Meet the inventor of the Brazilian Bikini Wax!  We sat down with Noemi Grupenmager, founder of Uni K Wax Centers to learn more about the art of waxing, it's history, and some of the most requested services people come in for.  Learn about Noemi's signature green wax and get all the tips you need for sexy, smooth skin just in time for the warmer months ahead!  

1. Noemi, how did you become a hair removal expert?  What led you to create and open Uni K Wax?

As a consumer, I was always dissatisfied with the expensive, slow and limited hair removal services available at nail and hair salons.  The duty was often tacked on to employees who were already too busy with hair, nails and other services.  My vision was to have a specialized hair removal center that offered waxing for both men and women.  Having sensitive skin myself, I also recognized the need for a wax that was all natural, pain-free, and would not aggravate the skin.  With all of this in mind, I founded the first Uni K Wax Center in 1993 in Miami Beach, Florida.  I developed my own proprietary elastic Uni K wax, which took three years to create.  Uni K Wax Center's sole dedication to waxing and the unique concept of pain-free elastic wax differentiated my business from any other.

2. What an amazing story.  So what makes the wax at Uni K Wax so unique?  Why is it green?

The elastic Uni K wax is made of natural beeswax, essential oils and a special pine tree resin which gives it its beautiful green shade.  Unlike hard wax, Uni K Wax is applied at body temperature and can be removed painlessly without irritation and without the use of paper strips.  Once the wax begins to dry, our experienced waxer will remove our elastic wax with a gentle pull at a special angle in a very fast motion that will effectively remove your unwanted hair, revealing soft, smooth skin.  This special technique eliminates the risk of breaking the hair, which translates to longer-lasting, soft, smooth skin.

3. Is waxing painful?  What should we let our readers know who have never waxed before?  Any tips for preparing?

One thing that many people don't know is the difference between hard wax, strip wax and elastic wax, or that elastic wax even exists!  Strip wax makes for a tedious, slow and painful procedure, often leaving the skin feeling sticky.  Hard waxes break and cracks.  Elastic wax stretches to remove hair without strips causing less of a pull to the skin, meaning a more comfortable removal experience.

4. Bikini, Brazilian, "landing strip," what's popular and are there any new trends in waxing we need schooling on?

The Brazilian and Full Bikini waxes are most popular among women as opposed to your average bikini line wax.  Uni K Wax Center is known for creating the Brazilian Bikini Wax, so most customers request this specific treatment most often.  Most women prefer a Brazilian or Full Bikini over a regular bikini line wax because it's convenient and boosts confidence.  Getting a Brazilian means you won't have to worry about tiny hairs peeking out of your bikini when lying poolside.  Many women also get full bikini waxes for hygienic purposes all year round.  If you're going to get a bikini wax, why not go all the way?

5. Does waxing prevent ingrown hairs?

If you wax regularly you will have a very slim chance of getting an ingrown hair.  However, tight clothes, like leggings, stockings and jeans can cause ingrown hair problems.  Exfoliating will help to diminish the chance of getting razor burn and ingrown hair, however, avoid exfoliating one to two days before and after you get waxed with Uni K, because our unique wax will also exfoliate your skin while removing unwanted hair.

6. How long does waxing last?

Waxing removes hair below the skin level, which is why it's a fairly long-lasting method of hair removal - it can last from 3 to 6 weeks.  If you wax consistently, it will change the growth cycle and physiology of your hair follicle. Continued waxing will also cause hair growth to diminish over time.  

7. What makes waxing a great hair removal option over shaving or other options?

Waxing is the smarter choice.  Shaving removes hair at skin level only, and hair reappears in one to four days.  By continually cutting the hair, you are, in fact, stimulating its growth.  Continued waxing, however, will cause hair growth to diminish over time.  Waxing is also safer than shaving and will help you avoid the daily risk of nicks, cuts, ingrown hair and the burn that comes with using razors.

9. Tips for customers coming in for waxing?

A few helpful tips to remember before getting a waxing service would be to let your hair grow out about one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch before going in for waxing.  If you are sensitive during your menstrual cycle, you might want to avoid a bikini wax during those days.  Alcohol tightens pores, so it is not a good idea to consume before getting waxed.  Using sun protection is always recommended when exposing your skin to the sun and it is especially important during the first 24 hours after waxing in order to avoid redness.  Also, let your waxer know of any medications you're taking.  And in order to have the best waxing results, keep your skin healthy and hydrated all of the time.

Thanks Noemi!