TIPS TO TAKE YOUR WAX TO THE MAX

Published: 2011-05-03 by Marina Milojević in Bath & body

A couple of weeks ago we had an exclusive interview with Makeup Artist Susmta Patel, a licensed makeup artist, hair stylist, nail technician and professional waxer. She has worked at the acclaimed Completely Bare Salon in Manhattan. Today, she’s sharing some interesting tips on waxing you must know for great results.

Who Should Not Wax?

If you have diabetes, varicose veins or poor circulation, you should definitely avoid waxing. If you’ve been using medication or lotions, which cause thinning of the skin you should not use waxing as a hair removal method until the skin has recovered. This kind of medication is usually used for acne removal. General rule is to avoid areas of broken or irritated skin or skin with warts, spots, moles or sunburn.

Waxing vs. Shaving

Susmta recommends waxing: "Waxing is better because it removes hair from the root, when you shave ou just cut the hair, so two hours later, you can see the hair there or the blue shadow." Waxing can last up to a month and gradually thins the hair so less grows back. A bonus effect from waxing is a complete exfoliation of skin that results in smoothness.

Preparing for a Wax

The only bad point about waxing is that it may hurt sometimes. If you’re worried about pain you can make a difference by having an exfoliating scrub the day before. It is also recommended not to apply lotion the day of the wax. If you’re waxing the underarm region, you should use deodorant without antiperspirant because it comes off easier. Don't apply astringent or toner before waxing, since these tighten the pores and can make a firmer hold on the hair follicle.

Does It Matter What Time of the Month It Is?

Susmta says that waxing definitely hurts more the week before your period. And if you're pregnant? "Just like always, some days we are a little more sensitive than others," she says. "So if you're pregnant, it's fine. It doesn't hurt more."

What else matters?

If you smoke or drink a lot of caffeine beverages, it may create a lot of acid in the body. A god way to reduce this excess acidity is to take some Tums 20 minutes before the treatment. This will reduce skin’s sensitivity. Moreover, give yourself a couple of hours after drinking coffee or alcohol before getting waxed. Having a glass of wine or beer before getting waxed can cause skin to be extra sensitive to waxing.

Ice?

Definitely, no. If you use ice or anything cold to numb your skin and reduce waxing pain, it will only tighten the pores. The goal is to have the pores nice and relaxed.

How Often to Wax

"People should wait for three to four weeks between waxing," she says. "But in an emergency, if they have a new boyfriend or are about to go on vacation, they can come back in three weeks with no problem."

Bikini vs. Brazilian

A Brazilian wax removes more hair than a bikini wax. Whereas a bikini focuses on the front and sides (what would be visible in a swimsuit), the Brazilian removes the front, sides, back and everything in between, often only leaving a strip of hair in the front, or none at all. Some reasons for having a Brazilian wax include cleanliness, convenience and, of course, sexiness.

Does It Hurt More?

"Everyone is different. But it does hurt less the longer you do it. Eventually, the hair becomes weak, so it doesn't hurt at all."

Post-Wax Treatment

Susmta says you should not use any scrubs for the next 48 hours and not to expose the area to direct sun for at least 24 hours. After the tenderness has subsided, Susmta says to exfoliate in the shower to remove dead skin so the pores don't become clogged, causing ingrown hairs and bumps. If bumps do appear, “don't squeeze or tweeze!".

Susmta Patel is a multiple threat in the beauty industry as a licensed makeup artist, aesthetician, nail technician, hairstylist and waxing expert. Susmta was born in India and came to the US at the age of 20. This single mother wasted no time in diving head first into her passion for personal aesthetic services. As she says, “nothing makes me happier than the priceless smile of approval. This recognition motivates me to continue my pursuit of excellence.”

Susmta has consulted for some of the beauty industries most prestigious brands such as Shiseido, Lancome, Versace, Christian Dior, Dr. Nicholas Perricone, Laura Mercier and Clinique. At the famed Completely Bare Salons in Manhattan and Scarsdale, Susmta was revered by clients for her prowess in full body waxing, permanent hair removal and eyebrow threading. Susmta was also the key makeup artist on the set of the Bollywood Film “Sama” and has judged Miss India worldwide beauty pageants.