When we book wax appointments, we take for granted that the therapist is qualified to do their job. But, as it turns out, all wax therapists are not created equal. Some have a magic touch and when they handle your treatments it just seems to hurt less. But on the flip side, there are those who are less skilled. Anyone who has ever been burned during a treatment or had their skin ripped off will attest to this fact.
Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of 5 ways to spot a truly great wax therapist. So if you’re planning to do some landscaping before the arrival of the festive season (and in the southern hemisphere the arrival of the infamous “bikini season”), best make sure you pick a wax therapist worth their salt.
They ask questions
Sometimes, you should approach a wax treatment in a similar fashion to a doctor’s appointment. Your therapist should start your treatment with a few basic questions about your skin type, your waxing history, and to check that you’ve done all the applicable pre-treatment preparation. If you have any relevant medical conditions this would be a good time to mention it to the therapist. For instance, medication like Accutane (used to treat severe acne) thins the skin and when waxed, often results in the removal of the top layer of the skin (sometimes resulting in bruising and scarring). Responsible wax therapists won’t carry on with the treatment if they know that the client is taking this medication as it poses greater risk of injury.
They have all the necessary training
If you would like to have a specialised wax treatment, we strongly advise that you make sure you book your appointment with a therapist who has all the relevant qualifications and credentials. It might come as a surprise to learn that not all wax therapists who perform Brazilian waxes are qualified to do so. Yet, clients put their trust in a therapist because they assume that, since the therapist is performing the treatment, they must be qualified to do so. If, however, you have any doubts check, check again. And then, if still don’t feel satisfied, absolutely do not risk it.
They use the correct wax for the correct area
It is important that you get to know the different types of wax and their applications yourself. This will enable you to know if the therapist is using the correct wax. For most wax treatments, the three types you need to know are Hot Wax, Strip Wax and Film Wax. All three are heated before application, but Strip Wax is removed with a strip of paper whereas Hot Wax and Film Wax is removed by hand. For sensitive areas such as your face, bikini and underarms, the therapist should use either Hot or Film Wax.
They use only the best wax products
All businesses face the the same age-old challenge at some point in their journey. They must choose whether to switch to a cheaper product or supplier or up the price of their service. The same thing sometimes happens when suppliers introduce wax therapists to cheaper wax products. Suppliers often promise these will be as good as their more expensive counterparts. However, unfortunately, this is not always the case as wax products are not all of the same quality.
In most cases, companies manufacture cheaper wax products from low quality materials and they are only cheaper for this reason. Cheaper, lower quality wax products won’t grip the hair properly, snapping it below the skin surface. This results in uneven regrowth and ingrown hairs. Look for a salon that uses the best quality wax, especially Hot and Film Waxes that shrink wrap around the hair, resulting in a less painful wax and also smoother, longer lasting results.
They teach you about the proper aftercare
A truly great wax therapist won’t just send you on your way after a treatment without applying the correct post treatment products and then explaining any precautions you should take. They will usually take the time to explain these critical considerations. These include:
- Keeping the waxed area out of direct sunlight
- Whether or not you should apply sunblock to the area
- How long you should wait before visiting the beach or swimming in the ocean.
If your therapist doesn’t know how to answer any of your wax questions, this is not a good sign.
Ask for Harley Wax
Harley Wax is a superior quality wax used in salons all over the world. Our wax range is designed to shrink wrap the hair (and not the skin!). Consequently, they effectively remove hairs as short as 1mm with significantly less pain, irritation or redness. It’s suitable for all skin types – even sensitive skin – and our Harley Gold Strip Wax is perfect for men’s waxing. Ask your salon or spa if they use Harley Wax products and insist on only the best!