Being able to hug our loved ones, meeting our friends at the pub, getting our hair done and handing over our nails to a beauty technician for a much-needed manicure, to name a few, are some of the things we're looking forward to as lockdown eases. And included in this list, for many of us, is the ability to go and get a professional wax again.
Just like hairdressers, it is thought beauty salons will be allowed to re-open from the beginning of July at the earliest as they fall under the third phase of the government's lockdown roadmap.
Perhaps you've resorted to shaving during lockdown, turned to one of the myriad hair removal creams and gadgets on the market or, in the (albeit slightly altered) words of Frozen, you've just 'let it grow'. Either way it's likely that you're looking forward to the day when you can hand over hair removal to a professional again.
But, with the memory of the last time we were able to step foot in a beauty salon a distant one, the idea of going back to waxing (or beginning, if you're a newbie) can feel daunting.
We know what it’s like when it’s been a while since your last waxing appointment. Your brain goes into overdrive, you overthink the pain and the fact that a stranger is about to see you nude, you wonder what prep you might need to do.
So, to help allay all our apprehensions, we spoke to Sofia, Co-founder at Naked Hare Group (available to book via Treatwell), about how to prep for your first wax back at the salon.
What should I do if the hair is too long?
Remember, your hair should be no less than a quarter of an inch long. If it’s too long, Sofia suggests giving it a trim, 'make sure you leave about 1 cm of growth though, to make sure the wax can pick the hairs up'. If you’re not confident trimming it yourself (it can be trickier than you think), your therapist can do this for you before your wax.
If I resorted back to shaving during lockdown, will my first wax hurt more?
You’re not alone in worrying about the pain – and you may be right to. 'Your first wax may feel a little more sensitive, when you frequently shave, it actually strengthens the hair and makes the skin more sensitive, instead of thinning and softening the hair like waxing does over time'.
Not all is lost, though. Sofia says that you won’t have ‘undone’ all your time spent waxing.
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How can I prepare for my first wax back at the salon?
There are a few things you can do to prep for a wax. According to Sofia, exfoliation is key: 'gently exfoliating with a body scrub or exfoliating mitt 24 hours before your wax makes it easier for the wax to stick to the hair instead of the skin which makes it less painful'. Feeling comfortable and confident is equally as important, though.
What should I do post-wax?
Don’t retire your joggers just yet, you’ll want to wear something loose-fitting. Actually going jogging is out of the question though, 'Avoid working out for 24 hours before and after your wax,' Sofia explains, 'the same goes for sun exposure (or tanning beds) for 48 hours either side of your appointment'.
Apply a calming gel to soothe directly after your wax (Sofia recommends aloe vera) and wait a couple of days before exfoliating.
How can I make sure my waxing appointment is safe?
Your appointment may look a little different, this is to keep everyone involved safe. 'We’re taking extra precautions upon reopening because the safety of our staff and clients is our number one priority,' Sofia says. 'For example, the hygiene standards will be that of a medical clinic.' Got a mask? Sofia says wear it: 'our therapists will be wearing full PPE and clients should too where possible'.
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