Myth or Fact
A guest says: "I exfoliate with a scrub, so I don't need anything else."
MYTH
Scrubs only work on the surface- chemical exfoliants go deeper to actually prevent ingrowns.
Narcissus Bulb Extract
1. Target the hair as it grows back.
2. Disrupt the hair growth cycle. (slightly)
3. Condition the follicle and surrounding skin.
Which serum would you choose?
A guest says: "I get a lot of ingrown hairs and bumps, especially deeper under the skin."
Ingrown Hair Wipes
Remember that the wipes have the BHA in them which will help TREAT the active ingrowns that she already has.
A guest comes in for a brazilian and the waxer notices ingrowns under the skin, flaky skin, and redness. The guest already has the coconut body wash, and the waxer pulls ingrown hair serum and the coconut oil.
What (if anything) is wrong about her recommendation?
Not all the concerns were addressed. (redness and ingrowns UNDER the skin)
Needs: calming serum and ingrown hair wipes
A guest is experiencing ingrown hairs because dead skin is trapping hair under the surface.
Lack of exfoliation
A guest says: "I think my leggings are causing my ingrown hairs to get worse."
FACT
Friction and pressure can be a cause of ingrown hairs. Remember to wear loose fitting clothes when optional.
PHAs
1 Prevent ingrowns WITHOUT over-irritating
2. Hydrate while exfoliating (PHAs are humectants)
3. Strengthen the skin barrier
Which body wash would you choose?
A guest comes in with active ingrowns and hyper pigmentation. The guest says: " I have been dealing with this for a long time. I don't care about fixing the issues I just want something that will smell great and not throw off my PH."
Get Smooth Body Wash
This wash has the benefits of the PHAs and BHAs to target the issues at hand. Plus it smells great! Remember we are skin care experts, always push to solve the problem even when the guest doesn't "care".
A guest comes in for the very first time. Their skin does not have any active ingrowns and no hyper pigmentation. The guest doesn't say anything to the waxer about a routine she has at home. The waxer recommends coming back in 4 weeks and keeping up her product routine, because her skin is perfect.
What is wrong (if anything) about the product recommendations?
Remember that ingrowns start UNDER the skin!
Needs: a full routine to be established. wash, exfoliant, and a serum to prevent rather than treat!
A guest has redness and irritation immediately after waxing.
post-wax inflammation
A guest says: "I only get ingrown hairs in the summer. My skin is currently clear of ingrown hairs, so I don't need any other products."
MYTH
Ingrown hairs can happen year-round. Summer just adds sweat and friction.
Witch Hazel
1. Soothes WITHOUT over-drying
2. Tightens and tones the skin
3. Helps prevent bacteria buildup
4. Removes excess oil and residue
Which exfoliant would you choose?
A guest says: "I really don't like to have to many steps in my routine, but I have been having the ingrowns that are super deep in my skin."
This will add another step, but will get deeper into the skin to prevent the deeper ingrowns from happening.
A guest comes in for a leg service. The guest repeats that this is the only time she plans to be here for the service due to a trip. The waxer says that it is perfectly fine, however we still need to treat the skin. this will ensure you have perfect skin for your trip. The waxer pulls the ingrown hair serum, the aloe body wash, polish, and lotion.
What is wrong (if anything) with the waxer's recommendation?
NOTHING!
It is important to remember that we are working to ensure everyone's skin is properly cared for after their wax. Even if we only see the one time!!
A guest keeps getting clogged pores and ingrowns after their 4 weeks
pore-clogging/occlusive products causing buildup
A guest says: "My skin is too sensitive for your ingrown hair products."
MYTH
It is about using the right ingredients. The only thing that would stop someone from using the products is an allergy.
Glycolic Acid
1. Exfoliates the top layer of the skin (AHA)
2. Fades dark spots and discoloration
3. Smooths and brightens the skin
4. Prevents ingrown hairs
5. Helps other products work together by removing dead skin
AHA, BHA, or PHA?
A guest says: "I have been working on the texture of my skin for a while now and am just noticing how sensitive I am."
PHA
gentle and hydrating and helps targets the texture
A guest comes in for eyebrows and loves her brow service. After the wax the waxer uses the clear and light gel and the light liner to achieve the guests perfect eyebrow. After the service is complete the waxer pulls the light liner and tells the guest to come back in 4 weeks.
What is wrong (if anything) with her recommendation?
Pull EVERYTHING used to achieve that perfect brow.
clear and light gel, and the light liner
A guest complains about her skin feeling tight throughout the day.
Dehydration
A guest says: "Even if my skin feels smooth, I still use the ingrown hair products."
FACT
Ingrown hairs start below the surface - prevention matters before you see them.
Activated Charcoal
1. Draws out impurities from the skin
2. Helps prevent clogged pores
3. Balances excess oil
4. Detoxifies the skin after waxing
5. Supports smoother skin texture
Ingrown Hair Wipes or Serum?
A guest says: "I usually only get bad ingrowns and bumps during my second week and then the next 2 are pretty clear. I just want to solve that problem the best way possible."
BOTH
Remember that the products are not ALWAYS this or that using them together may be the best solution to target that harsh second week.
A walk in comes in and says that she has the ingrown serum, but doesn't feel like it will do anything for her skin. She states that she doesn't have any ingrowns or bumps and that she never did. She feels like she was just sold the product and would like to return it. The GSA returns the product.
What (if anything) was wrong about the product recommendation?
NOTHING
It is important that the guest know that the serum is an integral part of the routine. While she may have never had an ingrown before, changing from shaving to waxing is a big jump, and ingrowns will start under the skin. The serum is a preventative and it is ALWAYS easier to prevent than it is to treat.
A guest's skin is irritated, dry, and breaking out more after starting multiple strong exfoliating products at once.
A compromised skin barrier from overuse of active ingredients.