WAXING - 7 SOLUTIONS TO 7 PROBLEMS

 
1- How full do I have my wax pot?
A fuller pot makes the temperature easier to control. Having it 1/2 to 3/4 full means you can keep it at a nice, consistent temperature and makes it easy to get enough on your spatula each time. You don't need to empty it after each client to clean it as long as you are using proper hygiene standards and not double-dipping your spatula.
 
2- What temperature do I have my wax pot?
This can be a hard one to answer as it depends on what pot, what wax and how full it is. The key is to know your wax and what consistency it performs best at. The best way to know this is to practice on yourself, always test on yourself before waxing a client and know what the consistency looks like at a comfortable level. Most waxes will look like honey and will glide on the skin really easily when applying. It shouldn't be difficult, if it's runny and dripping it's too hot. If it's brittle and you can't spread it on fast enough as its setting, it's too cold.
 
3- What wax is best for what areas?
Normally it is Strip wax for the larger body areas and Hot/Hard wax for the facial areas, bikini and underarms. There have been some AMAZING new waxes released that show beautiful strip wax gentle enough for the face, which is great to pick up the fine, fluffy hairs and also Hybrid waxes that can be used on much larger areas as well as on the face. It really comes down to what you feel comfortable working with, what you have the most success with and what sort of treatments you offer in your salon. The only way to know is to try a few different ones and choose your favourite.
 
4- How do I gain confidence in waxing?
Practice, practice, practice. When I was learning I would draw shapes on my arms and then wax around them to make sure I could control the wax. Start on facial waxing where it's not as delicate and nerve wracking as doing someone's Brows and do your own waxing. It can be really hard to work on those angles but if you can nail that, you can do it all!
 
5- Is there anyone I cant wax?
There are some contraindications to waxing that you need to be mindful of and it's important to check if they are on any new medications if they are an existing client. Waxing can't be done on anyone that is on an oral Vitamin A like RoAccutane or certain antibiotics, anyone that is sunburnt, using active products or having active treatments. There are also things to avoid in an area, like skin abrasions, moles, varicose veins. If you are unsure it's best to ask your client to check in with their doctor or pharmacist, you would always want to be more on the cautious side. An option for this is to offer Threading as it still removes hair from the follicle but is less abrasive on the surface.
  
6- How can I make it less painful for my client?
Waxing removes the hair directly from the follicle so there will always be a level of discomfort but there are steps you can take to ease that. Stretch the skin as tight as you can for removal, the more you do this, the less discomfort they will feel. Remove the wax against the hair growth, pulling it back almost on itself rather than pulling it upwards. Press your hand straight down on the area as soon as you have removed the wax, this elevates the stinging feeling for them.
Want to learn how to wax and also learn more tips? Get trained with Locks Lash by clicking here
 
7- Can I use one spatula per client?
No, it's super important to never double dip the spatula. When waxing is done correctly it pulls the hair directly out from the blood supply and oil glands which means blood and oil will be on the hair and on the skin, which you are then pressing down on. Using a spatula again on this area will then transfer back into the pot and potentially to the next client. There is no legal obligation for anyone to disclose they have a blood-borne disease so treat everyone as though they do and you and your clients will stay safe. Gloves and single-use spatulas, easy!