Before the wax is applied, make sure you have clean, freshly washed skin. Oily skin can prevent the wax from adhering, leaving behind some stray hairs. Don’t exfoliate for 24 to 48 hours prior to your waxing appointment to avoid skin irritation. It’s recommended to gently exfoliate with a mild scrub, brush or mitt to remove dead skin cells that surround the hair follicles. Mild exfoliation helps loosen existing ingrown hairs and improved waxing results.