New Jersey Ban on Bikini Waxes Has Salon Industry Buzzing
Salon experts offer safety tips for waxing down there
If you’re in the Garden State and want a Brazilian bikini wax—where everything is removed but a “landing strip” — you may as well let your hedge grow.
At least for now.
A proposed ban in New Jersey on Brazilian bikini waxes is leaving women looking to wax down there on their own—and has salons across the country buzzing.
“Bikini waxing—not just Brazilian—is technically illegal right now in New Jersey,” says Rosemary Weiner, chairman of the NJ-based Association of Salon & Spa Professionals and chairman of the nationwide Day Spa Association Advisory Board. “This is horrendous to salon and spa owners. Especially now—it’s the season when Brazilian and bikini waxes are most popular. It’s a huge income loss.”
Bikini waxing has not been permitted in New Jersey for years, a fact that came to light when a salon was cited for performing Brazilian waxing. The NJ Board of Cosmetology is currently revisiting the regulations.
Anyone who’s gotten a bikini wax (nevermind Brazilian—ouch!) knows the procedure can be painful and leave unsightly ingrown hairs and rashes.
Still, Shobha Tummala, founder and CEO of the New York City-based Shobha salons (www.shobhathreading.com), says the New Jersey ban is giving bikini waxes a bad rap.
“We provide our clients with a list of precautions prior to receiving any treatments. In fact, we inform people that waxing can cause minor bumps, etc.,” Tummala says. “It is extremely important to follow strict hygienic practices during the waxing treatment as well as the first 48 hours after the treatment.”
So, make sure to do your homework before choosing a salon. To help, here are some tips and guidelines from salon experts:
*Look around—the salon should look clean and sanitary.
*Your practitioner should wear plastic gloves during the waxing.
*No double dipping allowed. This means there should be plenty of new applicators available and an applicator should never be dipped twice in the wax. Otherwise, you risk the chance of bacteria spreading from one individual to another. (This is actually quite common; so beware.)
*Your practitioner should be licensed to practice the service.
*Don’t get waxed during your period—this is when pain is greatest. In general, it’s best to go a few days before or after your period.
After the wax:
*Expect to be sensitive. A cold compress and anti-inflammatory cream will help.
*Reduce the risk of in-grown hairs with products like Tend Skin (www.sephora.com).
*Avoid tanning beds and sun tanning on this delicate area for at least 48 hours. (So if you’re waxing right before a beach vacation, give yourself at least two days to recover).
Lastly,
*Abstain from sex. A hot date? Book accordingly. Medical experts recommend waiting 48 hours. Post-wax, your body is most susceptible to outside bacteria, and sex could cause infection.
If you’re in the Garden State and want a Brazilian bikini wax—where everything is removed but a “landing strip” — you may as well let your hedge grow.
At least for now.
A proposed ban in New Jersey on Brazilian bikini waxes is leaving women looking to wax down there on their own—and has salons across the country buzzing.
“Bikini waxing—not just Brazilian—is technically illegal right now in New Jersey,” says Rosemary Weiner, chairman of the NJ-based Association of Salon & Spa Professionals and chairman of the nationwide Day Spa Association Advisory Board. “This is horrendous to salon and spa owners. Especially now—it’s the season when Brazilian and bikini waxes are most popular. It’s a huge income loss.”
Bikini waxing has not been permitted in New Jersey for years, a fact that came to light when a salon was cited for performing Brazilian waxing. The NJ Board of Cosmetology is currently revisiting the regulations.
Anyone who’s gotten a bikini wax (nevermind Brazilian—ouch!) knows the procedure can be painful and leave unsightly ingrown hairs and rashes.
Still, Shobha Tummala, founder and CEO of the New York City-based Shobha salons (www.shobhathreading.com), says the New Jersey ban is giving bikini waxes a bad rap.
“We provide our clients with a list of precautions prior to receiving any treatments. In fact, we inform people that waxing can cause minor bumps, etc.,” Tummala says. “It is extremely important to follow strict hygienic practices during the waxing treatment as well as the first 48 hours after the treatment.”
So, make sure to do your homework before choosing a salon. To help, here are some tips and guidelines from salon experts:
*Look around—the salon should look clean and sanitary.
*Your practitioner should wear plastic gloves during the waxing.
*No double dipping allowed. This means there should be plenty of new applicators available and an applicator should never be dipped twice in the wax. Otherwise, you risk the chance of bacteria spreading from one individual to another. (This is actually quite common; so beware.)
*Your practitioner should be licensed to practice the service.
*Don’t get waxed during your period—this is when pain is greatest. In general, it’s best to go a few days before or after your period.
After the wax:
*Expect to be sensitive. A cold compress and anti-inflammatory cream will help.
*Reduce the risk of in-grown hairs with products like Tend Skin (www.sephora.com).
*Avoid tanning beds and sun tanning on this delicate area for at least 48 hours. (So if you’re waxing right before a beach vacation, give yourself at least two days to recover).
Lastly,
*Abstain from sex. A hot date? Book accordingly. Medical experts recommend waiting 48 hours. Post-wax, your body is most susceptible to outside bacteria, and sex could cause infection.
fashion: trends & must-haves for your wardrobe
-
9 swimsuits we want to wear this summer (at every budget)
Finding a swimsuit you love can be like winning the lottery (translation: seemingly impossible), so we went ahead and did the work for you. Our criteria? From bikini to one-piece, each bathing suit style had to be flattering for different body types, in a covet worthy print, color, or pattern, and actually swimmable (meaning it won’t slip off if you’re playing in the waves). Summer, we’re so ready for you.
-
The top 10 biggest summer fashion and beauty dos
Summer may have the potential to be the Don’t-iest season of all (hey, we’ve seen some crazy cover-ups in our day), but it allows for some seriously stylish Dos too. We rounded them up for you—and threw in one major dude Don’t just for fun.
-
The DOs and DON’Ts of swimsuit trends for summer 2013
Before you take the plunge and buy a cute new swimsuit, read our guide to summer’s top swimwear trends and how to pull them off.
-
53 swimsuits that’ll make you look 10 pounds thinner
Bring on the sun, sand, and sizzling hot weather: It’s swimsuit season! From waist-whittling one-pieces to fringe bikinis that add oomph, we’ve found 53 incredibly chic bathing suits that will make you look instantly slimmer. It seems the only beach cover-up you’ll need this season is sunscreen!
-
10 things never to wear to the beach
When you head for the sand and surf, it doesn’t matter whether you like to show off your curves or hide them. Avoid these 10 beachwear no-nos at all costs.
-
Your sunless tanning problems, solved
How to achieve a flawless faux glow.
-
Hairstyle of the day
Long, layered, medium or wavy – we’re sharing our favorite hairstyles of 2013 with a new ‘do each day. Stuck in a hair rut? Check back daily for snappy new looks that are sure to give your locks some beauty inspiration.
-
5 things you didn't know about dandruff
Use these tips to fend off flakes for good.
-
Celeb-inspired outfits to take you from day to night
Running from work to play and everywhere in between all day long may be murder on your feet, but it doesn't have to tax your style. These easy, celebrity-inspired pieces wear well no matter what the time of day, keeping you chic around the clock.
-
The most iconic summer looks of all time
Whether you're planning on logging some serious beach time or are celebrating a special occasion, draw warm-weather outfit inspiration from some of our favorite stylish celebs.
-
Cute ways to cover up at the beach
Summer's here, and the warmer temperatures and sunnier skies can mean only one thing: more trips to the beach! Choosing the right swimsuit is an obvious way to amp up your shoreside style, but you also can't forget about what goes over the skimpy swimwear. Click through the gallery to see more unique ways to cover up at the beach this summer.
-
Get to know the 2013 MISS USA contestants
Each year, 51 women head to Las Vegas to compete for the title of MISS USA. Get to know this year’s contestants; there’s more to these beauties than meets the eye.
