Waxing Chicago

At MINTS Medical, Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad and his team offer Waxing. Give us a call or book a free consult online to schedule an appointment.

Waxing Q & A

WHAT IS WAXING?

“Waxing” is a form of semi-permanent hair removal which removes the hair from the root.

HOW DOES WAXING WORK?

We utilize the best waxing products on the market and our technicians are trained in the art of waxing. You can either utilize a hard wax or soft wax for certain skin and hair types. The technician pulls either the wax itself or a strip to remove hair from the follicle after trimming hair to desired ¼ inch length. The technician may also tweeze if necessary. There may be an extra charge for trimming or tweezing certain areas.

IS  WAXING SAFE?

Yes, waxing is very safe as long as there are no contraindications. Contraindications are listed in the “how should I prepare for waxing question” below.

Areas safely waxed are:

• Face
• Nose
• Eyebrows
• Ears
• Brazilian
• Bikini
• French (halfway between a Brazil and Bikini)
• Fingers
• Arms
• Underarms
• Half Leg
• Full Leg
• Toes

HOW DOES A WAXING SESSION FEEL?

Pulling hair out from the root is going to be painful whether you are waxing, plucking, epilating, sugaring or threading. Most of all it comes down to the individual’s pain threshold but also very importantly, the technician’s mastery of technique. When we are tired, run down and stressed, life in general can seem more ‘painful’. This is no different when having your hair removed. Also 3 days prior to menstruation, we are known to be more sensitive so take that into account.

The best way to make your waxing experience less painful is to be regular – you will find that having frequent sessions, every 4 weeks, will not only allow you to have a better overall effect but also it will be less painful.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS DO I NEED?

This is not a permanent hair removal solution, you’ll need to keep coming to remove hair.

WHAT IS THE DOWN TIME?

Waxing may cause redness and irritation but it usually only lasts a day at most.

HOW LONG BEFORE I SEE THE RESULTS?

You’ll have all hair removed that day, and you’ll need to wait until the hair is about ¼ inch long to come back for your next wax. You’ll want to come every 4 weeks to maintain.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

No, other than mild redness, there should not be any effects. The area may feel tender and can be iced and soothing aloe can be applied.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY WAXING?

You are NOT a candidate for waxing if one of any of the following apply:

• Sunburned, irritated or areas with open skin cannot be waxed.
• Moles cannot be waxed.
• You must wait a minimum of seven (7) days before waxing after a light chemical peel or Microdermabrasion.
• Waxing cannot be performed if you have been in a tanning booth the same day.
• Waxing cannot be performed if you have had laser skin resurfacing within the past year.
• Waxing cannot be performed if you have had a physician administered peel within the past two (2) years.

WARNING: Waxing is never done on clients taking Accutane and is not recommended for clients taking Retin A, Renova, Differin or other types of skin thinning acne medications. Please read the label carefully and consult your dermatologist if you are taking any medication or using any topical cream that contains these medications. Individuals do react differently to these medications and sometimes waxing can be done if proper patch testing is completed.

MEDICATION LIST THAT DISQUALIFIES YOU AS A WAXING CANDIDATE:

• Accutane (Acne medication) – You must be off this medication treatment course a minimum of one (1) year prior to waxing.

• Adapalene (Acne medication)
• Alustra (Retin A)
• Avage (See Tazorac – Acne medication)
• Avita (See Retin A)
• Differin (Acne medication)
• Isotretinoin (See Accutane)
• Renova (See Retin A)
• Retin A (Acne and Anti-aging medication)
• Tazarac (Acne medication)
• Tazarotene (See Tazorac)
• Tretinoin (See Retin A)

CAUTION: If you are currently using any of the following, please inform your technician. These products can make the skin more sensitive. Thin, sensitive skin is more vulnerable to lifting and sensitivity during waxing.

• Other Acne medications not listed above
• Bleaching agents for hair (used mostly for upper lip)
• Bleaching agents for pigmentation of skin (Hydraquinone, Trilumena)
• Previous chemical depilatories such as Nair
• Benzoyl Peroxide (ProActive has this)
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic, Lactic)
• Oral Antibiotics
• Topical Antibiotics
• Retinol
• Salicylic Acid
• Other exfoliants

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER A WAX?

• If irritation should occur, recommend you use an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin to keep the area continually moist to avoid infection and scabbing.
• No sun/tanning booths for 2 days following a waxing treatment. Extra precaution should be taken if using tanning accelerators. Wait 2-3 days to wax before/after tanning with accelerators.
• No hot baths for 24 hours following a body waxing treatment.
• No abrasives (EXFOLIATION) for 24 hours following a waxing treatment.
• No deodorants for 24 hours following an underarm waxing treatment.
• Women may experience extra sensitivity to waxing up to a week prior to the beginning of their menses.