First Time Prep for Waxing Legs
So, you’re finally thinking about taking the plunge and having your first professional leg wax done. Great choice!
Maybe you’re tired of razor burn or nicks on your lower leg or you’re worried about how home hair removal might be impacting your sensitive skin. Maybe you’re just dreaming of that nice, smooth skin you’ll have after a professional pampers you and your hair follicles as they pay special attention to your skin type during the hair removal process and get your legs in tip top shape for a nice day in the sun.
Whatever the reason, we’re here to help you get prepared and ensure that you never forget your first time (in a good way), and guide you through any concerns to ensure your first foray into professional leg waxing is the best experience it can be.
What are the benefits of waxing your legs?
Waxing is a different level of hair removal than the burdensome process of shaving, with numerous benefits that’ll have you coming back for round two. Chief among those benefits? Waxing yields much longer results than shaving – you may need to go back for the next round of hair removal after a day or two with shaving, but can be hair free with smooth skin for as long as three to four weeks after a solid waxing.
That’s because waxing removes hair from the hair root – straight out of the hair follicle – whereas shaving cuts the hair down to skin level. But that process isn’t just great for longevity, it is also better for reducing the threat of ingrown hairs than shaving and is great for exfoliating dead skin cells. Pro tip: this is true not only for leg waxing, but also true for any sort of body waxing from the lower leg on up.
Waxing vs shaving your legs
Anyone who has performed the contortionist feat of shaving the back of your leg or lower legs will tell you that it’s easy to slip up and nick your skin during the process. But that just isn’t a threat with waxing. Waxing also banishes the ugly twin cousins of minor cuts, too: shaving rash and itching.
True, for those with sensitive skin, waxing might be a bit of a painful experience at first. But your esthetician can help you work through any of those concerns before we get down to business. One quick caveat: You’ll want to consult with us first if you have dry or sensitive skin to make sure waxing is the best choice.
How long does leg waxing last?
Leg waxing, body waxing and other treatments last from the moment those wax strips are torn off up to three to four weeks afterward. During that time you’ll have smooth skin on your lower legs and thighs, and will be ready for shorts season, baby!
Preparing for your first leg waxing appointment
The best thing you can do before your first leg waxing appointment is to make sure your hair is the right length (more on that later) and you’ve taken a nice hot shower. A hot shower will open your pores, making hair removal easier and reducing concerns for ingrown hairs and stress on the hair follicles.
You may want to put some cream or ointment on after your shower but try to hold back. The cleaner your skin is the better so the wax can really adhere to your hairs.
How long does your leg hair need to be to wax?
Generally speaking, the sweet spot for hair length before a waxing is a quarter of an inch. That’s about the size of a sprinkle, or a quarter of a quarter. Go too long and you might miss some hairs. Too short and the wax might not have enough hair to grab.
When to exfoliate your legs
You’ll want to try to exfoliate your legs 24 to 48 hours before the waxing session. This will help remove excessive skin oil, and ensure the wax adheres properly.
Look out for open cuts, sunburns, and sores
Waxing can be painful enough as it is, so nobody wants you to get waxed with a sore or sunburn! Your smooth skin may be your priority but sores and cuts may mean a postponement of your treatment. If you’re concerned, give us a call before coming in and we’ll walk you through it.
How to care for your skin after leg waxing
Immediately after a leg waxing you can help with the discomfort with a cold compress and moisturizer to gently soothe the skin. Follow up a few days later with exfoliating treatment, too. We have plenty of product recommendations at Beach House Waxing, and we’d love to find the best fit for you!
Things that you need to avoid
Stay away from tight clothing immediately after a waxing, and maybe avoid a bath – or shower – for a bit. When you do shower, you’ll want to go with lukewarm water, so you can let your skin relax and avoid irritating your freshly waxed skin. You’ll want to skip the pool, beach and sauna for a couple days as well.
Products to use in the days following
After that first shower you’ll want to consider a mild, scent-free moisturizer and other topical ointments, many of which are designed to help calm down sensitive skin that is inflamed from waxing.
Days later, after any irritation has calmed, you’ll want to start exfoliating again. Opt for something that doesn’t have mineral oils, which can clog your pores and cause breakouts – not ideal when you’re so close to flaunting your smooth skin!
Book your leg waxing at Beach House Waxing
If you’ve read this far down you’re probably committed. You’re ready to have the smoothest legs of your life. You’re ready to check out some soft wax options and ditch shaving for a while. Give us a call at Beach House Waxing, where we can get you set up with an appointment for a leg waxing – or even body waxing, if you’re looking to take things even further.
