what to know before you wax

It’s that time of year again. Pool parties and beach vacays can often mean one thing: waxing bikini lines and beyond. Though many favor rocking body hair these days, (you’ve gotta do you!) we’re sharing some pro-tips to make the most of your next waxing appointment. We caught up with the ever-glowy (and incredibly kind) milk + honey esthetician, Jessica H., for her hair-removal best practices.

Grow it out

Jessica says the hair length should be at least a quarter of an inch long. “This means grown out approximately two weeks after shaving and three to four weeks after waxing. The hair needs to be long enough for the wax to grab the hair and pull it out by its root.”

Don’t forget to hydrate

“Hydrated healthy skin is very important,” says Jessica. “This eliminates hair breakage and skin lifting. Hydrated skin also helps eliminate ingrown hairs from forming between waxing services.”

…and exfoliate

Jessica also encourages exfoliation to make waxing easier and prevent ingrown hairs. “Layers of dead skin can interfere with the quality of the service,” she says. “Exfoliating the skin will ensure a more comfortable service and thorough removal of the hair.”

Know your wax

“If your skin is prone to ingrown hairs — especially on the bikini line — request that hard wax is used in your service,” Jessica advises.

Use product post-wax

“Using a post-wax serum that promotes skin cell turnover, an anti-bacterial environment, and hydrates the skin in one multi-action formula is a must,” Jessica insists. “At milk + honey, we carry Flawless and Cosmedix Pure Enzymes — both are really popular retail items that are used by our clients.”

Hold off on breaking a sweat

Jessica recommends waiting 24 hours after waxing to engage in extreme perspiration (i.e. hot yoga, running, biking, etc.) This includes direct sunlight for excessive periods of time, steam showers and baths as well as chlorinated pools and hot tubs. “Try to keep the waxed area clean and hydrated,” she says.”  “Keeping the body cool and hydrated will inhibit any skin reactions and irritations.”