Frequently Asked Questions About Body Waxing

Testimonials   Privacy Policy  River Rock Home 

Body Waxing?  Why won't you wax my face for me?

On women, the facial hair (except the eyebrows) is under hormonal control.  Unlike the rest of your body hair, facial hair when waxed will come back thicker, stronger and bring friends!  Obviously we are in the business of helping you eliminate your hair problem, not making it worse.  Therefore we do NOT wax on the face.  Period.  We will happily tweeze your eyebrows for you and professionally sculpt them.  Perhaps you'd like to consider having them permanently shaped with expert electrolysis.

Is it safe to get waxed?  I heard you can catch diseases from waxing ick!?

Being highly germaphobic ourselves we appreciate this question.  In this area it is very common to see poor hygiene in waxing establishments.  On a recent undercover shopping expedition an investigator found that in the Chippewa Valley most of the salons/spas were not following proper hygiene and putting their clients at a very real risk of post waxing infections of all kinds from herpes to warts to worse! 

At River Rock we utilize fresh hospital grade latex-free disposable gloves for EVERY waxing service to minimize exposure.  We also NEVER double dip waxing sticks as this transfers bacteria to the warm wax pot and allows it to breed there and passes it to the next client. 

For strip waxing (where one uses a heated wax, applies it to the skin then rubs a piece of fabric or strip on the wax then zips off the strip hence the name strip wax) we utilize the patented PHD Waxing System.  PHD stands for Professional Hygienic and Disposable.  It has disposable applicators that are changed for EACH client and a one way valve in the applicator that prevents the wax from "backwashing" like a roll on system does so the used wax and applicator never touch the wax supply eliminating any chance of cross contamination of product.

For hard waxing of coarse hair such as bikini line or under arm hair, we utilize fresh applicators for each application and NEVER double dip or if you are frequent client we simply keep and label your own pot of wax used only for you.

We clean the skin before each treatment with state approved antiseptics and utilize hospital level disinfection and sterilization on all our non-disposable implements and tools. 

Waxing is very safe with proper after care by the client and proper hygiene by the technician.  If you have a doubt about your salon's waxing, see sticks left in their wax pot, or they don't glove, don't risk an infection just leave immediately.

Really, you wax men too?  What kind of guys do that?

All sorts of men, especially one who wants to look great without any effort.  Every day we work with male clients from all walks of life from farmers to construction workers to teachers and executives.  Being hair free isn't just for women.  Many men are enjoying being maintenance free and riding themselves of unwanted back hair, eyebrow hair, and excess body hair.  Many very athletic men including bicyclists, body builders, swimmers, and runners find waxing far more esthetically pleasing and easier than shaving body hair before competing.  Unlike shaving stubble, waxed areas grow in finer and softer feeling and pass the "snuggle" test.  Is it easier to shave every day or wax once a month or so?

How should I prepare myself before getting waxed?
The best way to prepare yourself is to first relax and know you're in good hands.  Our staff is very well trained and experienced.  Our goal is to make this treatment as pleasant as possible and to help you be as comfortable with the procedure as possible.  Trust us, we've seen it all before!  You can be confident in our hygiene practices and in our skill.  We have done thousands of body waxes including thousands of extreme bikini line work for men and women.

You may want to avoid using harsh soaps or astringents for 2 hours before and after waxing. Definitely avoid any tanning or hot water (hot showers, hot soaking baths, hot tubs etc.) for 8 hours before or after treatment.  A normal warm shower to clean up before waxing is appreciated.  Some clients choose to take an OTC pain reliever such as Advil or Tylenol 45 minutes before their appointment.  We have also found that clients that take an antacid or two 30 minutes before their appointment experience less redness post treatment.  If you are taking prescription medications for acne or using Retinol type products we will be unable to provide you with waxing services due to the potential for skin damage.

 

How often should I get waxed?
Your Electrologist or Esthetician will develop a custom treatment plan for you detailing how often you need to come in for best results.  On average every 3 to 4 weeks is the recommended or when the hair reaches 1/4 inch in length. The first wax it is ideal to have hair slightly longer, about 1/3" long.  We can always trim hair that is too long, but it is difficult to get smooth results if hair is not long enough!  Better too long then too short!

 

Will the treatment hurt--I've seen waxing in movies...will I die?
It will be uncomfortable but tolerable. As Dr. B. always says, "Your first waxing can be a bit of a religious experience and subsequent waxes are a walk in the park!"  The first time you wax is always more uncomfortable than later waxes.  After all, you have allowed those hairs to grow for years in some cases and they can be extremely coarse.  If you can tweeze you can wax just fine. 

As you continue with waxing the treatments will be more and more comfortable as we are dealing with new smaller hairs and you will be able to space them out a bit more.  Removing hair directly from the follicle is never super comfortable, but our staff is professional, fast, and highly experienced.  If you can stand to remove a band-aid really fast you can wax just fine.  Really in the movies, they do just about everything wrong or shall we say on purpose for dramatic effect? LOL.  Professional waxing is so fast you'll be done before you know it and really, you'll be okay the sensation stops immediately after.

 

What should I wear?
This of course depends on the area to be waxed and your personal comfort/modesty level.  A few suggestions:

Avoid wearing clothes that will fit tightly over the area to be waxed.  This can cause uncomfortable chafing or rubbing after your waxing.  For the back or chest to wear a darker colored soft shirt as wax can stain lighter colored fabrics.  For the underarms, you may wear a tank top or remove your shirt.  For most hair patterns, ladies may keep their bra on.  For leg waxing you may wear looser fitting pants or skirt and for full leg waxing an old swimsuit or underwear.

For all bikini line waxing, during the treatment you can leave your underwear on or off.  Depending on what hair you would like removed, select appropriate underwear styles (i.e. a thong if you want the derriere waxed).  We prefer to provide disposable underwear for those having bikini line/genital waxing done as there can be some wax residue and we'd hate to ruin your favorite pair.  With the Playboy or the full Sphinx wax it is easier for us if you are comfortable without your underwear and instead use our disposable pairs but we respect your modesty.

How long will it take?
That depends on the area and how much hair you have. We never upcharge.  For bikini waxing plan up to an hour, for legs and bikini up to 90 minutes.  For a back or chest plan up to 60 minutes.  For underarms or arms plan 15-30 minutes.  If you are an electrolysis client we simply charge by treatment time.  We will only charge you for the time we use and we will do our best to estimate the worst case scenario for you ahead of time so there are never any surprises here when it is time to pay.  Generally, virgin waxing takes longer then subsequent waxes as there will only be the active growing hair present so there will be less of it.  If you are a waxing only client please see our fee schedule below.

What kind of wax do you use?
We utilize many different types of both hard and soft wax depending on the area to be waxed, they type of hair growth and the client's skin.  We do not change any additional fees for hard waxing and tend to use hard wax (a.k.a. stripless wax, European wax or Brazilian body wax) on underarms and bikini lines as a rule as these tend to have very coarse hair.

I've heard there are different types of Bikini Waxes or patterns.  What patterns will you do?
Great Question!  We offer many types of Bikini Wax Treatments for men and women: Including the Regular Bikini, Brazilian Bikini, the EO, Playboy Bikini, The EC2, the Boxer Brief, and the Sphinx (a.k.a. the Full Monty, the Bare All Bikini and incorrectly as a Brazilian).  Presented in order from least hair removed to most:
 

The Regular Bikini Wax - For ladies, this wax removes all hair outside of the brief style panty line.  This is a very conservative wax, perfect if you need a clean line for a swim suite or athletic brief. 

 

The E.O.--For gentlemen, the most conservative wax would be our E.O. wax, or the Equipment Only wax.  The hair is removed from the penis and scrotum only.

 

The Brazilian Bikini Wax - Is really a very modest wax for ladies and is all about the backside!  Picture what is covered by a thong, we don't remove what would be covered everything outside the thong goes.  It leaves a rectangle-like stripe or triangular shape in the vaginal area, two to three fingers in width. Hair is NOT removed from the labia (outer folds of the vulva also called the lips). Hair is removed from the derriere (buttocks) and in the cleft between them.  Named for the look made famous by Brazilian women that wear tiny thong Bikinis, as you could never spot any hair when looking from behind. With the Brazilian it's not what you leave up front it's what you don't leave as viewed from behind.      

 

The Playboy Bikini Wax*  OUR MOST POPULAR LADIES' WAXING PATTERN - Basically we will remove all the hair from the vulva/genital region leaving a small "landing strip" in various shapes on top of the pubic mound.  All hair is removed from the labia; all hair is removed from the derriere.  Named after the famous Playboy Playmates featured in the magazines because that's what you'd see on the models.  We commonly hear this called the Brazilian around here so that makes us giggle a little bit...

 

This is an excellent choice if you tend to have the dreaded "swampy" condition or suffer from yeast infections.  From a hygienic perspective, this can be the best option for easy cleansing and drying of the genital area.  Genital hair tends to trap moisture creating a perfect warm moist environment for a host of bacteria and fungal infections.  If you happen to have psoriasis in the genital region, this is the wax we would recommend, you'd be surprised how quickly it seems to clear up once waxed. 

EC2 pattern:  For gentleman this is the playboy equivalent, it is commonly what you would see on male adult film stars and we would have to say it is the most popular male wax.  It includes removing the hair from the equipment, crack, and cheeks if needed.  We will also take it off the sides above the "equipment" leaving the hair above the penis in a shape and pattern of your choosing.  As the equipment is now visible as reported in Men's Health Magazine it tends to make the package look larger and fuller...enough said.  If you are an athlete and are battling swampy fungus issues, this is the wax for you.

 

For both genders, with the Playboy pattern or the EC2, the derriere and the backside cleft really are optional but recommended for the most esthetically pleasing results.  We know what you are thinking, but you will be surprised how little sensation that backside will have, after all its built to be sat on and used...

 

The Sphinx or Bare All Bikini Wax - For men and women.  In ladies, hair is entirely removed from the vulva area, labia, and from the derriere. Just like the name says, it's bare all. Sometimes this treatment is referred to as "The Full Monty" Bikini Wax and in these parts incorrectly as a Brazilian bikini wax.  For men this would be removing all the hair that would be covered by brief style underwear.  If you would like the upper thighs done, perhaps you would like the Boxer Brief pattern which removes what would have been covered by a Boxer Brief style underwear.

So um, it's due to be "that time of the month" when my bikini waxing appointment is scheduled should I cancel?
We realize that hair removal doesn't always coincide with your most convenient moments.  Although you will be feeling "not so fresh" really it doesn't impact our job at all or bother us in any way.  Feel free to keep your appointment as generally unless you are telling us we'd have never known.  We would recommend you utilize a tampon or the Instead soft cup type product,  If you are a tampon user you can tuck the string up and we will be all set to wax away.  We respect your comfort level and if you would rather reschedule of course we understand.

I have just tons of hair...I feel like sasquatch...really can you help me too?

Absolutely, remember what is a lot of hair to you and what is a lot of hair to us in our professional experience, are two very different things.  Trust us, you aren't alone, and every day we assist people just like you in eliminating years of embarrassing hair from virtually anywhere.  No one has too much hair for us to deal with. 

How much does it cost?  While we make every effort to update our website promptly, please check your consultation package for the current rate card!

If you are also an electrolysis client then we charge only for actual  treatment time for waxing and electrolysis. 

If you are a waxing only client then our fees are determined by area as follows:

Package Savings for the Guys (no pun intended)

    B.C.S. Championship Package $100 (save $20)

    Includes, well, the full backside and back including shoulders and tops of arms, and a playboy pattern in front

    Front to Back Package $100 (save $20)

    Includes the full chest to beltline and the full back to beltline skipping the bikini line

    T³ {Torso to Toe no Triplets} Package$150 (save $40)

    Includes full chest, full back including shoulders and tops of arms, and full legs skipping the bikini line

Packages for the Gals (also no pun intended)

    SinSational Package $130 (save $30)

    Includes the full leg and up to a Sphinx bikini line pattern and under arms

    Under Army Package $80 (save $20)

    Includes the arms, hands and fingers, under arms

    The Chihuahua Package $175 (save $45)

    Includes full leg and standard bikini line, feet and toes, full arms, hands and fingers, and under arms

We also offer pre-paid treatment savings: 

Prepay for 5 treatments and save 5%

Prepay for ten treatments and save 10%

Should I be tipping?

At our practice, we feel that every client deserves outstanding service for every treatment and as such it is included in the fees you pay.  While everyone loves extra money, tipping isn't expected or accepted at our office.  There are, however, other electrolysis practices and most salons and spas that feel differently so if you visit a new place feel free to ask.   

What forms of payment do you accept--do you send a bill?

We accept cash, checks, Visa or MasterCard at the time of service.  We are happy to provide a receipt or statement if you need it for your FLEX spending plan, income tax returns for deduction as an un-reimbursed medical expense, or your records. 

Ideas To Make Your Treatment More Comfortable
 

• Avoid caffeine 6 - 10 hours before treatment.

• Don't smoke 2-4 hours prior to treatment.

• You may want to try taking your favorite OTC analgesic, such as Tylenol, Advil, or aspirin, 30 minutes before your treatment.

• Practice using deep breathing and other relaxation techniques.  Remember it will be over very quickly.

• Consider using one of the topical anesthetics (numbing agents) we offer before you arrive for your treatment. 

• Try taking an antacid (Tums, Rolaids etc.) 30-45 minutes before your treatment, it helps reduce redness double quick! 

• Waxing services are not recommended and will not be performed for those clients using (or have used in the last 6 months) Acutane or Retin A products.  If you have utilized these or similar products please be aware there is a very real risk of loosing skin if you wax as these products by their very nature thin the skin!

• We are also unable to wax if you have tanned on the day of your waxing appointment, or if you have a visible sunburn or other non-intact skin issue for your own safety.

All About Unwanted Hair  Electrolysis Treatments  Links   Complimentary Consultations  Contact River Rock   Testimonials   Privacy Policy  Home  Body Waxing Home

© 2006-2007 River Rock Electrology Institute Inc.