INTIMATE waxing

Make sure your clients feel comfortable and confident on your couch with our expert advice on how to offer a pleasant, professional and problem-free intimate wax, writes Melanie Macleod

There are certain treatments that have your clients skipping through the salon door, eager to lie down on the treatment bed.

And others? Not so much. Intimate waxing comes under the latter, with many clients apprehensive ahead of their Brazilian appointment.

That needn’t be the case, though.

Unlike a manicure, facial or massage, intimate waxing will likely never be a treat, but it can be a treatment your client feels positive about rather than dreading.

We spoke to intimate waxing pros for their advice on making it a pleasant appointment for all involved.

Step 1:

Put your client at ease

Easier said than done, especially if they’re new to waxing, but there are ways to make sure your client feels as comfortable as possible and it starts as soon as they walk into the salon, before they even step foot in the treatment room.

Be discreet

“An intimate wax can be daunting and your customer might feel nervous, even if they’ve been to you before,” explains Louise Wendt, trainer at NKD Waxing and Beauty School. “Never discuss their appointment in the reception – always do it in the treatment room.”

Explain the treatment

Outlining what will happen in the waxing treatment, even to returning clients, is vital.

“Explanation is key,” advises Jo Weller, professional training manager at Mooeys waxing salon in Surrey. “Explain what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. Similarly, explain the products you are using and why. This information will instil confidence in your customer that you’re a professional in your field.”

Wendt agrees, adding: “The more your client knows about what is happening, the more comfortable they will feel.”

Make conversation

At first your client might find it odd to have a chat when their legs are akimbo, but they’ll soon find it’s a great distraction tactic. “Try and distract your client with a normal, flowing conversation to take their mind off what you’re doing,” suggests Rebecca Priest, waxing specialist and educator for Hive. “Advise clients to breathe throughout the waxing process and tense from their stomach to minimise any discomfort.”

Step 2:

Consider the little things

Little touches will make an intimate wax feel more pleasant. If your client is nervous, Ashmira Botanica’s founder Tracey Smith suggests using a talc-free powder on the intimate area to absorb any sweat. “I’d also offer clients an intimate wipe to use before waxing so they can feel clean and comfortable,” she adds.

Check the temperature

Marta Zaczkowska, owner of The Waxing Specialist Academy in London, has a top tip for waxing novices. “Always check the temperature with the client by testing it on the inside of the thigh, just outside of the bikini line,” she says. “Do this a bit slower with new clients so as to ease them in.”

HELP! What to do if…

1. Your wax patch snaps

“Even the most experienced therapist will know that feeling of dread when this happens,” says Georgia Coward, marketing lead at Lycon. “The first tip is prevention: have a good amount of wax on your spatula, apply your patches evenly and get to know your wax. Every wax works differently and you need to experiment with how long it takes to set.

“If you’ve done these things and your patch still snaps, it is likely your client’s hair is growing in a few different directions. Try removing it in the opposite direction. Don’t forget, you can always apply more wax over the existing patch if you are in a pickle.”

2. There’s no hair free area

Anyone trained in waxing will know to apply the end of the hot wax to a hair-free area for smooth removal, but what if there’s nowhere hair free to begin? “Before you start your treatment, I recommend applying a small patch of wax to the back of your glove, which will act as a hair-free tab for removal,” advises Coward. “When you need it, remove the tab from your glove and press it (shiny side down) to your wax patch so that it adheres, then remove as you usually would.”

Zaczkowska says to triple check the temperature during the treatment. “Check at the start, in the middle and especially when you’re finishing,” she advises.

“There’s nothing worse than hearing you’ve burned a client.”

She has a few tips for checking wax heat too: “I can tell if the wax is too hot by the smell,” she says. “Also, if the texture is too runny, I know it will be too hot for the client to handle. Test this by seeing how quickly the wax drips from the spatula.”

Never use strip wax

“Always use hot wax. Strip wax is a big no-no,” says Jessica Kilby, Australian Bodycare’s UK head of education. “Hot wax is kinder to the skin and much less aggressive, so it reduces the chance of bruising and swelling. The warmth of the wax also opens up the pores so, in theory, the treatment is less painful.”

Look for leftover hairs

Never end your treatment without checking for leftover hairs either. “Get into the habit of asking your client to check if you’ve left anything behind,” says Zaczkowska. “They will appreciate this attention to detail.”

Wendt agrees, adding: “Ensure your clustomer is happy at the end of the treatment; offer them a mirror to check, and leave the room when they do this. You should be confident they won’t find any strays, but if they do, now is the time to correct this, not when they’ve gone home and have to call later to complain.

“We hear from clients who left previous salons as hairs were being missed, but they didn’t feel comfortable calling to explain.

Make sure they know they can tell you.”

Waxing in pregnancy

Waxing treatments need to be adapted for pregnant clients as they may find the heat more intense, or the procedure more painful. “Take a little more time with your treatment, and apply the wax in smaller strips,” says Wendt. She also advises pregnant clients will struggle to get into certain positions, so adapt it accordingly.

“Ask your client to roll onto their side to have the buttocks waxed rather that bringing their knees to their chest,” she says. “Understanding these points and your clients’ needs is an important factor in creating the most professional treatment.”

Step 3:

Aftercare essentials

Intimate waxing is one of those treatments where aftercare and homecare are essential, but know they are two different things.

Aftercare is all about telling the client what they should and shouldn’t do directly after, and for up to 48 hours after, their wax, Wendt says. This includes avoiding hot baths and working out in the gym, and sidestepping tight clothing.

“Homecare is very different,” Wendt points out. “This is about advising on suitable products to help with their concerns such as ingrown hairs. If you’re not recommending products then you’re not giving your client the most professional service.”

Your waxing brand of choice is likely to have a variety of homecare products you can retail.