Hi. It's me, your skin. I just had a wax, and honestly, I'm feeling pretty smooth about it. But I'm also a little tender right now, so before you get on with your day, there are a few things I need you to know.

please don't take me straight to the gym

My pores are wide open for the next day or so. Sweat, heat and friction are the quickest way to give me red bumps. Give me 24 hours off from hot workouts, saunas, spa pools and very hot showers. A lukewarm rinse is lovely, thanks.

the sun and I need a break

Skip the beach and the sunbed for 24 to 48 hours. Freshly waxed skin burns and pigments more easily, and that's not the kind of glow either of us wants. The same goes for swimming pools, because chlorine stings.

hold off on the fake tan

If you're planning a spray tan, wax first and tan at least 24 hours later. Tan straight onto freshly waxed skin settles into the pores and leaves little dots. Ask me how I know.

loose clothes, please

Tight leggings and lacy undies rub exactly where I'm most sensitive. Something soft and loose for the rest of the day keeps me calm.

exfoliate me, but not yet

From about the third day, a gentle scrub two or three times a week stops new hairs getting trapped under the surface. That's how you avoid ingrown hairs. Follow it with a good body moisturiser so I stay soft between appointments.

and please, put the razor down

Shaving between waxes undoes the good work. Shaved hair grows back with a blunt tip and on a different schedule, so your next wax isn't as smooth. Let it grow to about 5 mm, roughly a grain of rice, and come back in four to six weeks.

The more regularly you wax, the finer and sparser the regrowth tends to be, and the quicker each appointment feels. If you're on a Brazilian routine, rebooking within six weeks gets you our repeat Brazilian price.

Book your next wax online, or call Mount Maunganui on 07 542 1771 or Papamoa on 07 542 1770.