​​Questions & Facts

Will it make my hair grow back thicker? 

Absolutely not. Waxing does not cause you to grow more hair follicles. In fact, if you become a regular waxer, you will notice that your hair will become quite sparse and not as course.
Will it make my hair grow back darker? 

Your hair does not grow back darker when you cut it. Neither will your depilitated hair. Waxing will not change the pigment of your hair.
Will waxing change the pigmentation of my skin? 

No, it will not cause hyperpigmentation (dark spots) on your skin, however, if you spend time in the sun after waxing, you can burn, which can result in sun damage and dark spots later on. If your skin is tan or you've applied sunless tanner, it will strip your tan. Remember, waxing will exfoliate your skin. The wax sticks to your skin and removes the topmost layer so you may experience some lightening if you have a dark tan from sun or sunless tanning products.  Never wax sunburned skin and allow 3-4 days after tanning to get waxed so lifting of the skin is less likely to happen.
Will I get ingrown hairs?

 It's possible. Waxing removes the entire hair, root and all, from the follicle. As the new hair grows in it is fine and and may need help making it to the skins surface.  It is important to keep waxed areas exfoliated. Use a loofah sponge or gloves in that area about 3 days after waxing and continue to exfoliate 2 to 5 times a week thereafter. Be diligent and somewhat aggressive with the exfoliating, but be careful not to overdue it and irritate your skin. You can also apply a mixture of tea tree and lavender oil. Both are antimicrobial and antibacterial and will prevent irritation. Aloe Vera is also a great treatment for just waxed skin.  Soothing and a great moisturizer.  Try to wear loose fitting clothes for a few days after to give your skin a chance to breathe and reduce moisture. The bikini, lip and underarms are where we tend to perspire. Perspiration and moisture cause bacteria to grow. Once that area has been waxed, the follicle is wide open to this bacteria creeping in.
So how do you prevent this? 

Again, a combination of tea tree oil and lavender oil blend will help to prevent breakouts as well as keeping the area exfoliated. 
Is it painful?

 Depending on your level of sensitivity and how course your hair is. If your hair is course then the root of the hair will be thick. Pulling a thick hair out from it's cozy follicle isn't going to be comfortable. For most, it's not as bad as they imagined. The second time getting waxed is definitely 25% Less discomfort, and also gets easier each time due to the hair growing back in finer than it started.
Will my skin become red and irritated? 

Again, it depends on your sensitivity and if the root of your hair is particularly large. It is normal to turn red and for the skin to develop small, red bumps everywhere. This is only temporary and usually only lasts for 24 hours.
How long does my hair have to be?

 Many places say 1/8th of an inch but I prefer 1/4 of an inch for better, longer lasting results. This hair length is usually reached in 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the body part and time of year.  Hair grows slower in colder temperatures.
I haven't been waxed before, could someone just do a test patch?

 If you are timid about waxing, ask the salon if they could do a small patch on your lower leg. It will give you an idea if you will be red, bumpy and sensitive and you'll understand what kind of pain is involved. Also, you'll be able to tell if you have an allergic reaction, which in my experience has never happened.

A few suggestions:
Take an Ibuprofen and an Antihistamine about 30 minutes prior to your waxing appointment as this will help reduce inflammation, redness  and pain.
Try to relax! Close your eyes and take deep breaths. Because when you tense up, believe it or not, your follicles constrict as well, causing some resistance.
Remember that just prior to menstruation or during menstruation, you are the most sensitive so you may want to avoid waxing then.
If you are pregnant this can also cause sensitivity so do take precaution.
It is normal for those who have course hair to bleed, so don't worry if it happens. It's quite normal.
Accutane and Retin A users may not wax. Both thin the skin and can cause the skin to lift or remove. If you have used either recently and would like to wax, you must be off of the accutane for at least 6 months and Retin A for 3 to 4 weeks.
Do not wax the same day that you have done heavy exfoliation. This will lift the skin as well. My recommendation is to wait about a week after.
Do not expose recently waxed skin to the sun or tanning beds, as the waxed skin in likely to burn.  It is recommended to wait 24 to 48 hours before sun exposure.

It seems like a crazy amount of information, but it helps to understand what's all involved to make your experience more enjoyable.