Many clients are aware that a cheap at-home waxing kit is a poor substitute for professional hair removal, but if salon visits hurt as much as DIY jobs, they may reconsider their regular appointments. This guide will cover how to make waxing less painful, so you can keep your schedule full and your clients happy.
Key considerations for less painful waxing
Ready to improve your clients’ comfort levels? Here are a few ways to make waxing less painful:
Use high-quality wax
A great hair removal experience begins with the best hard and soft waxes on the market. If your products aren’t hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and designed to melt at lower temperatures, you risk high reactivity, discomfort, and skin damage.
Our Penny hard wax is the perfect solution for sensitive skin and intimate areas, including the face, underarms, and bikini line. For the softest soft wax you’ll find for the legs, arms, and larger areas, check out our creamy Patina soft wax.
Use proper waxing techniques
As a professional esthetician, your clients trust that you know how to make waxing less painful by:
- Holding skin taut
- Pulling parallel to the skin
- Applying pressure immediately after wax removal
- Avoiding over-waxing
- Working quickly and confidently
These techniques can reduce discomfort, minimize the risk of bruising, and help ensure a fast and effective treatment.
Prep skin properly
To help ensure a painless waxing session, you should always follow proper preparation protocols. Check that hair growth is at least one-quarter inch long, cleanse the area, and use a light pre-wax oil before applying hard wax.
Keep wax at the right temperature
From hard wax beads to soft strip waxes, every product has a unique melting point. This temperature ensures your solution is hot enough to adhere well to hair without damaging the skin and nerve endings.
Read more: What Temp Should Hard Wax Be?
What to recommend to clients
New waxing clients may not realize they also have the power to make waxing less painful. Here are a few tips to discuss with clients before their first session:
Over-the-counter pain relief
Encourage your clients to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) 30 to 45 minutes before their session. Alternatively, they can apply a topical numbing cream according to the instructions for the specific product they choose.
Of course, freshly waxed skin can also hurt. If your clients experience redness, swelling, or discomfort in the early aftercare period, suggest ibuprofen (Advil) for symptom relief. However, this medicine has a blood-thinning effect and should be avoided during the actual waxing appointment.
Appointment timing and scheduling
Pain perception is highly subjective and fluctuates with hormonal changes. Menstruating clients usually find that their pain level peaks three to five days before their period.
But hormones are only one part of the equation. Stress, lack of sleep, and excessive caffeine can also contribute to discomfort, so encourage clients to reschedule their appointment if they’re not feeling up to it.
Pre-wax skincare
How your clients care for their skin in the days before a wax can have the biggest impact on their discomfort during treatment. Consider sending an automated text or email as each appointment approaches, reminding clients to:
- Gently exfoliate 24 to 48 hours before their session
- Minimize their caffeine intake
- Keep their skin hydrated
- Stay out of the sun
- Avoid harsh skincare products
Encourage consistency
A consistent waxing schedule is one of the best ways to make hair removal less painful, as it causes hair to grow back thinner, finer, and sparser. Over time, certain follicles may weaken and stop producing new strands altogether.
Read more: How To Encourage Clients To Make a Waxing Routine
Making a calm, comfortable environment
It’s easy to forget about the role the nervous system plays in a comfortable waxing experience. Here’s how to refine the vibe of your treatment space to make waxing less painful:
Communicate openly with clients
We can’t overstate the importance of clear communication before, during, and after a waxing session. Your clients are more likely to schedule with confidence when you give them instructions to prep their skin for treatment, walk them through each step of the waxing process as you perform it, and encourage them to reach out if they encounter any issues as they heal.
Encourage consultations
Even if you accept walk-ins, budget time at the beginning of each session to go over the essentials with your client. This allows you to assess their skin and ask questions about any health conditions they have, topical products they use, and medications they take. These factors are important and will help you deliver less painful waxing services.
Create a soothing atmosphere
Whether your clients are booking Brazilian, bikini line, or brow waxing services, it’s normal to feel a little antsy before a session. After all, they’re about to have hair ripped out of their skin with hot wax! Cultivate a zen environment with a clean, uncluttered space, ambient background music, and soft lighting.
Related: What’s the Best Hard Wax for Sensitive Skin?
Level up your business and connect with waxing professionals at Enso Wax!
When it comes to waxing, you’re the specialist in the room, so it’s up to you to make the process less painful! Enso Wax is here to help with high-quality waxes and a supportive online community. Ready to connect? Reach out today!
