What is the best way to protect the skin during a waxing service?

Applying a pre-wax oil or lotion to the area is the best way to protect the skin during a waxing service. This serves multiple purposes: it creates a barrier between the skin and the wax, which helps to reduce irritation and discomfort during the waxing process. The oil or lotion can also make it easier for the wax to adhere to the hair rather than the skin itself, minimizing the risk of skin damage. Additionally, it can help to lift the hair more easily, resulting in a smoother waxing experience with less pulling on the skin.

The use of warm water, while potentially soothing, does not provide the protective barrier necessary to safeguard the skin from the wax's adhesive properties. Covering the skin with a towel may offer some modest protection, but it does not enhance the waxing application or reduce irritation as effectively as a pre-wax oil or lotion. Applying a cooling gel after waxing can help soothe the skin post-service, but it does not serve the protective function during the actual waxing process.