When it comes to waxing, one of the key responsibilities of a therapist is to ensure a safe, comfortable and effective treatment for the client. This can be achieved by following this simple but essential checklist.
Prepare the skin
The first essential step before beginning any waxing treatment is to correctly prepare the skin. Cleansing the skin prior to waxing will remove any surface dirt, oils, perspiration, environmental pollutants and any product residue that may be present. By taking this action, the risks of infection are lowered as well as providing a clean surface without obstruction to assure effortless wax removal. When choosing a skin cleanser, LYCON recommends selecting a product that not only contains mild cleansers, but also has calming and protecting agents such as Chamomile or Aloe Vera. LYCON Lycotane Skin Cleanser contains these ingredients that act as a pre-soother, meaning the skin is both clean and hygienic as well as soothed and calmed in preparation for waxing.
During the treatment
Throughout a waxing treatment, one of the primary objectives is to protect and support, not draw moisture away from the skin or the wax. To avoid disrupting the skin’s natural functions it is imperative to apply a pre-waxing oil prior to the treatment. Using a pre-waxing oil that works alongside the natural oils of the skin is crucial, as opposed to using a product such as talc, which will only absorb all the moisture. LYCON Pre-Waxing Oil contains nurturing essential oils that soften and prepare skin. Taking this measure will ensure extra client comfort by creating a barrier that protects the skin while still allowing each individual hair to be removed.
Working with strip wax
When working with strip wax, there is usually no need to apply a pre-waxing oil as there is already sufficient oil present in the formula. However, if the client has lipid dry skin, sometimes the skin will absorb the oils from the wax and result in sticky and clumpy wax, particularly around the knees and ankles. In these instances, using a very small amount of pre-waxing oil can be beneficial in preventing the skin from absorbing the oils from the wax.
Using oils
One of the fundamentals when working with an oil is to limit usage. If too much oil is used, the wax will have difficulty sticking to the hair. This is why only a few drops are required to achieve the desired outcome, making this step a very economical method to implement while waxing. For the best results and maximum client comfort, pre-waxing oil should be re-applied throughout the entire treatment before each wax application to ensure the skin is protected and supported at all times.
Time to cleanse
On completion of the waxing treatment, after all unwanted hair has been removed, it is important to cleanse the skin again. This will remove any residual product and assist in closing the hair follicles. For this reason, using a skin cleanser that contains gentle astringents such as witch hazel is vital.
Finishing products
When choosing a finishing product for the clients skin there is more opportunity to customise the product selection. A finishing lotion should complement the clients skin or, depending on how the skin has reacted post treatment, treat the skin with more calming and soothing ingredients such as Chamomile or Bisabolol, which can be found in PINKINI Finishing Lotion. After a strip waxing treatment, using an oil based finishing product such as LYCON Tea-Tree Perfect, will help remove any residual wax that may be left on the skin.
There are many cream options available that contain antibacterial ingredients such as Tea-Tree and Lemon Tea-Tree. LYCON Tea-Tree Soothe is particularly effective post hot waxing due to these antibacterial ingredients as well as the soothing and nourishing benefits of Chamomile. For clients who suffer from ingrown hairs, there are also solutions available that contain ingredients such as AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate and decongest the follicles. Products from the LYCON ingrown-X-it Range can be applied directly after a treatment by the therapist and can also be recommended to the clients for continued use at home.
As a therapist, maintaining a thorough and effective pre and post waxing regime is of the utmost importance to ensure the most hygienic, safe, comfortable and results driven treatment possible.
* Aly Hope is the national sales and training manager for LYCON Cosmetics.
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