Waxing Advice to Get Through the Summer from Le Petit Spa

Waxing is probably the oldest form of hair removal; proof of this dates back to 3000 B.C!. Back then, they used a paste of arsenic trisulphide, cement and starch to remove unwanted body hair…yuck! Let’s not think about the places they would have had to apply that disgusting concoction…

Instead let’s be thankful that we live in the time we do and the fact that waxing has advanced a lot since then! Compared to shaving, waxing is a far better method of hair removal for both your skin and pocket book, and here’s why:

1. Results last longer with waxing - no need to shave the next day, or the day after that…or the day after that! (you get the point?) And your skin is left silky smooth for longer as well as waxing exfoliates the outer most layer of your skin.

2. No need to buy razor cartridges - What would you rather spend your money on? A Bikini wax that costs $22 and lasts up to 4 weeks? Or a pack of razors that cost about $20 (for 10 at londondrugs.ca) and you need to throw them out every two or three shaves?

3. Cut off the supply! - Did you know that when receiving waxing treatments, your hair may never grow back? This is because when the hair is removed from the hair follicle the blood supply for that hair can be damaged. But don’t worry! This won’t cause any harm to you but that moustache you wax every two weeks may just stop visiting for a while…

Did you know? That all forms of hair removal - waxing, laser, deploratories - are not permanent? Your hair growth cycle is about every 7 years, so even if that laser treatment does work now, in 3 months, 2 years or in 7 years, you may start to see hair grow back depending on which stage of hair growth you were in when you had the treatments.

4. Razor burn - For all of you that experience razor burn or irritation bumps from shaving every day (like me!) waxing may be just the relief your skin is asking for. Waxing is a fast form of hair removal, and the wax used is for sensitive skin - one quick pull of the cotton strip and your body is seductively smooth and irritation free!

Waxing is generally a safe method of hair removal for everyone, but there are some circumstances where you should perhaps wait or postpone your waxing service:

1. Sun burned skin - do not even think about keeping that waxing appointment. If waxed when experiencing a sun burn your skin will not only blister from having warm wax applied - it would probably come off as well! Wait at least a week (or more if your burn is really bad) before coming back for your waxing appointment.

2. Skin Thinning Treatments - If you have had any laser resurfacing, been using Retinol A, have had a glycolic facial or chemical peel where the top layer of skin has been removed, stay clear of any facial waxing and/or threading until your skin has regenerated itself. Waxing would cause further irritation, scarring or peeling.

3. Tanning Bed Addicts - If you must MUST tan in a tanning salon, wait 48 hours after your waxing service to tan and do not tan 48 hours before your waxing appointment. Tanned skin is dry, “microwaved skin”; if you receive waxing treatments immeadiately after tanning you risk the chance of scarring, your skin peeling and ending up with areas of sensitive, raw skin.

4. Medication - A lot of teen girls these days are taking oral medication (like acutane) for acne. Acutane not only dries your body up from the inside out, it thins your skin which is why it is so effective against acne. Do not have waxing treatments while using any medication that thins skin (ask your doctor if you are unsure!)

After your waxing treatment, your esthetician should go over a few basic home care recommendations for you to keep your skin irritation free:

1. Hot showers or baths are a no no for 24 hours after your waxing treatment. Hot water may cause irritation or stinging if your skin is sensitive. If you must have a bath or shower, have a luke warm one. This includes hot tubs, swimming pools (chlorine) and the ocean (salt) as well!

2. No Tanning - in tanning salons and the sun for 48 hours after please!

3. Do not apply heavy lotions with perfume to waxed areas, and no deodorant for 12 hours after waxing your underarms.

4. If you have had facial waxing, wear a sunscreen when outside and try to avoid direct sunlight for 24 hours.

5. The next morning when you get into the shower or bath exfoliate waxed areas to prevent ingrown hairs and any post-waxing bumps that can form (these are caused when sweat or other irritants irritate the newly bare hair follicles, exfoliating your skin will prevent this irritation). Exfoliate lightly! No need to scrub the skin.

6. Should irritation develop - apply a soothing post wax lotion. I recommend Le Petit Spa’s Tea Tree Lotion. Tea tree has been used for centuries as it has powerful antiseptic properties to keep the hair follicle clear of infection, and it also calms redness and irritation. But don’t leave the spa without picking one up - we can’t seem to keep it on the shelf long enough!.

Lotions with calendula, aloe and chamomile will also help calm irritated and red skin - just make sure the fragrance is natural and not perfume as this will cause further irritation.

Estheticians at Le Petit Spa apply our Tea Tree lotion to each client after every hair removal service at Le Petit Spa, check out our variety of waxing services, we boast the best Brazilian in Vancouver…

For waxing cliental looking for the best value in Vancouver on day spa waxing services our Waxing Wednesday promotion is sure to hit the spot!

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Is There Any Anaesthesia Given Before a Brazilian Wax?

Brazilian waxing has quite the reputation; not only for the smoothness obtained, but for the sensitivity and the unknown of how its going to feel having your hair removed “from there!”

This blog covers the topic: Are there any anaesthesia given before the procedure?

Answer: No. Estheticians do not give any anaesthesia to clients before any treatment, one, because we do not have the training to administer medical grade drugs, and two, because really, a Brazilian wax isn’t that bad!

There are a few things you can do for yourself before a waxing treatment of any kind to reduce irritation and sensitivity.

*Remember: these are only suggestions and should not be taken as medical advice. Consult your doctor if you are unsure if these suggestions are ok for you!

1. Take an aspirin, antihistamine or Tylenol about an hour before your waxing service. These will make sensitivity or any slight pain you experience less of a worry and less noticeable.

2. Take a warm bath or shower an hour before your waxing service if possible. This will help to soften your skin and make your hair easier to remove.

3. Check with your pharmacist to see if they can recommend a skin numbing cream. These are available over the counter and do not require a prescription. Ask the pharmacist if the particular numbing cream contains any skin-thinning agents - if it does, ask for another as this could cause injury to your skin during waxing.

4. Ensure you are not on any skin thinning medications, such as accutane. Medications like accutane or retinol thin the skin severely; if you were to get waxed on one of these medications your skin would come right off! Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure about a medication you’re on.

5. Do not shave in between waxing services. Shaving causes your hair to grow back in more coarse (not thicker or in more amounts, but the hair is tougher). When coarse hair gets ripped out it is more painful; waxing keeps your hair smooth and baby soft - which feels a lot better when removed.

6. Steer clear of caffeine. Although quite stimulating first thing in the morning, it can cause skin sensitivity. If you really must have it, have it after your waxing service.

7. Is your hair long enough? Ensure that it is between ½ inch to ¼ inch long; any shorter will not deliver the best results. If your hair is longer - please trim! This will also ensure that when wax is applied to your hair, there will be less of a chance that your hair might get pulled or have wax stuck in it.

All estheticians who perform Brazilian, French and regular waxing services are senior estheticians; they have plenty of experience and are excellently trained in advanced waxing services...Read more about our spa team

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Time for Spring Cleaning at Le Petit Spa

Spring has sprung! Warmer temperatures and bikini clad bodies at Kits beach are just around the corner (hopefully!)

Time to start getting ready for bikini season and thinking about some “spring cleaning”.

A bikini wax is the perfect way to get ready for your vacation to warmer climates, or an easy way to maintain your bikini area at any time of year.

Whether you’re interesting in a regular, French or Brazilian bikini wax, Le Petit Spa has one that is right for you.

1. Regular Bikini wax - If you’re a beginner, this is where to start. Always covered and nothing left exposed, the regular bikini wax at Le Petit Spa removes all hair outside of the panty line. Most spas have their own versions of these extremely popular waxing services, so if you have never been to a particular spa before, be sure to ask about their specific services.

2. French Bikini wax - For the experienced bikini waxer who is ready to move up a level, the French bikini wax at Le Petit Spa removes all hair outside the panty line PLUS about an inch inward from your panty line. You choose exactly how much you want removed.

3. Brazilian Bikini wax - Not much choice in this one! You’ve done the regular and French, now its time to hit the beach Brazilian style (aka the full Monty, or absolutely everything gone!) This bikini wax removes every single itsy-bitsy hair from front to back - nothing is spared! The ultimate in clean feeling. It is suggested that you do gradually move into this bikini wax as it is quite invasive - make sure you are comfortable with having an esthetician working in every crevasse of that part of your body!

Check out Le Petit Spa’s waxing promotion, “Waxing Wednesday s” where you get your second waxing service at 50% off. Read more…

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