker.
At Gameela Skin, I promise to be as gentle as possible.
Common Add-On Services
At Gameela Skin, many of my clients love to treat themselves with combo services for a fresh, radiant face! Some of our most popular pairings include:
Brow Wax & Lamination – Achieve perfectly defined, lifted brows that stay polished and fabulous all day long!
Brow Wax & Dermaplane – Get the ultimate glow-up with a brow wax paired with dermaplaning, a gentle facial treatment that uses a sterile scalpel to exfoliate the skin, remove peach fuzz, and clear away dead skin cells. The result? Smoother, brighter, and totally refreshed skin.
Ready to experience the benefits of waxing along with other skin and beauty treatments? Book your appointment with Gameela Skin today to enhance your natural beauty while enjoying the added benefit of smooth, radiant skin!