Waxing Etiquette

Waxing is a great method of hair removal that lasts longer than shaving, but it is important to follow proper waxing etiquette when getting this intimate procedure performed. Many people are initially embarrassed about waxing, but understanding the right protocols can help you overcome that hesitation and ensure a good treatment.

Proper Waxing Etiquette

Waxing is a popular hair removal technique for any body part with unwanted hair, including the underarms, legs, eyebrows, and bikini area. Regardless of which area will be waxed, however, the same etiquette guidelines apply.

• Ask for Help: If you've never had a waxing treatment before or if you are visiting a new salon for the procedure, ask what their guidelines are for treatments. They will be able to suggest what you should wear and what you need to do to prepare for the treatment properly.
• Follow Directions: During your appointment, follow the instructions of your beautician or spa professional. They will let you know when it is time to remove clothing, when to lay on the treatment table, and what you should do to help the procedure go more smoothly.
• Ask Questions: If you have questions about the procedure, don't be afraid to ask, but do so politely. Your spa professional will be more than happy to explain what to expect, how the different steps of the process will work, and how it will feel.
• Be Clean: Always take the time to shower or freshen up before your waxing appointment, no matter what body area you are having treated. If you have scheduled a bikini wax, be sure to wear appropriate undergarments. For an underarm wax, it may be necessary to avoid antiperspirant or deodorant to help the wax adhere more easily, but keep yourself fresh just before your appointment.
• Be Honest: Always be honest when scheduling your appointment and speaking with your treatment professional. Be sure to note whether or not you've had waxing treatments before, what hair removal pain relief methods work best for you, and what type of look you hope to achieve.
• Ask About Trimming: Hair should be 1/4-1/2 inch long for the best results when waxing. Ask prior to your appointment if you should trim your hair or if the treatment professional will take care of it - in most cases, they will trim you if necessary.
• Avoid Menstruation: If you are planning a bikini wax or Brazilian waxing treatment, avoid scheduling the appointment near your menstrual cycle. While it is still possible to wax during your cycle, your skin will be more tender and the treatment will be more painful at that time. It is also more polite to avoid intimate bodily contact with you treatment specialist at that time.
• Watch Your Diet: If you are sensitive to certain foods in your diet, such as causing cramps or gas, avoid those foods for several days before your waxing appointment to avoid any embarrassing bodily reactions.
• Be Helpful: For the best results with a waxing treatment, you will be expected to move into different positions, help hold your skin taut, and otherwise assist the treatment professional. If you are willing to do this, the waxing will go more quickly and will have better results.
• Give a Tip: Tipping should be given for any exceptional service, including a sensitive and thorough waxing treatment. A gratuity of 10-20 percent is acceptable, and you can give the tip directly to your spa professional or add it to the bill.

Etiquette for Beauticians

If you are planning to go to beauty school to learn different treatments, including waxing, you should be aware of the waxing etiquette every professional should display toward his or her clients.

• Allow Privacy: Always give clients time to undress in private if clothing needs to be removed for the treatment. After a few minutes, gently knock on the door to announce your presence and see if they're ready to proceed.
• Enjoy Conversation: It is perfectly acceptable to chat during a waxing treatment, but let the client control the conversation. They may ask questions about the procedure, or they may prefer to discuss other topics to take their mind off the discomfort. Some clients will also prefer silence.
• Offer Explanations: Even if a client has had a waxing treatment before, always explain what you are doing and answer any questions thoroughly.
• Be Sanitary: Always wear appropriate disposable gloves and keep tools clean. Put on clean gloves and unwrap new equipment in view of the client so they are reassured about the cleanliness of the treatment.

Intimate Etiquette

Waxing is an intimate beauty procedure, no matter what body area you may have treated. Understanding the proper waxing etiquette and communicating with your treatment professional will help you feel more comfortable about waxing so you can feel confident and beautiful with the results.