5 Pre Hair Removal Tips You Wish You Knew Earlier
5 Pre Hair Removal Tips You Wish You Knew Earlier
- Exfoliate for smoother results: Remove dead skin cells to prevent ingrown hairs.
- Sun protection is crucial: Avoid UV damage and irritation before hair removal.
- Shave 24-48 hours prior: Ensure hair is short for effective removal.
- Test products: Use new creams or treatments on a small area first.
- Stay hydrated: Drink water to keep skin healthy and elastic.
Introduction: How to Achieve Silky Smooth Skin with These 5 Easy Tips
Have you ever wondered how to make your hair removal experience smoother and more effective?
We’ve seen countless customers at Wellaholic struggle with this very issue. As aesthetic professionals with years of experience, we’ve learned a thing or two about preparing for hair removal treatments. From our time at Wellaholic and Laser Clinics Australia, we’ve gathered some valuable tips that can transform your hair removal routine.
In this article, we’ll share five pre-hair removal tips that we wish all our customers knew before their treatments. These insights come from our daily interactions with people just like you, seeking the best results from their hair removal sessions. We’ll break down each tip to help you get the most out of your next appointment.
Tip 1: Exfoliate before hair removal: How to Remove Dead Skin Cells and Prevent Ingrown Hair
As an aesthetician with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how important exfoliation is for achieving smooth, hair-free skin. Exfoliating before any hair removal method, whether it’s shaving, waxing, or epilating, provides several key benefits:
- It removes the layer of dead skin cells that can clog hair follicles and trap the hair beneath the skin’s surface. This allows the hair to be removed from the root more easily.
- Exfoliation uncovers the hair and allows your hair removal method to get closer to the follicle. This translates to a closer shave or wax, and prolongs the smooth results.
- By clearing away dead skin build-up, exfoliation significantly reduces the chances of developing painful and unsightly ingrown hairs. The hair can grow back cleanly through the skin’s surface.
- Exfoliated skin allows waxes, creams, and gels to adhere better, making hair removal more efficient. It also allows the ingredients in post-hair removal products to penetrate and soothe the skin more effectively.
My recommendation is to gently exfoliate the day before hair removal using a mild scrub, exfoliating glove, or chemical exfoliant like salicylic or glycolic acid. This preps the skin without irritating it right before hair removal. Then continue to exfoliate 2–3 times a week between hair removal sessions to keep skin smooth and prevent ingrowns.
Tip 2: Avoid sun exposure: How to Protect Your Skin from UV Damage and Irritation
In my years as an aesthetician, I’ve seen the toll that sun damage can take on the skin. While a golden tan may seem desirable, the reality is that there’s no such thing as a “healthy” tan. Any change in your natural skin colour is a sign of damage.
Exposure to both UVA and UVB rays can lead to premature ageing in the form of wrinkles, dark spots, and a leathery texture. More importantly, it significantly increases your risk of skin cancer. I’ve treated countless clients who are dealing with the aftermath of too much sun.
My advice is to embrace your natural skin tone and protect it at all costs. Seek shade during peak sun hours, typically 10am to 4pm. Cover up with protective clothing like long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. And of course, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every single day, rain or shine.
If you do get a sunburn, it’s a clear sign that the DNA in your skin cells has been damaged. While it may not lead to skin cancer after one burn, repeated burns significantly increase your risk. Soothe the burn, then let it be a reminder to take sun protection seriously moving forward.
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Tip 3: Keep the skin moisturized: How to Hydrate and Nourish Your Skin after Hair Removal
In my years as an aesthetician, I’ve seen first-hand how important moisturizing is after any hair removal method. Whether you shave, wax, or use depilatory creams, the process strips away not just the hair, but also the skin’s natural oils. This can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, and irritated.
I always recommend applying a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after hair removal. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid that soothe and hydrate the skin. Avoid anything with alcohol or harsh chemicals that could further irritate the skin.
Moisturizing helps restore the skin’s protective barrier that may have been compromised during hair removal. It prevents flaking and itching as the hair starts to grow back. Well-moisturized skin is also less prone to ingrown hairs, as the hair can more easily grow up and out of the follicle.
Tip 4: Avoid using certain skincare products before hair removal
One of the biggest culprits are products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide These active ingredients can make your skin more sensitive and prone to irritation. I recommend stopping these products at least 3–5 days before your hair removal treatment, whether it’s waxing or laser.
Exfoliating scrubs, peels, and masks should also be avoided for at least a week prior. While exfoliation is great for preventing ingrown hairs, doing it too close to your appointment can leave your skin vulnerable.
Another important tip is to avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least 2 weeks before treatment. Tanned skin is more sensitive to heat and light, increasing the risk of burns and pigmentation issues with laser hair removal. If you’re using self-tanning products, stop those 2 weeks prior as well.
On the day of your appointment, come with clean, product-free skin. Skip the lotions, creams, deodorant, and makeup. These can interfere with the treatment and increase the risk of burns or reactions.
Tip 5: Avoid using deodorant before underarm hair removal
Deodorant is the number one enemy for diode lasers that use cooling gel. When deodorant mixes with the gel, it creates a white substance that deflects the laser light. Even a small amount of deodorant residue can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. This can lead to side effects like excessive irritation, redness, and even hyperpigmentation.
Certain chemicals in deodorants are very small and can even pass through fabric. So even if you think you’ve removed all the deodorant, there may still be residue that can interfere with the laser.
My advice is to completely avoid deodorant for at least 24–48 hours before your laser hair removal appointment. Come to your appointment with clean, product-free underarms. If you absolutely must use deodorant, opt for a gentle, fragrance-free formula and don’t apply it directly to the treatment area.
A little preparation goes a long way in getting the most out of your underarm hair removal treatments. Your smooth, hair-free underarms will thank you!
Conclusion: How to Enjoy Silky Smooth Skin for Longer
Through my years in the aesthetics field, I’ve learned a lot about hair removal. Clients often share their experiences and challenges. From these stories and my own research, I’ve picked up a few tips that can make a big difference. Here are five pre hair removal tips that can change the game.
First, exfoliate. It removes dead skin and frees trapped hairs. This makes hair removal smoother and more effective. Next, avoid caffeine before your appointment. Caffeine can make your skin more sensitive, making the process feel more painful. Also, wear loose clothing to your appointment. It prevents irritation and allows your skin to breathe afterward. Another tip is to hydrate well. Hydrated skin makes hair removal easier and less painful. Lastly, schedule your sessions right. Your skin’s sensitivity varies with your menstrual cycle, so timing matters.
These tips seem simple, but they make a big difference. They can make your hair removal process smoother and less painful. I wish I knew these tips earlier in my career. They’re now part of the advice I share with my clients. Always remember, the key to a successful hair removal experience lies not just in the procedure itself but in the preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long should I wait between waxing sessions?
A: The ideal time to wax is when your hair is about 1/4 inch long, which usually takes about 3 to 6 weeks after your last waxing session. However, this may vary depending on your hair growth rate and the area you are waxing. You can use a ruler or a coin to measure your hair length before booking your next appointment.
Q: How can I prevent ingrown hairs after waxing?
A: Ingrown hairs are hairs that curl back into the skin or grow sideways under the skin, causing bumps and irritation. To prevent them, you should exfoliate your skin gently with a scrub or a loofah 2 to 3 times a week, especially before waxing. You should also moisturize your skin daily with a non-comedogenic lotion to keep it soft and supple. Avoid wearing tight clothing or underwear that can rub against your skin and cause friction.
Q: Is hair removal safe for all skin types in Singapore’s humid climate?
A: Yes, hair removal is safe for all skin types in Singapore. Adjustments in aftercare may be necessary due to the humidity, ensuring skin remains hydrated and irritation-free.
Q: Can I go for hair removal if I have sensitive skin?
A: Individuals with sensitive skin can undergo hair removal. It’s important to communicate this to the specialist, as they may use gentler methods and products to minimize irritation.
Serene Chiam, Aesthetic Director (LinkedIn)
Serene Chiam is the highly skilled Aesthetic Director at Wellaholic, Singapore’s premier aesthetic chain. With over a decade of expertise in the aesthetics industry, Serene brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. She previously served as a Clinical Aesthetics Manager with Laser Clinics Australia, honing her skills in laser hair removal and other advanced treatments. Serene holds a CIDESCO certificate in skincare and a Bachelor of Health Science (Aesthetics) from Torrens University, Australia. Her deep understanding of the latest aesthetic technologies and techniques ensures that Wellaholic’s clients receive the most effective, long-lasting hair removal results. Serene’s passion for helping others feel confident and beautiful shines through in her dedication to providing exceptional care and achieving optimal outcomes for every client.
Contact Serene at [email protected]
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