Preparing For Your Appointment
Hair Length
For optimal results, hair should be approximately minimum ¼ inch long (about the length of a grain of rice) and or longer. Avoid shaving minimum for 2–3 weeks prior to your appointment, depending on the rate of your hair growth. Ideally, longer is better — We also will happily trim your hair before your wax appointment for you if necessary.
Exfoliate
Exfoliate the treatment area 24 hours before your appointment to help remove dead skin cells and allow for a cleaner, smoother, painless wax.
Keep Skin Clean
Arrive with clean skin free of lotions, oils, deodorant, makeup, or self-tanner on the area being waxed.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Loose-fitting clothing is recommended, especially for Brazilian and body waxing services, to help minimize friction and irritation afterward.
If You're Menstruating
You are welcome to keep your appointment during your menstrual cycle. Please wear a fresh tampon or menstrual cup.
Keep in mind that the intimate area may be more sensitive during this time. If it is your first time reserving an intimate wax — and have an extremely low pain tolerance — it is best to avoid scheduling intimate waxes a few days before, during, and or a few days after your menstruation.
If You Are Sensitive
If needed, taking ibuprofen 30-45 minutes before your appointment may help make your waxing experience more comfortable. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or medical conditions.
Avoid excessive caffeine and recreational drugs immediately before your appointment, as it may increase sensitivity.
Sun Exposure & Skin Treatments
Avoid while obtaining sunburned skin and discontinue the use of retinoids, prescription acne medications, or strong exfoliating products on the treatment area as directed by you doctor before your appointment.
Relax
If this is your first wax, don't worry— we've got you.
Arriving relaxed can make a big difference. When we're nervous or anxious, our muscles tend to tense up, which can make waxing feel more uncomfortable than it needs to.
We'll walk you through the entire process, answer any questions, and make sure you feel as comfortable as possible every step of the way.
After-Care
For the First 24–48 Hours
Avoid:
Hot baths, hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms
Intense workouts or excessive sweating
Swimming pools and the ocean
Direct sun exposure or tanning beds
Tight clothing that causes friction
Touching the waxed area unnecessarily
Fragranced lotions, perfumes, or harsh skincare products on the treated area
Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer and or natural body oil daily to help keep your skin healthy and support the healing process.
Prevent Ingrown Hairs
Begin gentle exfoliation 24–48 hours after your appointment using one of the following:
An exfoliating mitt
An exfoliating sugar or salt scrub
A gentle product specifically designed to help prevent ingrown hairs
Exfoliate 3–4 times per week, followed by a fragrance-free moisturizer or natural body oil to help maintain healthy, hydrated skin.
Proper Exfoliation Technique
Exfoliating Mitt
Use your exfoliating mitt on either dry or wet skin, though we recommend using it during your shower on damp skin.
Using gentle circular motions, exfoliate the pubic mound for approximately 10 seconds. Apply light to moderate pressure—avoid scrubbing too aggressively, as excessive friction can irritate the skin. Moisturize your skin when finished.
Sugar or Salt Scrub
For the most effective exfoliation, begin on dry skin before stepping under water in the shower. You may allow the water to hit your back during the process, however we want to start with dry skin.
Apply a generous amount of scrub to your fingertips and gently massage the pubic mound in circular motions for approximately 10 seconds, using light to moderate pressure.
Once complete, rinse thoroughly in the shower and moisturize to finish.
Why dry skin?
When applied to wet skin, sugar and salt scrubs tend to dissolve quickly or become slippery, reducing their ability to properly lift dead skin cells and encourage trapped hairs to reach the surface.
Ingrown Hair Products
If you are using an ingrown hair serum or treatment, please follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
Every Client Is Different
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to exfoliation. Your ideal aftercare routine depends on your skin type, hair texture, and how your skin responds to waxing. At Haven Wax Studio we will educate you on the ideal method for you.
Hair Growth
For the best results, avoid shaving between appointments. Consistent waxing helps promote finer, softer regrowth over time.
Your Next Appointment
For optimal results, we recommend scheduling your next wax every 4–6 weeks, depending on your hair growth cycle.
If You Experience...
It is normal to experience mild redness or sensitivity for several hours after your appointment.
If you notice prolonged irritation, unusual swelling, signs of infection, or have any concerns, please contact Haven Wax Studio within 24 hours.
Histamine Reaction
Some clients may experience a histamine reaction following their appointment.
This is a normal, temporary inflammatory response in which the body's immune system reacts to the hair removal process.
A histamine reaction may appear as:
Swelling
Small red or white bumps
Mild itching
Redness or warmth in the treated area
These symptoms are temporary and typically resolve within a few hours, though for some individuals they may last up to 24–72 hours, depending on skin sensitivity.
How to Care for a Histamine Reaction
Avoid scratching or picking at the area.
Apply a cool compress if needed to help soothe the skin.
Keep the area clean and avoid excessive heat, sweating, or friction for the first 24–72 hours.
Continue using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer if your skin tolerates it.
If needed, an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortizone-10®) may help reduce itching and redness. Use only as directed on the product label and avoid applying it to broken or irritated skin.
If approved by your healthcare provider, an over-the-counter antihistamine may also help relieve itching or redness.
If you experience severe swelling, intense pain, signs of infection, or symptoms that continue to worsen, please contact your healthcare provider promptly.