SSB Pre-Waxing Guide

Get the most out of your waxing appointment!

Don't Shave or Tweeze: Cease all shaving or tweezing of the area to be waxed at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance. Your hair should ideally be at least a quarter-inch long (approximately .75 cm).

Press Pause on Prescription Medicine and Chemical Exfoliation: Prescription medicine targeted at the skin can cause sensitivity that can make waxing a little precarious.

If you’re taking an acne treatment like Accutane, waxing any part of the body is NOT advised. Waxing areas where topical acne treatments are used is also a NO-NO.

Retinoids and hydroxy acids can also leave the skin sensitized and thin. This will lead to “lifting”. Lifting looks like a burn but is actually skin that has been ripped off when waxing is performed. It’s best to pause retinoid and exfoliating acid use 7-10 days pre-wax and resume 72 hours post-wax.

Manual Exfoliation: Avoid manual exfoliation at least 48 hours before your waxing service. This helps to prevent skin sensitivity and possible lifting during the waxing process.

Sun Exposure: Limit your sun exposure at least 48 hours before and after your waxing service to prevent skin sensitivity.

Spray Tanning: Hard wax will remove spray tanning. We recommend waiting 48 hours to get a spray tan post-waxing service. (Contact your spray tan technician for the most up-to-date spray tan guidelines).

Timing is Important: Schedule your waxing appointments at least 48 hours before special events or vacations to account for potential adverse reactions. Avoid getting waxed directly after working out or sweating heavily for hygienic reasons.

Moisturize Before Your Appointment: We use hard wax for all waxing services at SSB Studio. Unlike soft waxing or sugaring services, moisturizing before a hard waxing service will improve hair removal results. We recommend an unscented moisturizer. You can skip this step if you don't have an unscented moisturizer; heavily fragranced lotions and oils can lead to adverse reactions including redness, rash and swelling in the waxed area.

Avoid Alcohol: While a small glass of wine may help calm your nerves, avoid consuming too much alcohol before your appointment. Alcohol thins your blood and can make your skin more sensitive to the wax. Hydrate by drinking water.

Waxing during Menstruation: Aunt Flow visiting? No problem. We request that you are freshly bathed and wearing a tampon. Just so you know, you may be more sensitive five days before, during, or directly after your menstrual cycle.

Ibuprofen and Topical Numbing Cream: Many first-time clients or clients with bad waxing experiences ask about taking a pain reliever or using numbing creams. We do not recommend the use of these products until clients experience at least one wax with us without them. Our experience is that once clients experience our waxing services, they do not feel the need to use these products.

Makeup Application: After facial waxing, refrain from applying makeup for 24 hours.

Wear Loose Clothing: Comfort is critical when attending your waxing appointment. Opt for clothes that fit loosely and comfortably. Avoid tight-fitting attire to prevent skin irritation. Instead, opt for breathable cotton fabrics that give your skin plenty of room to breathe.

Please remember that proper preparation can boost your waxing service's effectiveness and reduce the risk of adverse reactions. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with us today to learn more!

SSB Post-Waxing Guide

Maintaining your skin post-wax is just as important as the preparation. Here's our comprehensive guide to help you ensure your skin stays smooth, healthy, and irritation-free after your wax:

  1. Post Care. Post Care. Post Care: You gotta have a post-waxing routine, no ifs, ands, or buts! Whether you buy from us or elsewhere, here's what you'll need at the very least: moisturizer and exfoliant. These aftercare products will keep your skin looking fabulous and help prevent those pesky ingrowns. Check out our recommendations at the end of the page.

  2. Avoid Sun Exposure: Post-wax, your skin will be more sensitive. It's recommended to avoid direct sun exposure for at least 24 hours to prevent potential skin damage.

  3. No Hot Baths or Saunas: Stick to lukewarm showers for 24-48 hours post-wax, as hot water can irritate your skin and open pores, making them prone to infection.

  4. Skip the Gym: Refrain from heavy workouts for 24 hours post-wax. Sweat can irritate freshly waxed skin and lead to breakouts.

  5. Avoid Sex: Wait for 24-48 hours before engaging in sexual activities, especially after bikini or Brazilian waxes. Friction can cause irritation and potentially lead to ingrown hairs.

  6. Exfoliate: Don't exfoliate immediately after your wax. Start gently exfoliating in the shower 2-3 times a week, 48 hours post-wax. This helps prevent ingrown hairs by removing dead skin cells that can clog pores.

  7. Moisturize: Hydrate your skin daily with a fragrance-free moisturizer. This not only makes your skin feel great but also extends the life of your wax.

  8. Don't Shave Between Wax Appointments: Shaving between wax appointments can initiate ingrown hairs and itching.

  9. Wear Loose Clothing: Opt for loose, breathable clothing for a day or two post-wax to avoid friction and irritation. Cotton underwear is recommended after a bikini or Brazilian wax to prevent further irritation.

  10. Keep the Area Clean: Regularly clean the waxed area with a mild, non-alcoholic cleanser to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Also, remember not to touch the freshly waxed area to avoid transferring bacteria and clogging pores.

  11. Change Pillowcases After Facial Waxes: Changing your pillowcase after a facial wax can help avoid introducing bacteria to your freshly waxed skin, reducing the risk of breakouts or irritation.

Remember, everyone's skin reacts differently to waxing, so it's important to listen to your body. If you experience prolonged redness, swelling, or discomfort, don't hesitate to reach out to us or a healthcare professional.

Also, if you're thinking of getting other services like facials or tanning with waxing, especially for special events or vacations, make sure to directly consult those service providers. They'll give you the latest guidelines and let you know about any possible contraindications. Your safety and well-being are our top priority, and coordinating care among all your service providers will help achieve the best outcomes.

Post-Wax Product Recommendations

Maintaining your skin post-waxing is not just an afterthought it is just as important as the waxing service itself. We've handpicked some stellar product recommendations that are our personal faves for ensuring your skin stays smooth and nourished. Plus, they'll prime you for an even more comfortable waxing experience next month.

Exfoliators:

  1. SSB Sugar Scrub

  2. Other brand commercial sugar scrubs (unscented). Unscented is highly recommended or make your own using this recipe.

Moisturizers:

  1. SSB Post Wax Serum

  2. Unscented Organic Jojoba Oil

For In-Grown Hair Sufferers:

  1. Lira Clinical Balancing Lotion

  2. Lira Clinical Pro-Pads

  3. SSB Botanical Oil

Remember when in doubt, just text us! (240) 805-0625. Here's to to being as smooth as a dolphin! IYKYK lol

Happy waxing, everyone!

Summer Do’s and Dont’s

 Summer Waxing Do's and Don'ts

Do's:

  1. Moisturize every day or AT LEAST before your visit: Keeping your skin moisturized is one of the key factors in preventing ingrown hairs, even out skin tone and texture AND leads to less time on the table!

  2. Hydrate Well: Drink plenty of water before your waxing session. Hydrated skin allows for easier hair removal.

  3. Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate the area to be waxed 24-48 hours before your appointment. This helps remove dead skin cells and can make waxing more effective.

  4. Grow It Out: Ensure your hair is at least 1/4 inch long, about the size of a grain of rice, to allow the wax to grip the hair better.

  5. Keep Cool Post-Wax: Opt for cool showers and avoid hot baths for the first 24-48 hours to soothe the skin.

  6. Wear Loose Clothing: Choose loose, breathable fabrics to your appointment to avoid irritation after waxing.

Don'ts:

  1. Avoid Sun Exposure: Stay out of direct sunlight 24-48 hours before and after waxing to prevent sensitivity and irritation.

  2. Say No to Chemicals: Steer clear of lotions, oils, or astringents loaded with chemicals before your session.

  3. Skip the Gym: Avoid heavy sweating and gym workouts for at least 24 hours post-wax to minimize irritation and bumps.

  4. Don't Shave: Resist the urge to shave between waxing sessions. Shaving disrupts the hair growth cycle and can make future waxes more painful.

  5. No Touching: Keep hands away from freshly waxed skin to avoid clogging pores and causing breakouts.


Summer Facial Do's and Don'ts

Do's:

  1. SPF Is Your BFF: Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, especially after facial treatments, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

  2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water not only keeps you hydrated but also helps maintain your skin's natural moisture balance.

  3. Follow Aftercare Advice: Stick to the post-treatment care recommended by your esthetician to enhance and prolong the benefits of your facial.

  4. Gentle Cleansing: Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser to maintain your skin post-treatment, avoiding harsh products that can strip the skin.

  5. Book Regularly: Maintain a regular schedule for facials to continue seeing improvements in skin texture, tone, and overall health.

Don'ts:

  1. Skip Exfoliation: Avoid exfoliating your skin immediately after a facial. Give your skin time to recover before using any exfoliants.

  2. Avoid Makeup: Try to go makeup-free for at least 24 hours post-facial to give your skin a chance to breathe and fully absorb the treatment benefits.

  3. No Picking: Avoid picking at your skin or attempting to extract blemishes yourself, as this can lead to scarring and infections.

  4. Stay Cool: Avoid steam rooms, saunas, and hot yoga classes for at least 48 hours after your facial to prevent irritation and inflammation.

  5. Delay Strong Treatments: Wait at least a week before using any strong skincare treatments like retinols or high-concentration acids to avoid over-stressing the skin.

Following these do's and don'ts will help you make the most out of your summer waxing and facial services at SSB, ensuring your skin stays beautiful, healthy, and glowing all season long!