Waxing remains one of the most popular hair removal methods because it’s fast, effective, and leaves skin smooth for weeks — but a great wax starts before you even walk in the door. Here’s our complete, honest guide to getting the best results.
Quick Facts
Ideal hair length before waxing: At least 1/4 inch (about the length of a grain of rice) — too short and the wax can't grip the hair properly.
How long results last: 3–4 weeks on average, since waxing removes hair from the root rather than just the surface.
Pricing at American Laser Plus: Full body waxing starts at $150. Individual area pricing available.
Where we wax: Private, women-only treatment rooms with premium wax formulated for sensitive skin and all skin tones.
Best time in your cycle: Many clients find waxing more comfortable in the week following their period, when skin sensitivity is typically lower.
Avoid before your appointment: Sun exposure, retinol/exfoliating products, and caffeine (which can increase skin sensitivity) for 24–48 hours before waxing.
Before Your Appointment: How to Prepare
Let your hair grow to at least 1/4 inch. This is the single biggest factor in how well your wax turns out — hair that's too short won't be gripped properly by the wax, leading to incomplete removal and unnecessary discomfort from repeated passes.
Exfoliate 24–48 hours before, not the day of. Gentle exfoliation a day or two beforehand helps lift dead skin cells so the wax can grip hair more effectively, but skip exfoliating the day of your appointment since freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive.
Skip retinol and other actives. Stop using retinol, retinoids, or strong exfoliating acids on the area for at least 48 hours before waxing — these thin the skin and increase the risk of irritation or lifting.
Avoid excess caffeine and alcohol the day of. Both can make skin more sensitive and prone to reacting during waxing.
Take a mild pain reliever if needed. If you're sensitive to discomfort, taking a standard over-the-counter pain reliever about 30–45 minutes before your appointment can help.
During Your Appointment
At American Laser Plus, every wax happens in a fully private, women-only treatment room — no shared spaces, no waiting rooms with other clients present during your service. Your esthetician will cleanse the area, apply a thin, even layer of premium wax in the direction of hair growth, then remove it quickly against the direction of growth to pull hair from the root. The whole appointment typically takes anywhere from 15 minutes for a smaller area up to about an hour for a full body wax, depending on which areas you're having done.
Immediately After: The First 24 Hours
Skip hot showers, saunas, and hot tubs for 24 hours — heat can irritate freshly waxed follicles and increase the risk of breakouts.
Avoid tight clothing over the treated area for the rest of the day to reduce friction and irritation.
Skip the gym for a few hours — sweat can irritate open follicles right after waxing.
Don't apply makeup, deodorant, or scented lotions to freshly waxed areas for at least a few hours.
Longer-Term Aftercare to Prevent Ingrown Hairs
Exfoliate gently 2–3 times per week starting a few days after your wax to keep dead skin from trapping regrowing hairs.
Moisturize daily to keep skin soft and support smooth, even hair regrowth.
Wear breathable fabrics for the first few days after waxing, especially for bikini or Brazilian waxing.
How Waxing Compares to Laser Long-Term
Waxing is a fantastic option for clients who want smooth skin without a multi-session commitment, but it's worth knowing it's a temporary method — hair grows back within 3–4 weeks, and you'll need ongoing appointments indefinitely to maintain results. If you're interested in eventually reducing hair permanently, many of our waxing clients transition to laser hair removal once they're ready for a longer-term investment. We're happy to talk through both options honestly at your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
At least 1/4 inch — about the length of a grain of rice. Shorter hair can't be gripped properly by the wax, leading to incomplete removal.
Most clients enjoy smooth skin for 3 to 4 weeks, since waxing removes hair from the root rather than just the surface.
There's a brief pulling sensation as each strip is removed, but most clients find it very manageable, especially with an experienced technician using proper technique.
Gently exfoliate 2 to 3 times per week starting a few days after your appointment, and keep skin well-moisturized between waxing sessions.
Yes. Every wax happens in a fully private, women-only treatment room with female staff only — no shared spaces or waiting areas during your service.
Book a Free Consultation at American Laser Plus
Located at 24619 Ford Rd, Dearborn Heights MI. Women-only studio. All skin tones welcome.
