Wax On, Wax Off: Hair Removal for Basking in the Sun 

by Kerri Cooke 

In the 1933 film Dinner at Eight, while talking about a Florida beach vacation, Jean Harlow declares, “You know, my skin’s terribly delicate and I don’t dare expose it,” before turning around to show her exposed back in her party dress. While winter is all about keeping skin dryness at bay and covering up in warm cashmere layers, the arrival of spring temperatures encourages dreams of summer beach days. These fantasies mean it’s time to book a waxing appointment if you don’t already have a regular waxing schedule. 

Jacquelyn Kraemer, a licensed esthetician and CEO/founder of BARE Body Waxing Studio, says that while BARE is busy all year, “during the spring and summer, we certainly see an uptick in online bookings and a flood of phone calls asking questions about body waxing, specifically Brazilian waxing. If we see new faces at BARE, it will definitely happen during the spring and summer.” 

 If you’re new to body waxing, you’ll want to follow a few steps to make your first appointment as smooth and painless as possible. First, make sure hair is at least ¼-inch long. You need to have enough hair for the wax to easily grip on to. Also, exfoliate one or two days before your appointment to clear away any dead skin cells and prep the skin for a clean sweep. Avoid scheduling your appointment right before, during, or right after your monthly cycle (if you’re opting for a Brazilian wax) when skin is more sensitive. It’s also best to avoid sunbathing or tanning beds prior to your appointment. Kraemer also suggests applying lotion the night before and the day of your wax, avoiding caffeine prior to your appointment, and wearing loose fitting clothing.  

Why choose waxing over shaving? The top reason people choose waxing is because it will take weeks for hair to resurface through the skin. Waxing eliminates hair at the root, while shaving just cuts off the top layer, requiring frequent maintenance. Waxing is also a great exfoliating method. Kraemer says, “By giving your skin this type of exfoliation treatment, any lotion or creams you apply after will be absorbed more efficiently, and your skin will be smooth and radiant.”  

It is recommended to schedule waxing appointments every four to six weeks for optimal results. The good news is that the more you wax, the less uncomfortable it will be. (Kraemer calls it “more of a sensation than a pain.”) Waxing weakens the hair follicle, so hair will slide out more easily with each successive visit. If you’re still apprehensive about ditching your razor, Kramer encourages you to wait to schedule a waxing appointment until you feel ready. “Do it for yourself, and don’t overthink it.” 

If you’re eager to hit the Gulf Coast beaches or stay at an exclusive island resort, ditch the razor and choose waxing for smooth, glowing skin on those days spent in your favorite bikini.