To Wax, or Not to Wax

Waxing might seem scary at first, but at the European Wax Center, the girls will make you feel right at home. We got the inside scoop on waxing from EWC employees, Candice and Jolyn. Candice is a peer trainer and has been working for EWC for seven years, and Jolyn is a wax lead who has been at EWC for two years. You can check out their work on Instagram at @bare_bycandice and @jolynbascoskin. It takes lots of training for someone to become qualified to wax you, so if you make an appointment you can feel sure you’ll be in great hands.

EWC has been around since 2004 and has 892 locations throughout the US. This makes EWC the ultimate place for college students because you can get waxed at your nearest location both at school and at home. EWC uses a hard wax made with all-natural beeswax that was formulated in Europe. They patented this wax to ensure that they’re the only provider.

When comparing waxing with other types of hair removal, waxing wins every time. It helps combat irritation and ingrown hairs that would normally occur with shaving and lasts for at least a few weeks. You should get waxed every 4-6 weeks, but after each service, your hair will begin to grow back thinner. After your first wax, the results will last around two weeks, because the hairs are coming back from different waxes. You should not shave or trim your hair between waxes, as this could cause you to have bumps and ingrown hairs.

To get comfortable with getting waxed, we recommend starting with the bikini line. Your waxer will talk you through the process and just have a normal conversation with you. Social media exaggerates the process. Your wax will be over in just 15 minutes, as the waxers at EWC are known as the “slowest speed waxers in the industry” to ensure you’re comfortable. Your first service will be the most difficult, but as your hair thins out it’ll get easier and easier. There’s nothing to worry about while you’re laying on the table because this is your waxer’s job. You shouldn’t apologize for body hair: your waxer won’t even think about it when you leave the room. Your waxer does their job because they love it, and it’s all normal for them.

Before you go in for your wax, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. If you’re dehydrated you’ll feel the pain more, because hydrated skin holds onto elasticity. Also, avoid alcohol before your appointment as it thins your blood causing your skin to become more irritated. You should exfoliate two days before your appointment.

After your wax, your pores will still be open and susceptible to bacteria. So, you should avoid any friction or heat, like working out. European Wax Center also recommends their products which are non-comedogenic, won’t clog your pores and are pH balanced, making them perfect for the bikini area.

European Wax Center is offering first-time guests the choice of a free brow, underarm or bikini line (outside panty line), or 50% a Brazilian (front to back) or bikini full (everything in front). You can make an appointment on the website, by downloading the EWC app or by calling the store. They also offer a student wax pass, where you buy four services upfront at a discounted rate, saving you 25%.

*EWC has made sure to sustain their cleanliness tactics and upped them even more because of COVID-19. Employees are required to wear masks and all surfaces are sanitized before and after each guest.