The difference between a great wax and a mediocre one, and between a spray tan that looks flawless and one that streaks or patches, is almost entirely in the preparation. Neither service is technically complex. Both are completely predictable in outcome when the prep steps are followed correctly.
Here is what the estheticians at A Moment’s Peace actually tell clients before each service.
Waxing Preparation: What to Do Before Your Appointment
Let the Hair Grow
The most common reason a wax does not produce clean results is hair that is too short. Wax needs to grip the hair shaft. The minimum length for effective waxing is a quarter inch, roughly the length of a grain of rice. If you have been shaving regularly, stop two to three weeks before your appointment.
Hair that is too long, over an inch, is more uncomfortable to wax. Our estheticians can trim it down before the service begins if needed.
Exfoliate 24 Hours Before
Exfoliating the area 24 hours before waxing removes dead skin cell buildup that can trap hairs and make them harder to remove cleanly. It also reduces the likelihood of ingrown hairs after the service. Use a gentle physical scrub or an AHA lotion on the area the night before. Do not exfoliate on the day of your appointment — freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive.
Come Clean and Product-Free
Arrive with clean skin and no lotion, oil, or self-tanner on the area being waxed. Wax grips hair and skin. Any product barrier between the wax and the hair reduces adhesion and makes the service less effective and more uncomfortable.
What to Expect During Waxing at A Moment’s Peace
All waxing at A Moment’s Peace is performed by licensed estheticians in private, fully sanitized treatment rooms. The wax temperature is checked before application. A fresh wax stick is used for each application — we do not double-dip, which is the standard health practice that prevents cross-contamination between clients.
The esthetician applies the wax in small sections in the direction of hair growth, applies a fabric strip or allows the wax to set, and removes it against the direction of growth in a single, fast motion. The technique minimizes discomfort by removing the hair before the surrounding skin has time to respond.
For sensitive areas including the bikini line and face, a hard wax formulation is often used instead of strip wax. Hard wax adheres to the hair rather than the skin, which makes it more comfortable for sensitive skin and more effective on coarse, short, or stubborn hair.
Waxing Aftercare: Protecting Your Skin
Freshly waxed skin is temporarily sensitized. The follicle openings are visible and the surface is more reactive than usual. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following for the first 48 hours after waxing: no sun exposure on the waxed area, no hot baths or saunas, no spray tanning, no products containing fragrance or alcohol on the treated area, and no tight clothing over freshly waxed skin.
After 48 hours, most of the sensitivity has resolved and the skin is ready for its next service.
Sunless Tanning: Getting the Most From Your VersaSpa Session
VersaSpa sunless tanning at A Moment’s Peace uses a three-nozzle automated booth system that delivers even, full-body coverage in under four minutes. The DHA formula is Eco-Certified, vegan, non-comedogenic, odor-eliminated, and free of gluten, parabens, and tree nuts. The FDA recognizes DHA as safe for external skin application and it produces no UV radiation.
What to Do Before Your Session
Exfoliate your entire body 24 to 48 hours before your appointment. Pay special attention to knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists, which are drier and absorb more color than surrounding areas without proper prep. Moisturize regularly in the days leading up to your session, but apply nothing to your skin on the day of the appointment.
Shave or wax at least 48 hours before your spray tan. Both services disrupt the skin surface in ways that affect how evenly DHA develops. Waxing in particular requires 48 hours minimum because open pores collect more color than surrounding skin and create a dotted appearance.
Arrive with no makeup, deodorant, perfume, or lotion. Remove nail polish if you prefer your nails to be the natural color rather than tinted by the DHA solution.
What to Wear and Do After
Wear loose, dark clothing immediately after your session. The DHA is still developing and any friction from tight waistbands, bra straps, or socks can create lines in the developing tan.
Do not shower, swim, exercise heavily, or expose yourself to rain for the first six to eight hours. The tan develops fully in 12 to 24 hours. Many clients schedule their session in the evening, sleep in loose clothing, and shower the next morning to reveal the full result.
How to Extend Your Spray Tan
Daily moisturizing is the most effective way to extend a VersaSpa tan. As the skin’s surface cells shed naturally, they take the DHA pigment with them. Keeping the skin hydrated slows the shedding process and adds several extra days to the tan.
Sulfate-free body wash extends the tan by an additional two to three days compared to standard body wash. Short showers with cool to lukewarm water are gentler on the tan than long hot showers. Avoid exfoliating products entirely until you are ready for the tan to fade.
Book Your Summer Skin Services in Franklin, TN
A Moment’s Peace is at 9050 Carothers Pkwy, Suite 108, Franklin, TN 37067. We offer a full waxing menu and VersaSpa sunless tanning year-round. Pre-summer booking fills quickly in May and June — schedule in advance to secure your preferred dates. Book online at amomentspeace.com or call 615-224-0770.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before summer events should I book waxing and tanning?
Allow at least one week between waxing and your event to let any post-wax redness resolve. Schedule your spray tan two to three days before the event to allow full development and ensure you have time to adjust if needed. For beach vacations, follow the full pre-trip sequence in our spring break beauty guide.
Can I wax and tan on the same day?
No. Wax at least 48 hours before your spray tan. Freshly waxed skin has open pores that absorb DHA unevenly, creating a blotchy or dotted appearance. The 48-hour window gives the pores time to close and the skin surface to return to its normal state.
Is VersaSpa sunless tanning safe for all skin tones?
Yes. The VersaSpa formula is designed to produce natural results across a full range of skin tones. The depth of color is customizable. Clients with very fair skin often choose a lighter application for a subtle sun-kissed look, while clients with darker natural skin tones choose a deeper application for maximum impact. Your technician will discuss your preference before the session.
