#hygiene

There is no compromise on hygiene - no to double dipping, couch must be cleaned with disinfectant after each client and fresh couch roll laid out for the next client, clean gloves and anti-bacterial gel for each client and fresh bin liner after each wax. I clean my pots in-between clients too and my trolley is fully cleaned at the end of each day, restocked and floor is washed and disinfected. If you go to a salon that doesn’t have high standards then that is also reflected in your treatment and the quality of the products used.

#preparebeforeyoubare

To achieve the best results from your wax, its best to prepare for it. It doesn’t take long and should become part of your regime. Gently exfoliate and moisturise a week or two before your appointment. This helps the hairs break through, and be easier to be pulled out from the root. You don't need to use anything expensive, just a soft dry body brush or a good exfoliating scrub like Ruff Stuff Daily Scrub (vegan-friendly, micro-bead free sugar scrub with coconut oil - it truly is perfect). The key is gentle exfoliation - going to mad at it can not only cause discomfort but can create ingrown hairs.

#shavingistheenemy

Remember, shaving is the enemy. I know it is difficult to let your hair grow, especially if you are a daily shaver, but you really do need to let the hair grow for about three weeks before getting waxed. That means NO shaving in between – if you don't let it grow long enough then not only you risk it being a painful when you're being waxed, you won't get a smooth finish. I take a pride in my work (ask my clients) and I must have the best wax…at every appointment.

#leaveittoaprofessional

Don't try to wax yourself at home. You may end up in agony, end up with broken hairs plus it makes the most awful mess. I have had clients that have tried to do it themselves and state never again. I’ve also had clients that before coming to me, have left a wax strip on their intimate area and waited days for it to come off as they found it too painful to remove. By the time you pay out for the home waxing kits (and get wax all over the bedroom), it's really not worth it.

#kimlawlesstrained

Not all therapists specialise in intimate wqxing. An intimate wax should be a pleasant experience and not daunting. You are baring your most intimate and private area/s and feel most vulnerable so don’t be afraid to ask where your therapist has trained, what wax and products they use and technique they apply. A good therapist will not be offended - I am proud to have been Kim Lawless trained in male and female intimate waxing and smart waxing and love it when a client enquires - It shows me that that they want the best treatment not the cheapest treatment. - a huge difference. You get what you pay for in life. I have clients that used to pay £22 for a Brazilian and come to me at almost twice the price because of the quality of my waxing skills.

Also, you shouldn’t have any hairs left after your wax - this is standard practice for a specialist waxer.

#hotwax

Check that your salon uses only HOT wax on intimate and sensitive areas such as the intimate waxing, underarms, face and inner thigh. I personally use Kim Lawless' Cockney Rebel Hot Wax. (Hot wax is a thick wax that they apply and then remove with just their hand. Strip wax is great for leg and forearm waxing but shouldn't be used on the areas mentioned as it's not as gentle, and can leave you feeling sore)

If they don't use hot wax on sensitive areas or intimate waxing go elsewhere…pronto.

#nodoubledipping

No specialist waxer double dips (dipping the same spatula thats been used to apply wax and then placed back into the pot of wax again and again to apply more wax). This is poor hygiene and should not be tolerated.

#nogymorswim

Don't swim or sweat at the gym for 24 hours…waxers orders. Always ensure that you moisturise, especially if on holiday - chlorine from the pool and seawater can be very drying on the skin.

#sunbathing

Avoid exposing the waxed body parts to the sun until 24-48 hours after your waxing as your skin is at its most sensitive - it can easily burn and you could be left with permanent pigmentation marks. If you start to feel your waxed areas tingle whilst sunbathing, then apply a higher sun factor and again ensure its a good quality lotion or spray. Our skin is our largest organ - love and cherish it.

#ingrownhairs

Red lumps under the skin may indicate ingrown hairs. Some people are prone to them despite how good their aftercare plan is adhered to or it can happen as a result of poor aftercare. So apply gentle exfoliation using a dry brush or exfoliation. If you still are getting ingrown hairs even though you are following aftercare advice, ask your waxer if they have Aloe Clear in stock. I have asked my clients to trial it (I don’t get ingrown hairs) and feedback was 100% positive so recommend Aloe Clear roll-on as a brilliant product.

#leaveittoaprofessional