No shame. Just answers.
Waxing can feel personal, especially when you are booking a new service or visiting for the first time. These answers cover the questions clients often have before, during, and after their appointment.
Start here, then book through Vagaro when you are ready. For medication, pregnancy, or skin-health concerns, please check with your doctor when needed.
01 How long should my hair be to get waxed?
You’ll get the best results if you let the hair grow to about ¼ inch, or around the length of a grain of rice, before being waxed. This helps ensure the hair is long enough for the wax to grip, but not so long that it becomes more uncomfortable to remove.
02 Do I need to prepare for my wax?
A little prep can make your waxing appointment more comfortable and effective.
- Exfoliate the area to be waxed. Gentle exfoliation before waxing can help remove dead skin cells and other buildup that may make it harder for wax to adhere to the hair. It can also help reduce ingrown hairs.
- Avoid lotions or oils. Lotions and oils can make it more difficult for wax to grip the hair. It’s best to avoid these products for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
- Shower or bathe beforehand. Clean skin can help the wax adhere better and may make the area feel less sensitive.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing. After waxing, the area may be sensitive, so avoid tight clothing that may rub or irritate the skin.
- Avoid sun exposure. Try to avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours before and after waxing, since sun can increase sensitivity and irritation risk.
- Tell your wax specialist about any skin conditions. This helps us provide the safest and most comfortable experience possible.
Following these tips helps prepare your skin for waxing and supports a smoother result.
03 What is a Wax Specialist?
In Arizona, waxing services must be performed by a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist; a nail tech license does not include or cover waxing. We use the term Wax Specialist because waxing is the main service we offer, and it reflects the additional focus, experience, and training we bring to this part of the license.
04 Can I get waxed if I’m having my period?
Yes. Keep in mind that the area may be more sensitive and you may experience more discomfort than usual. For bikini or Brazilian services, you will need to wear a tampon or menstrual cup in order to complete the service.
05 What’s the difference between a bikini line, bikini full, and bikini Brazilian wax?
A consultation is always included with your wax, so we can leave as little or as much as you want.
- Bikini line: A basic cleanup at the panty line, following the inner leg about two fingers wide, plus the top front of the panty line.
- Bikini full: Allows you to bare it all in the front, or leave a small shape such as a landing strip or triangle. Butt strip is not included.
- Bikini Brazilian: Allows you to bare it all from front to back and includes the butt strip. You may also leave a landing strip or triangle.
06 Do I have to get on all fours to get a Brazilian wax?
No. At Phoenix Waxing, clients have a couple of positioning options for comfort. The most common option is knees to chest. Another option, especially helpful for comfort during pregnancy, is lying on your side so the back area can be waxed comfortably.
A professional wax specialist will take care of you and help reduce unnecessary awkwardness. If you have specific concerns, please ask. Our job is to help you have the best possible experience before, during, and after your wax.
07 Is it safe to have a Brazilian wax while pregnant?
Yes, you can still get a bikini or Brazilian wax while pregnant. You may experience more skin sensitivity because of hormonal changes, so we will do what we can to keep you comfortable during the service.
For waxes during the last two months of pregnancy, we recommend checking with your doctor first.
08 Just how painful is a bikini wax?
It depends on several factors, including your general pain tolerance, hair density, and whether you stay on schedule with your waxing services. Everyone is different, but many clients say our waxing services are less painful than other experiences they have had. The wax and techniques used can make a big difference in your comfort level.
09 Can I get waxed if I have a sunburn?
No. We do not perform waxing services on skin that is burned, irritated, or otherwise unhealthy.
10 Can I get waxed if I’m taking medication?
It is always best to check with your doctor if you have questions about waxing while taking medication or using prescription skincare.
For prescribed creams such as Retin-A or Differin, we advise stopping use seven days before your appointment and not resuming use until seven days after your service.
We will not wax you if you are currently on Accutane or have used Accutane within the past six months. Waxing while on Accutane can be dangerous, and a doctor’s note will be needed to receive services.
Please tell us about any medications or topical products you may be using so we can provide a safe, comfortable waxing experience.
11 Is there an age limit or requirement for waxing?
Our policy is to require guests under 16 to have parental consent for bikini waxing services.
12 What if I have piercings and tattoos?
Waxing areas with tattoos will not damage your art or your skin. In fact, waxing can help brighten the look of a tattoo by removing dead surface cells on top of it.
For piercings, we recommend removing the piercing before your service. If you cannot remove it, your wax specialist will need to work around it, which may leave a few hairs that are too close to safely touch.
13 Do you offer waxing services for men?
Absolutely. Although the range of waxing services for men is different, we do have a comprehensive list of services to choose from. We do not offer the “Manzilian,” male bikini/Brazilian, full butt, or butt strip services.
14 How long does eyebrow waxing last?
To keep your brows tidy, waxing every 2–3 weeks is recommended, with no tweezing in between appointments.
15 Are there any possible after-effects?
Everyone’s skin can react differently to waxing. A customized post-wax skincare plan may be recommended for best results. Over time, skin can also become used to a treatment plan, so sometimes we may need to adjust products or approach. No product or process is perfect, and irritation can still happen even when using professional recommended skincare, but skipping aftercare can cause more irritation.
- Redness: This is the most common side effect and usually subsides over time. It may last anywhere from a few minutes to a few days, depending on skin sensitivity.
- Bumps: Bumps can occur after waxing and may subside within a few hours or a few days.
- Itching: Itching may occur, but it’s best not to scratch or further irritate freshly waxed skin. Touching or scratching can spread bacteria from hands and fingernails.
- Ingrown hairs: Ingrown hairs happen when hair gets trapped under dead skin. As hair becomes finer and weaker with consistent waxing, it can have a harder time poking through the skin, so post-wax skincare is important.
- Stubble: Stubble can happen, especially early in your waxing journey, because everyone has three hair growth cycles. Consistency with waxing and customized at-home care is key to better results.
16 I have cactus quills in my skin. Can you wax them out?
Actually, yes. Teddy Bear Cholla, also known as “jumping cactus,” is one of the most painful desert cacti to come into contact with. Its quills have tiny backward-facing barbs that make them difficult and painful to remove.
We have experience using wax to remove cactus quills. This is a special service and is not listed on the standard “Book Now” menu. If this is an emergency service you need, call, text, or email and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
Book your next wax through Vagaro.
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