The best time to wax before a ski trip is two to three days before you leave for the mountains. That gives any redness time to calm down before you pull on base layers, climb into a hot tub or spend the day in high altitude sun, so you can enjoy every part of the trip with smooth, comfortable skin.
Living in Denver means the mountains are always calling, whether it is a quick day at Winter Park, a long weekend in Breckenridge or a cabin trip with friends. After almost 13 years of waxing Denver at our Berkeley and Central Park studios, we have helped plenty of clients get ready for ski season, and these are the tips we share most.
How many days before a ski trip should I get waxed?
Book your wax two to three days before you head up. Most redness fades within a day, although giving your skin a little extra time is smart when your plans include tight ski layers, hot tubs and saunas. If you have never been waxed before, especially if you are thinking about a first Brazilian, book that first wax four to six weeks before your trip, since we never want you trying something new just days before you leave. Your skin gets used to waxing, and your wax before the trip will be cleaner and more comfortable.
Try not to wax the day before or the morning you leave. Freshly waxed skin is more sensitive for the first 24 to 48 hours, and that is exactly when you want to be soaking in the hot tub after your first day on the slopes.
Can I use a hot tub or sauna after waxing?
Give it 24 to 48 hours. Hot water, steam and chlorine can irritate freshly waxed skin and make bumps more likely. This is the biggest reason we suggest waxing a few days ahead, so the hot tub is fully on the table by the time you arrive.
Is mountain sun a problem after waxing?
It can be. The sun is stronger at altitude, and snow reflects it right back at you, which is why so many people come home from a ski day with a goggle tan. Freshly waxed skin is more sensitive to UV for a day or two, so if you are waxing your face, brows or lip before a trip, wait a couple of days before long hours in the sun and wear a good sunscreen on everything that is exposed.
What should I wear after a wax on a ski day?
Base layers and ski pants are snug by design, and friction is the main cause of bumps after waxing. Waxing a few days ahead solves most of this. Once you are on the mountain, soft, moisture wicking layers that are clean and dry help keep your skin comfortable, and changing out of damp layers after a long day makes a real difference.
Which services should I book before a mountain trip?
- Brazilian or bikini wax for hot tubs, swimsuits and zero razor stress. See our bikini wax and Brazilian pages for the difference.
- Legs and underarms so you can pack light and skip the razor entirely. Find every body wax on our waxing menu.
- A lash lift and tint so your lashes look lifted and dark with no mascara running under your goggles. Book it at least a day before you travel, since lashes should stay dry for the first 24 hours. Learn more on our lash lift page.
- Brows, whether a quick brow wax or brow lamination, for a fresh, polished look in every chairlift photo.
How do I keep ingrown hairs away on a trip?
Pack a gentle exfoliating glove and start using it two or three days after your wax, a few light passes in the shower every few days. Keep your skin moisturized, since mountain air is even drier than Denver’s. If you tend to get ingrowns, a serum like Smooth Operator from Just The Strip, the aftercare line our founder Tawnya created, is easy to toss in your bag.
Book before the snow gets busy
Weekend appointments fill quickly once ski season starts, so book a week or two ahead when you can. First-time clients get 50% off their most expensive wax at either studio, which makes a first Brazilian $32.50. Book online at our Berkeley or Central Park studio, or call us at 720-550-6673. Our Central Park studio is right off I-70, which makes it an easy stop on your way up to the mountains.
Ski trip waxing questions, answered
How long before a ski trip should I get waxed?
Two to three days before you leave is ideal. If it will be your very first wax, book it four to six weeks before your trip, then come back two to three days before you leave.
Can I go in a hot tub after a Brazilian wax?
Wait 24 to 48 hours. Hot water, steam and chlorine can irritate freshly waxed skin, so a little patience helps you avoid bumps.
Can I get a lash lift before a ski trip?
Yes. Book it at least a day before you travel, since your lashes should stay dry for the first 24 hours. After that, it holds up beautifully to snow, sweat and hot tubs.
Do I need sunscreen after waxing in the mountains?
Yes. Freshly waxed skin is more sensitive to sun for a day or two, and UV is stronger at altitude, so wear sunscreen on any exposed skin and wait a couple of days after a face wax before long hours outdoors.