Waxing

What types of waxing do Estonian beauty salons offer?

Waxing divides mainly into two types: traditional strip wax and hard wax. Traditional wax is applied in a thin layer and removed with cloth or paper strips — it suits larger areas (legs, forearms, back). Hard wax is applied in a thicker layer, sets on its own and is pulled off without strips — it works better on sensitive or intimate areas (bikini, underarms, facial hair), because it grips the skin less firmly.

Waxes are also grouped by composition: beeswax (the more classic type, with a more natural composition), synthetic wax (faster setting, more popular in the hard wax category), chocolate wax (chocolate-scented wax, often recommended for sensitive skin) and paraffin wax. An experienced cosmetologist chooses the wax type according to the direction of hair growth, the sensitivity of the skin and the area being treated.

Special waxing types include the Brazilian (the full intimate area, front to back), the Hollywood (the same as a Brazilian, but completely bare), the Dutch (buttocks left unwaxed, intimate hair removed at the front), the classic bikini (only the edges of the bikini line removed) and the extended bikini (more thorough than the classic, but with hair kept in the middle). Salons such as SIM Ilusalong in Tallinn, Felicia Ilusalong, Naturee Ilustuudio in Tartu and Floris Ilukliinik in Rapla offer a variety of waxing types.

Waxing prices and how a session runs

The price of waxing depends on the surface area treated and on the salon. Upper lip 8–15 €, chin 8–15 €, underarms 12–20 €, full arms 20–35 €, half legs 25–40 €, full legs 35–60 €, classic bikini 20–35 €, Brazilian 30–55 €, Hollywood 35–60 €, back (men) 30–50 €. Packages combining several areas are usually 10–15% cheaper.

A typical visit begins with preparation. The hairs need to be at least 3–5 mm long for the wax to grip them. If yours are still too short you can shave — but then you have to wait two weeks before the waxing appointment. The cosmetologist cleans the skin, applies a light cleanser and talcum powder (which absorbs excess moisture from the skin), then applies the wax in the direction of hair growth and removes it with a quick movement against it.

A session lasts 15–60 minutes depending on the areas treated. After waxing the cosmetologist checks the treated area — any hairs left behind are taken out individually with tweezers. A soothing gel (aloe vera or chamomile based) is applied and aftercare instructions are given. The skin stays slightly red for 1–24 hours afterwards — this usually settles on its own. With Brazilian and Hollywood waxing it can last longer.

How do you choose a salon for waxing?

Waxing may be performed by certified cosmetologists working under a cosmetology business permit. Although waxing does not require complex medical training, doing it well takes experience — with poor technique the wax can leave patches, burn the skin, cause bruising or lead to ingrown hairs. Prefer a salon with a cosmetologist who specialises in waxing rather than offering it as a sideline.

Hygiene is an absolute requirement in waxing. An experienced salon never uses the same portion of wax on more than one client (the single-use principle — wax touched by a spatula that has touched a client is not used on anyone else). Properly certified salons use disposable wax spatulas rather than reusable ones, disposable protective covers and sterilised tweezers. A dirty work area, or the same spatula being dipped back into the wax pot repeatedly (double dipping), is a warning sign.

Prefer a salon with a clear price list, online booking and a proper consultation for first-time clients. A good cosmetologist assesses your skin type, your allergies and any medication you take (some medicines make the skin especially sensitive to waxing) and gives a realistic idea of how sensitive it will be. Read Google reviews specifically about waxing.

Preventing ingrown hairs, and aftercare

For 24 hours after waxing avoid the sauna, swimming pools, hot baths and intense exercise — this reduces skin irritation. Avoid sun on the treated area for 24–48 hours (especially in summer), as the skin is more sensitive to UV. Wear comfortable cotton clothing for the first 24 hours so the skin can breathe. For the first 24 hours wash the skin without abrasive products.

To prevent ingrown hairs (folliculitis and bumps), start exfoliating after 48 hours — light mechanical exfoliation (a sugar scrub in the shower) or chemical exfoliation (AHA/BHA, salicylic acid for example) once or twice a week removes the layer of dead skin cells that stops hairs growing out. Dedicated anti-ingrown-hair products (PFB Vanish, Tend Skin) contain salicylic acid and niacinamide.

Moisturising matters. People with dry skin have more trouble with ingrown hairs — moisturise the treated area every day with a light cream (Bioderma, Cetaphil, La Roche-Posay). In the longer run, regular waxing (every 4–6 weeks) gives the best result: the hairs gradually become finer and sparser, so sessions get quicker and less uncomfortable. Some women prefer to switch from waxing to sugaring, since sugaring causes fewer ingrown hairs.

Waxing in Estonia's larger cities

In Tallinn most beauty salons offer waxing, including Esimene Ilustuudio, SIM Ilusalong, Felicia Ilusalong and others in the capital. The full spectrum of waxing types is available, from the classic areas through to the Hollywood bikini and men's back waxing. Given the wide choice, it is worth looking into what a particular cosmetologist specialises in (especially for intimate areas, where sensitivity and precision matter).

In Tartu, waxing is offered by Naturee Ilustuudio, Ilona Ilusalong and other salons. Salons in Pärnu, Narva, Rapla (Floris Ilukliinik) and the county centres also provide waxing. Since waxing is regular upkeep (every 4–6 weeks), choose a salon that is geographically convenient for a long-term relationship. The same cosmetologist comes to know your skin and hair growth best and can give you the most personal service.