wax

New Year

Well Happy New Year! To start off, I’m not going to sprout on about New Year, New me because lets face it come February it’s all forgotten about.

I am however going to blog more for Kittys and Dickys as I manage my others blogs and vlogs and seem to start a draft then get waylaid with work and life!

I’m also making more conscious decisions on what’s important to me. Plastic has been huge for me for a long time (yes I’ve had my 4ocean bracelet since they first started) and try to use filtered water from indoors whenever possible and take a large glass bottle with me). There’s no way I am going to turn Vegan (totally in awe of dedication Vegans apply to their life) but I am going to try to have one vegan and two vegetarian days per week. Planning about what I eat, not just because it’s convenient or it’s all I have time for and that will help the environment too.

I’m a huge animal lover (if you’ve ever met me I’m sure you will have found that out within the first appointment) so I try to buy products that are amazing and Vegan friendly too when possible so my shampoo and conditioner is vegan (Maria Nila), anti-bac spray (Marks and Spencers), make-up brushes (hourglass - I’ve used these daily for at least 3 years and they look like new so worth every penny ) etc but I cannot compromise on spatulas inside the salon and unfortunately if someone can come up on a more environmentally friendly and hygiene effective way of replacing spatulas you will earn an absolute fortune and make me one happy lady. I know a lot of great waxers are constantly seeking ways to cut waste and want to be more environmentally friendly but there is no other way yet so all you entrepreneurs get thinking!

Waxing Protocol

#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

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 plus your waxer will become a friend. My clients and I have a great catch up and each appointment, share tips and family news and look forward to seeing each other - its a pamper time.

Exfoliating - Ruff Stuff

Now available - Ruff Stuff Daily Exfoliating Scrub. I'm a firm believer of putting your money where your mouth is. I do not stock any treatments or products that I haven't used myself and this scrub is fabulous for a waxer or prepping for a spray tan. Shower and use this at the end of your shower/bath and you'll get the benefits of the coconut oil, leaving you smelling beautiful &  moisturised. It really is an excellent product.

RRP £9.00 - 250ml tub

fullsizeoutput_1853.jpeg

Waxing Underarms

Being personally trained by Kim Lawless helped me obtain my waxing reputation that I have today and I have so much to thank her for. Her technique for intimate waxing I follow to a T and customers always comment on it. However, I am fascinated that the amount of Brazilians I have  waxed, almost all have never had their underarms waxed. I have to state that apart from a Brazilian, having your underarms waxed is amazing. 

Sounds painful?

Theres no discomfort when having it done plus it saves from daily shaving, no armpit shadows and your skin is so smooth plus it costs £10.00 - its a win, win as far as I'm concerned. So next time you're having your Brazilian waxed, get your underarms done too. You'll be wondering why you didn't do it years ago...I promise.

*update* Underarm Wax is free when having a Clockwork Orange in September & October so get growing your 'pits.