Africa Studio – stock.adobe.com
Waxing is one of the most asked-for procedures in a beauty salon. Both men and women can get waxing procedures on body areas including the eyebrows, legs, back, upper lip and bikini line. Most clients require waxing every four weeks to maintain their desired results. Because of these factors, an esthetician who is skilled in hair removal with wax can build a thriving business.
A good waxing procedure removes unwanted hair smoothly and with as little pain as possible. The best way to become a good waxer is by studying at a top beauty esthetician school. But if you haven’t started esthetician classes yet, here are some key ways to cut down pain in the waxing process.
Use Proper Waxing Technique
It should go without saying, but as a waxer, you must make sure that your workstation, tools and supplies are clean and sterilized between each client. Local, state and federal guidelines will help you determine what procedures to follow. Failure to properly clean and disinfect your tools can cause your clients to develop rashes and infections. You will also lose your license.
Before performing a waxing procedure, you must clean the body area with an EPA- and skin-safe alcohol to prevent infection. Once you’ve cleaned your client’s skin, you’re ready to start.
During the procedure, remove hair in smaller sections instead of trying to treat the entire area at the same time. This might seem counterintuitive but will create a more effective and comfortable waxing experience for your client.
Esthetician school will teach you other techniques for minimizing waxing pain. These include using wax that is the proper temperature, neither too hot nor too cold. Hot wax can burn the client’s skin. Overly cold wax can get stuck on the client’s skin and be difficult to remove.
Keeping wax on the skin for the appropriate amount of time is important in minimizing pain as well. This technique is mastered through both study and practice.
If you are waxing a client’s eyebrows or upper lip, have your client comfortably recline or lie down. Waxing your client at the optimal angle will allow you to work quicker and more accurately. Encourage your clients to relax the muscles of the area you are waxing.
If you are waxing a body part that has fat or loose skin, pull the skin taut with one hand while you apply and remove wax with the other. Specifically, everyone has some amount of fat on their thighs. Clients may benefit from having skin pulled taut on their backs and arms well.
Administer Immediate Aftercare
Placing a cold compress on your client’s skin immediately after waxing will help reduce pain, redness and irritation. A gentle, fragrance-free lotion or serum can help too. In particular, an aloe vera cream can help speed up the skin’s natural healing process.
julenochek – stock.adobe.com
Set Your Clients Up for Success
At the end of the day, your clients will choose when they book your services. It is also up to them what pre-care and aftercare they perform. However, there are several things you can encourage clients to do before and after a waxing session that will help minimize their discomfort.
Female clients who menstruate will experience less pain if they get waxed while not on their periods. Clients with pain sensitivity should take over-the-counter ibuprofen about 30 minutes before their procedures. Direct sun exposure should be minimized while the skin on the treated area is healing.
Clients who are having body hair removed should wear loose clothing that doesn’t constrict or chafe the skin to prevent irritation and ingrown hairs after the fact. In addition, clients will have more effective, less painful waxing sessions if they do not shave between sessions.
No matter how talented an esthetician you are, some minor pain during a waxing procedure is inevitable, but these practices will make the experience as easy and beneficial as possible for your clients. This will keep them happy, smooth and coming back to you.