Harley Wax Survival Guide to Waxing
Tips and Tricks for beginners

Are you afraid or nervous about getting your first wax? Here are some tips and tricks that will help you survive your first waxing experience and get hooked on our products!

Waxing has rapidly become the most common service offered at beauty salons and spas over the last several years. Most people choose waxing as a more longer-lasting hair removal option for their eyebrows, upper lip, armpit or even some more intimate places. But for those who have never done it before (or who've done it once and had a bad experience), it can seem a bit frightening. That is why we have put together a survival guide with some tips and tricks for those of you thinking about giving waxing a try so that you can get the inside scoop on everything from preparation and pain to what kind of results to expect.

Who Should Wax

Waxing is a great substitute for shaving if you have hair you're uncomfortable with. Waxing is recommended for people of all ages and both genders. It is also recommended that people start getting wax treatments at a young age, when the hair is fine and will be less painful to remove; anyone can get it done, regardless of age.

Waxing vs. Shaving

Waxing is a better option as it removes the hair straight from the root. When you shave you are just cutting the hair, so two hours later, you can see the hair again or the blue shadow (the hair follicle below the skin). On the other hand, not only can waxing last up to a month, but it's a more permanent option—over time it thins the hair so less grows back. As a bonus, it also exfoliates the skin which leaves you feeling silky smooth.

Preparing for a Wax

If you're worried about pain or discomfort, you should ensure that your waxing technician only uses Harley wax as it is proven to be 98% effective against pain. An exfoliating scrub the day before is also recommended or our Harley Pre-Waxing Oil which is used with our Harley Hot Wax as it enables the wax to shrink wrap to the hair and not the skin. It is also advisable that you do not apply body lotion the day of the wax. Also, for underarm waxing, it is recommended   that you use deodorant without antiperspirant as it comes off easier.

How Often to Wax

If you've shaven recently, you should wait five days before waxing.  The time also varies between waxes, as it depends on how quickly or coarsely the hair grows back. It is best recommended that you wait around a month.

What to Expect

Your waxing technician will first clean and disinfect the area with something like the Harley Cleanser/Toner. After that, they'll apply the wax and remove small areas of hair at a time. There are two different kinds of wax, soft wax and hard wax. Soft wax is done with paper or muslin strips, and hard wax is removed without strips. Hard wax is used to remove hair in the bikini, underarm and face area; soft wax is used on larger areas of the body such as the legs, arms or back. Afterwards, she'll remove any waxy residue and apply cream or post-wax product such as Harley After Care Oil.

The Pain Factor

Waxing is uncomfortable because the hair is being pulled all the way out. If the roots are not pulled out, the discomfort is minimal but the results are also minimal. Discomfort is only felt at the time of service and stops immediately after. The Harley Pre-Wax Oil reduces the pull on the skin, thus reducing the pain, redness

There is always special uncertainty when it comes to waxing the bikini area, but it is actually very similar to the procedures for the rest of the body & has become one of the most common waxing areas.

Bikini vs. Brazilian

A Brazilian wax removes more hair than a bikini wax. A bikini focuses on the front and sides (what would be visible in a your underwear or bikini) and the Brazilian removes the front, sides, back and everything in between, often only leaving a strip of hair in the front—or none at all. It is recommended that you leave your underwear on during a standard bikini wax, but for a Brazilian, you'll have to be without your underwear. 

The top reasons for having a Brazilian wax are cleanliness, convenience and, of course, sexiness.

Does It Hurt More?

Some women can't do the bikini wax, but they are perfectly okay with having their eyebrows. Others can do the bikini wax, but they can't stand to wax their legs. Everyone is different. But the discomfort does become less the longer you do it. Eventually the hair becomes weak to a point where it doesn't hurt at all.

Does It Matter What Time of the Month It Is?

Waxing usually hurts more the week before you menstruate, so it's best to go in the week after. If you’re pregnant then waxing will be just like always, some days we are a little more sensitive than others.