At least ¼ inch — roughly the length of a grain of rice. That translates to about 2–3 weeks of growth from a shave, or 4–6 weeks from your last wax. Too short and the wax can't grip it properly; longer is always better than shorter going in.

If you're not sure whether you're long enough, come in anyway — I'll let you know. If you need to reschedule, we'll sort it out without judgment.

A few things make a big difference: exfoliate gently 24–48 hours before your appointment to help the wax grip closer to the root, and come in with clean, dry skin — no lotions, oils, or creams on the areas being waxed on the day.

If you use skincare actives like retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs, pause them on the wax area for at least 48–72 hours prior. And if you're nervous about discomfort, an ibuprofen 30–45 minutes before your appointment can take the edge off.

It's not a dealbreaker, but it's worth knowing: skin tends to be more sensitive in the days just before and during your period. If you're a first-timer or have sensitive skin, you might want to factor that in when booking. That said, plenty of people wax during their cycle without any issues — your call entirely.

Some medications do affect how your skin responds to waxing — things like Accutane, prescription retinoids, blood thinners, topical steroids, and certain antibiotics can all increase sensitivity or risk of skin lifting. Please check the contraindications page before booking, and reach out if you're unsure.

When in doubt, just ask. I'd rather have a quick conversation upfront than discover a problem on the day.

Honestly? There's a sensation. It's not nothing. But "hurt" is a strong word for what most people experience — especially with a waxer who knows what they're doing and moves fast. I've been waxing since 2010, and speed and technique are genuinely the biggest factors in comfort.

First-timers tend to be pleasantly surprised. And if you're nervous, that's completely normal — part of my job is making sure you're distracted, comfortable, and laughing before you know what hit you.

Hard wax is applied warm and peeled off on its own — no strip needed. It adheres to the hair rather than the skin, which makes it gentler and better suited for sensitive or intimate areas. I use hard wax for Brazilians, facial waxing, and anywhere the skin is more delicate.

Soft wax is applied in a thin layer and removed with a cloth strip. It covers larger areas more efficiently and works great for legs, arms, and the back. I'll choose the right wax for each area — and sometimes use both in the same appointment.

It depends on the service. A Brazilian typically runs 20-30 minutes for a first-timer and closer to 10-15 for a regular. Legs and larger areas take longer. Facial services are usually quick — brows and lip can be done in under 15 minutes.

I'll always give you a realistic time estimate when you book, and I don't rush in a way that compromises the result — but I do work efficiently. Getting you in and out well is part of the service.

First-timers are genuinely my specialty, and I'll walk you through the whole process before anything happens. You'll be guided through positioning, I'll explain what I'm doing and why, and I'll check in with you throughout. Nothing is a surprise.

Most people leave wondering why they waited so long. The conversation helps — I'm very good at making you forget what's going on from the waist down.

Absolutely, without exception. This is an inclusive, judgment-free space — full stop. Whether you're trans, non-binary, a first-timer, a seasoned regular, or anything in between, you are welcome here. My services are designed around anatomy, not gender, and I'll always follow your lead on language and how you want to discuss your body.

For the first 24–48 hours: skip the gym, avoid hot baths, saunas, tanning beds, and direct sun on the waxed area. Wear loose, breathable clothing — especially after a Brazilian or leg service. Skip heavy lotions or anything with fragrance directly on the skin right after.

After a few days, gentle exfoliation a few times a week (at MOST!) helps prevent ingrown hairs and keeps the skin smooth between appointments.

Every 4–6 weeks is the sweet spot for most people. Waxing on a consistent schedule means the hair is always at a similar growth stage, which makes each appointment faster, less uncomfortable, and more effective over time. The more regularly you wax, the finer the regrowth tends to become.

If you've been shaving, your first few waxes may have a bit more variation as the hair syncs up — that's completely normal.

Some people are more prone to ingrowns than others, and it can happen — but regular exfoliation goes a long way toward preventing them. Gently exfoliating the waxed area 2–3 times a week once the skin has settled (after 72+ hours) helps keep the follicles clear.

If you're finding ingrowns are a persistent problem, let me know and we can talk through some targeted solutions. It's a very manageable issue with the right approach.

Please don't — or at least, know that it resets the clock. Shaving between waxes disrupts the hair growth cycle and means your next wax will likely be less comfortable and less effective. The whole benefit of waxing is that the hair eventually comes in finer and sparser, and shaving interrupts that process.

If you're in a pinch, just reach out and we can talk through your options.

I'm located in central Nanaimo on Boxwood Road, on the South side of Industrial Plastics and Paint, working alongside SkinKara Esthetics. Hours are Monday and Tuesday 9am–8pm, with alternating Wednesdays and Sundays. Booking is done online through Acuity. Select "Book Now" in the main menue to reserve your session.

All bookings are made online through my scheduling system — just head to the booking page, pick your service, and choose a time that works for you. If you have questions before booking or need something that isn't listed, feel free to reach out directly and we'll sort it out.

Life happens — I get it. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give me as much notice as possible so the spot can go to someone else. I ask for at least 24 hours notice where possible. Repeated last-minute cancellations may require a deposit for future bookings. Cancellations made less than 12 hours in advance will be subject to a No Show Fee of 50% of the service fee.

If you're feeling unwell or have an active skin condition on the day, please reach out and we'll reschedule — no penalty. Your skin's health (and everyone else's) comes first.

Just ask! I genuinely love questions — the weirder the better, honestly. Reach out via the contact page and I'll get back to you. No question is too niche, too awkward, or too "should I already know this." That's what I'm here for.