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Waxing at the Spa – Know Before You Go


Spa Waxing ServicesWaxing services are a mainstay of many spa menus, but your skin may not always be ready for that intensive hair removal session. While most spa professionals have experience working with different skin types and problem skin, you need to be cautious about where you go and make sure you’re not taking any medications that might interfere with your results.

Here’s a quick primer on the do’s and don’t of getting a waxing treatment at the spa:

Do get a patch test to make sure you’re not allergic to the waxing product, or the strips. Most spas will let you stop in for a quick patch test a few days before your session to make sure you’re not allergic.

Don’t use any body scrubs before your waxing treatment. These can open up your pores and make your skin too sensitive.

Do moisturize your skin before and after the treatment to keep skin soft and smooth.

Don’t drink a lot of caffeine before your treatment because this can stimulate blood circulation and make the waxing session uncomfortable.

Do get your doctor’s approval if you’re taking blood thinners, since these can affect how your skin will heal.

When to Cancel Your Waxing Appointment

You shouldn’t get  a waxing treatment under the following conditions:

  • You have varicose veins
  • You’ve recently had Botox or other dermal filler treatments (only in that area)
  • You’re undergoing cancer therapy
  • You are taking Accutane
  • You’re pregnant or taking birth control pills
  • You have diabetes
  • You’ve recently had a body chemical peel
  • You’ve had alcohol in the last 24 hours
  • You’re using Retin-A or Retin-A products
  • You’ve been tanning within the last 24 hours
  • You have an open sore or wart
  • Your skin is sunburned or sore
  • You have inflamed patches of skin from rosacea, acne or other skin conditions

All of these situations can cause severe pain and even more skin problems after a waxing session, so you’ll need to wait until your skin has healed completely before booking that hair removal appointment. In some cases, your skin will be ultra-sensitive to the waxing treatment so you may experience more pain and inflammation than usual.

Alternatives to Waxing at the Spa

So how do you get rid of unwanted hair if waxing is a no-go? Many spas offer threading or sugaring services which help to remove hair in a similar fashion, but without the creams, gels and waxing strips. In some cases, these types of hair removal services may even be better for your skin and still offer longer-lasting results than shaving.

Check with a day spa near you for more information about waxing services and alternative hair removal options that may be available.