Yes, you can keep waxing all winter in Denver, and your skin will thank you for a little extra prep. Our dry air, high altitude and cranked up indoor heat pull moisture out of your skin, so the best winter wax starts a few days before your appointment with gentle exfoliation, plenty of moisture and a little patience with how your skin feels afterward.
We have been waxing Denver for almost 13 years at our Berkeley and Central Park studios, and every fall we hear the same questions. Why does my skin feel tighter after a wax in November than it did in July? Is it worth keeping up with waxing when I am wearing leggings every day? Here is everything we share with our clients once the first snow shows up.
Why does waxing feel different in a Denver winter?
Denver sits at a mile high, and our air is dry for most of the year. Once the furnace kicks on, the humidity indoors drops even further, which leaves the top layer of your skin thirsty. When skin is dry, wax grips the surface a little more, and you may notice more redness or a tight, itchy feeling for a day or two afterward.
The good news is that this is easy to manage. Soft wax, which is what we use for most services, is designed to hold the hair firmly while being gentle on the skin, and our estheticians work in small sections to keep every pull quick. A few simple habits at home do the rest.
How should I prep my skin for a winter wax?
Think of the three days before your appointment as a small skin care ritual.
- Exfoliate gently two or three days before. A soft exfoliating glove or a mild scrub in the shower lifts away dry skin so the wax can grab the hair instead of the flakes. Skip it the day of your wax.
- Moisturize every day, then skip lotion the morning of. Hydrated skin handles waxing beautifully, although lotion or oil on the day of your appointment keeps the wax from gripping, so arrive with clean, dry skin.
- Drink your water. It sounds simple, yet at altitude it makes a real difference in how your skin feels.
- Let your hair grow about three weeks. Hair needs to be roughly the length of a grain of rice for the cleanest result, which is easy in winter when nobody is seeing your legs anyway.
What should I do after a wax when it is cold and dry?
Your skin is a little more open and sensitive for the first day after a wax, so treat it kindly.
- Keep showers warm rather than hot for the first 24 hours, and pat dry instead of rubbing.
- Wear soft, breathable layers. Tight leggings and thick synthetic fabrics right after an appointment trap heat and friction, which are the two biggest causes of bumps.
- Skip the hot tub, sauna and steam room for 24 to 48 hours, as tempting as they are in January.
- Moisturize with something gentle and fragrance free once the first day has passed, and consider a humidifier in your bedroom if your skin runs dry.
- Start gentle exfoliation again after two or three days to help keep ingrown hairs away.
If you are prone to ingrown hairs, our aftercare line from Just The Strip was created by our founder, Tawnya, for exactly this. Smooth Operator is our go-to for clients who get ingrowns regularly, and Truth Serum is a lovely choice for reactive skin. Ask your esthetician which one fits you best.
Is it worth waxing in the winter at all?
We think winter is the smartest time to wax. Hair grows in cycles, and the more consistently you wax, the more those cycles line up. Regular appointments every four to six weeks through the colder months mean your regrowth comes in finer and sparser, so by the time spring arrives your appointments are quicker and more comfortable.
Winter is also full of moments you want to feel smooth for, from holiday parties to a warm weather getaway out of DIA. Staying on schedule means you are always ready without a last minute scramble.
Which services do Denver clients book most in winter?
Our most requested service is the Brazilian wax all year long, and that holds true in winter too. Brows are a close second, since dry skin shows every stray hair, and many clients pair a brow wax with brow lamination or a lash lift for an easy, polished look under a beanie. Dermaplaning is another winter favorite, because it clears away dry, flaky skin and helps your moisturizer soak in.
Ready for your next wax?
If it is your first visit, your most expensive wax is 50% off at either studio, which makes a first Brazilian $32.50. Our estheticians will walk you through everything before your appointment begins, and they are always happy to talk winter skin care. Book online at our Berkeley or Central Park studio, or call us at 720-550-6673.
Winter waxing questions, answered
Can I wax if my skin is dry or flaky?
Yes. Dry skin is very common in Denver, and a little gentle exfoliation and daily moisture in the days before your appointment is usually all you need. If your skin is cracked, peeling from a burn, or has an active rash, wait until it heals before you wax that area.
Should I put lotion on before my wax?
Moisturize every day leading up to your appointment, then skip lotion and oil on the day of your wax. Clean, dry skin lets the wax hold the hair properly for a smoother result.
How long after a wax can I use a hot tub or sauna?
Wait 24 to 48 hours. Heat, steam and friction can irritate freshly waxed skin and make bumps more likely, so give your skin a day or two to settle first.
How often should I wax in the winter?
Every four to six weeks works well for most clients. Staying consistent through the winter helps your regrowth come in finer, so your appointments get easier over time.