Keep calm and lay bare

MANILA, Philippines - There’s no way to prepare for the agony of waxing and there’s just no getting used to the pain of having multiple strands of hair plucked from your skin at a time. But while this holds many women back from getting into the habit of waxing, those who have tried it are converted for life. 

There are less painful alternatives to waxing like shaving, using depilatory creams, laser hair removal and going au naturel. However, waxing has its advantages. It’s the only hair removal procedure that minimizes hair growth when done regularly. On the average, waxing keeps you hair-free for up to two weeks and any regrowth would be finer, so there is also less chance of skin darkening or irritation from constant friction, as opposed to when you shave. Hair depilatory creams are also a headache. Aside from the pungent pang-kulot smell of most creams (no amount of freesia or almond scent is able to mask it), using the plastic spatula to scrape off hair is as barbaric as it is impossible. I haven’t tried laser hair removal, but my dermatologist tells me it is much like laser skin resurfacing –– brief, pinching hot pain that leaves the skin smelling burnt.

Monique Hilario, chief operating officer of Lay Bare waxing salon, got the idea of opening a waxing salon when she and her sister Fiona had to wait in line to have their legs waxed at a regular hair salon six years ago. “They had only one attendant and the line was so long. We saw the demand, so we decided to go for it,” says Monique. Today, Lay Bare has 52 branches and remains the only waxing salon of its caliber and price range in the country.

Of all the hair salons, skin clinics and mani-pedi centers that offer waxing services, why choose Lay Bare? Monique’s answer is simple: “Lay Bare has been around for six and a half years, we know what we’re doing. We use cold wax, because, in my experience, I know how painful scalding hot wax can be on contact –– what more when peeled off? We use all-natural waxes made with sugar and honey to minimize irritation, and we have a stripping technique that minimizes pain.”

How to prepare –– and survive –– waxing

• Get a wax five days after shaving, when your hair would be just the right length.

• While you can take ibuprofen prior to getting a wax to minimize pain, Lay Bare strongly suggests that you don’t. The salon is keen on upholding natural methods of avoiding a painful waxing experience by using cold wax jelly and the patch technique, wherein they wax off small portions at a time.

• To avoid irritation post-wax, you will be advised to not touch, wash, or put lotions or cream on the area. It’s best to get a wax at night, so you can go straight to bed and leave the area alone.

• To avoid ingrown hair, exfoliate with a soft washcloth regularly. Don’t squeeze or pluck the hair out. Do not scrub within the next 48 hours because the area might still be sensitive.

• If you’re getting a bikini or Brazilian wax, wear soft underwear and don’t wear jeans!

• Don’t even think it would be something you can do at home. DIY waxing takes a lot of time. It can also hurt a lot more — professionals have mastered the technique for efficiently removing hair with the least amount of pain, time and effort.

• Breathe normally, keep calm and lay bare.

Get into the habit

Lay Bare has been around for over six years and has 52 different locations. It prides itself in using all-natural products and methods, high standards in terms of hygiene and ambience, and reasonable prices. The chain recently opened a branch in Studio City, Los Angeles, California, which led the siblings to acquire more knowledge on international-caliber operations and service.

For years now, it has rewarded loyal customers through promotions that they can avail of via the Lay Bare Premier loyalty card, which is awarded for every P5,000 worth of accumulated services at any Lay Bare branch. Cardholders can avail a 10-percent discount for any waxing services and a 15-percent discount on the cardholder’s birthday month, and one free eyebrow threading service.

On Nov. 29, Lay Bare will be throwing Lay Bare Glow, an exclusive party for Lay Bare Premier Loyalty cardholders, 7 p.m. at Palladium, New World Hotel, Ayala Center, Makati. The neon-themed event will be hosted by Jazper Tiongson and Rizza Diaz. Music will be courtesy of DJ Callum David.

There are over 5,000 Lay Bare premier cardholders who enjoy exclusive discounts from Lay Bare’s partner establishments, which include CMG, Fully Booked, Lavish Lashes Studio, So! Fab, The White Hat, Res Toe Run, Forma, Folded & Hung, Bioessence, Plato Wraps, and GlamBox Airbrush Cosmetics.

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Visit www.lay-bare.com to known more about Lay Bare and the Lay Bare premier card, or like Lay Bare Waxing Salon on Facebook.