Waxing AdviceThere
are three stages of hair growth, and the rate at which hair grows varies
depending on the individual (usually 2 - 3 weeks per stage) but in general,
hair should be at least 1/4 inch into a stage of growth for the most thorough
waxing. Following are several tips to insure that you get the most benefit
from your waxing session, both before and after treatment:
Before you arrive - For
ladies: Due to hormonal fluctuations the week prior to and during your cycle
causes hair to grow more quickly and can increase sensitivity to waxing. It
is best to wax within the two weeks after you have completed your cycle.
- Avoid consuming caffeine, alcohol or aspirin prior to your appointment.
Each of these agents thin the blood and can increase skin sensitivity.
Staying well hydrated before any skin procedure conditions the skin to be
less reactive.
- Do not plan on exercising the day of waxing. Keeping your open follicles
free from filling up with dirt, debris and/or oil will help to avoid any kind
of breakout.
- Exfoliating prior to coming in is very helpful to achieving a thorough
wax. It is also important that hair is no longer than 1 inch, so if you need
to trim please do so prior to your visit.
- Some clients have suggested that taking ibuprofen within the hour before
an appointment relieves pain.
- Users of the topical prescriptions Retin A, Renova, or Differin cannot
receive facial waxing. These medications are designed to exfoliate the skin
and may also weaken the skin, which could result in injury to the skin with
waxing. Discontinue use of these prescriptions two weeks before waxing.
- Discontinue use of facial products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHA)
or glycolic 48 hours before waxing.
- Waxing is not recommended if you have taken the prescription Accutane
within the last two years.
- The following medications may also cause increased skin sensitivity and
could result in an adverse reaction to waxing: Antihistamines, Tetracycline,
Cortisone, blood pressure medication, blood thinning medication, and thyroid
medication.
- Waxing is not recommended to those who are or have taken antibiotics
within the three weeks prior to waxing.
After Waxing - Make
sure you exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate, especially when the hair starts to
return and keep the area moisturized and hydrated to help avoid ingrown
hairs. If these do occur, I have a few options for ingrown hair creams at my
salon which have proven to work wonderfully.
- Avoid swimming in the lake or a swimming hole (Barton Springs pool) which
is not chlorinated. You could be at risk for a staff infection, etc. while
your follicles are still open and sensitive.
- The beauty of waxing is that your hair growth returns thinner and
sparser. The average return time for your next visit is generally every 4-6
weeks.
Laser Advice
Laser Hair RemovalIn order to obtain the best
results with laser hair removal it is important to follow a few guidelines
prior to and after your treatment. As part of my holistic practice I will
also evaluate your condition to insure that laser treatments are your best
option.
Before you arrive - For
ladies: As with waxing, it is recommended to schedule laser hair removal
within the two weeks after the end of your cycle when skin is less sensitive
and hair growth is lighter.
- Do not wax or pluck hair from the root of the area to be lasered anytime
4-6 weeks before treatment.
- Lasers work by sending energy to the hair follicle which then makes hair
growth become dormant. In order for the laser to target the most energy to
the follicle it is important that the area to be treated is shaved as closely
as possible 1-3 days before treatment.
After laser hair removal - Apply
aloe vera or another sensitive moisturizer to the area for a few days to
relieve any irritation to the surrounding area.
- Treated hair will begin shedding within 1.5-3.5 weeks, and exfoliating or
gently scrubbing the area can help speed the process. It might appear that
hair is growing back in, but it is simply rising to the surface to shed.
- You should remain relatively hair free for a number of weeks before hairs
that were dormant before the laser treatment begin to grow. Generally 6-10
weeks is an appropriate amount of time to wait between laser treatments, and
they can be continued until hair growth reaches your desired reduction or
hairs become too fine for the laser to target.
Laser Skin ResurfacingPreparation for laser
treatments might vary depending on the skin condition to be treated, and
comprehensive instructions will be sent after an initial consultation. In
most cases the skin will be treated up to two weeks before surgery with
gentle cleansers and moisturizers and post-op instructions specific to the
treatment will be given after the treatment.
Before you arrive - Staying
well hydrated before any skin procedure conditions the skin to be less
reactive.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure and anything that might irritate the area to
be treated the week prior to your treatment.
After laser treatment - It
is vital that you stay out of the sun and avoid exposing treated areas to
sunlight for up to 3 weeks.
- Follow all post-op instructions given to you based on the laser treatment
received.
Facial and Skin Resurfacing (Peels) AdviceWhile
the Timeless Peel and Deep Sea Peel involve a two week preparation prior to
treatment, other peels and facials involve basic preparation prior to your
appointment.
Before you arrive - Staying
well hydrated before any skin procedure conditions the skin to be less
reactive.
After treatment - Hydrate,
hydrate, hydrate. Facials and peels purge the skin of impurities and will
continue to do so as they promote new cell growth and remove dead layers of
skin. Drink plenty of water to encourage this deep cleansing.
- Avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen. With the skin stimulated to
regenerate fresh skin cells it is best to stay in a healthy environment that
won’t damage the new cells. Avoid excessive sun exposure and smoky air when
possible.
- Peels can cause skin flake lightly as dead layers of skin come off.
Lightly massaging the skin to exfoliate the cells will help speed the process
of dead skin removal. Following up with a light moisturizer or lightly
applying jojoba oil along with sunscreen will help keep the new skin
hydrated.
|