University Heights · Hillcrest
Wax Prep & Aftercare
How to prep for a Brazilian or body wax, and keep your skin smooth and ingrown-free.
Questions? Text us directly at 866.956.1605
- 4.9★ on Google & Yelp
- Open daily 9am–9:30pm
- Results last 2–4 weeks
- Free private parking
Before
How to Prep for Your Wax
A flawless wax starts before you walk through our door. Start a few days ahead.
Grow hair to about ¼ inch
The length of a grain of rice, usually two weeks after your last shave. Longer is fine; we trim it.
Exfoliate 1–2 days before
Use a gentle scrub or mitt to lift dead skin, then skip it the day of your wax.
Pause retinoids and strong acids
Stop retinol and acids about a week before any facial wax. On Retin-A or Accutane? Tell us before you book and we’ll suggest a safe service.
No sunburn, no tanning
Skip heavy sun, tanning beds and spray tans for 48 hours. We can’t wax burnt or irritated skin, and San Diego sun counts.
Day of Your AppointmentAppointment only, same-day accepted.
Shower, skip the lotion
Come in clean, with no lotion or oil on the area. We cleanse again before we start.
Go easy on caffeine and alcohol
Both can make skin more sensitive.
Wear something loose
Soft, roomy clothes feel best on the way home.
For men
Choose a male or female skin therapist when you book. Back or chest too? Add those areas to the same visit. See the men’s Brazilian.
For women
You’ll always see our female skin therapist. Bare or shaped, you decide in the room. On your period? A fresh tampon or cup is all you need. See the women’s Brazilian.
After
The First 48 Hours
Freshly waxed skin is open and sensitive. For two days, keep it cool, calm and covered.
Keep it cool
No hot tubs, saunas, hot baths, pools or ocean. A quick, cool shower is fine.
Rest from sweaty workouts
Sweat and friction can irritate open follicles. Light walking is fine.
Stay out of the sun
Then wear SPF 30+ on waxed skin.
Hands off the products
No scrubs, loofahs, self-tanner, retinol or strong acids yet.
Loose clothes help. Wear them for the first day so nothing rubs. Some redness or small bumps are normal and usually settle within a day or two.
Ongoing care
Between Waxes
A simple routine keeps skin smooth and ingrown hairs away.
Exfoliate from day three
Two or three times a week. This is the best way to prevent ingrown hairs.
Moisturize every day
A fragrance-free moisturizer keeps skin soft, so hair grows out, not in.
Put the razor away
Shaving between visits resets growth. Over time, regrowth comes back finer, softer and sparser.
After a face wax
Wait about 7 days before a peel, dermaplaning or resurfacing. Body waxing doesn’t affect facials.
Rebook every 3–5 weeks. Results last 2–4 weeks, and staying on schedule keeps each visit quicker and smoother. Got an ingrown hair? Don’t pick or tweeze it; keep exfoliating gently.
Good to know
Common Questions
When to Text Us
Text us if:
- redness or swelling lasts more than 2–3 days
- a bump turns painful, hot or fills with pus
- a rash appears, or anything worries you
Send a photo to 866.956.1605 and a skin therapist will reply. If you feel unwell or run a fever, see a doctor.
How long should my hair be for a wax?
About 1/4 inch, the length of a grain of rice. That is usually two weeks after shaving. Longer is fine; we trim it.
Should I exfoliate before waxing?
Yes, gently, one to two days before your appointment. Skip it the day of your appointment so skin isn't sensitive.
Can I put lotion on before my appointment?
Not on the area being waxed. Shower and come in clean, without lotion or oil, so the wax can grip the hair.
Can I get waxed on my period or while pregnant?
Yes to both. On your period, wear a fresh tampon or cup. Skin can be more sensitive at these times, so let your skin therapist know.
How soon can I work out or swim after waxing?
Wait 48 hours before sweaty workouts, pools, the ocean, hot tubs or saunas. A quick, cool shower is fine.
When can I go in the sun after a wax?
After 48 hours. Then use SPF 30+ on freshly waxed skin, and skip self-tanner for those first two days too.
How do I prevent ingrown hairs?
Exfoliate gently from day three, two or three times a week, moisturize daily, wear loose clothes for the first day and don't shave between visits.
Is redness after waxing normal?
Yes. Mild redness or small bumps usually settle within a day or two. If they last longer, or feel sore or hot, text us at 866.956.1605.
How long does a wax last?
Usually two to four weeks. Rebook every three to five weeks to stay smooth; regular waxing makes regrowth finer and sparser.
Can I wax if I use retinol or Accutane?
Pause retinol and strong acids about a week before any facial wax. If you're on Retin-A or Accutane, tell us before you book and we'll point you to a safe service.
Ready to go
Choose Your Service
For him
Men’s Brazilian
$75–$95. Front to back, cheeks included, with a male or female skin therapist.
See the men’s pageFor her
Women’s Brazilian
$75, about 15 minutes. Bare or shaped, always with our female skin therapist.
See the women’s pageHead to toe
Body Waxing
From $20 per area: back, chest, legs, arms, face and more.
See the full menuSee You Soon
1450 Washington St, Hillcrest · Every day 9:00 AM–9:30 PM · Free private parking