How to Prepare:

1. Examine yourself
No matter which part of the body is being waxed or sugared, always check your skin before attending your appointment. Broken or inflamed skin requires healing before you’re ready for your procedure. If you have moles or beauty marks, point them out to your esthetician so they can be protected during the process.

2. Let it grow, but not too long
Keep hair long enough for the wax or sugar to grip it. When the hair is too short, it can't be picked up well enough to be removed; when it’s too long, it prevents the product from adhering well and causes more pain. Two to three weeks of growth, or about a quarter of an inch, is ideal for leg, underarm and bikini hair.

3. Light Exfoliation
Gently exfoliate your skin a day or two before your appointment, but skip harsh scrubs the day of. Exfoliation helps the product grab more hair and less skin, but it can also leave skin more sensitive to pain, so lighter is better. A rough washcloth or a gentle scrub is perfect for the exfoliation, but don’t scrub too hard.

4. Moisturize until the day of you appointment
Moisturize well on the days leading up to your appointment. Healthy, well-moisturized skin allows the product to release more easily. Too much moisturizer could coat the hair and interfere with the product's grip, so avoid moisturizing on the day of your session.

5. The bikini area
Whether you prefer a Brazilian or regular bikini, keep skin in the bikini area scrupulously clean. Hair removal in general can leave skin vulnerable to infection, and areas of the body that are normally warm and damp are more prone to bacterial growth.

6. Take a retin-a break
Certain medications can sensitize skin to hair removal. Retin-A creams do amazing things for fine lines, acne and uneven pigmentation, but they also leave skin susceptible to injury during waxing or sugaring treatments. Discontinue retinol-based products for two weeks before your appointment. Accutane users should have stopped taking their medication for 45 days before waxing or sugaring. If you take any prescription drugs that affect your skin, please speak to your health professional prior to scheduling an appointment.