What are the best habits for preparing your skin before and after waxing?

Before your waxing session:

A quality result comes down to a few simple rules. The first: don't shave the relevant areas for at least two to three weeks beforehand. The hair needs to be between 3 and 5 mm long for the wax to grip it. On the day of your appointment, come with clean skin and no moisturiser or oil on the areas to be treated (any greasy substance stops the wax from adhering). Avoid self-tanners as well in the two days leading up to your session.

The setting at Bains du Marais is perfect for getting properly prepped: a hammam session followed by a body scrub is the ideal combo before heading into the treatment room. The warm, humid air opens up the pores and softens the hair, while the scrub clears away impurities and lifts out hairs that would otherwise tend to grow inwards, especially in denser areas like the back, chest or bikini line. You can book this combination in a single visit.

Lastly, if your skin tends to redden or react after waxing, let us know from the outset. Our practitioners can opt for oriental wax, whose sugar or honey base makes only limited contact with the skin. Be sure to mention any ongoing dermatological treatments too (retinoids, corticosteroids or antibiotics) that could affect your skin's resilience and tolerance.

After your waxing session:

The first 48 hours call for a little extra care. Your skin is in recovery mode: the pores are open and the skin reacts more than usual. So avoid very hot baths, the hammam, the sauna, and exposure to the sun or artificial UV. On the treated areas, steer clear of alcohol-based perfumes and self-tanners, which can trigger redness or breakouts.

That same evening, apply a light, unscented, non-comedogenic moisturiser to restore the skin's protective barrier. After the third day, add a weekly scrub to your routine: it's the best way to prevent ingrown hairs, a common issue for men, particularly around the bikini line, thighs and chest. By spacing out your sessions regularly, regrowth naturally becomes finer and each visit grows more comfortable.