PRINTOn the Job: Katie Robart
Alex Lewis
As an esthetician, Katie Robart does facials, chemical peels and waxes. Twenty-five percent of Robart’s clients are men who come in for chest and back waxes. She’s started doing male Brazilians, which require advanced training and technique.
May 22, 2008 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Ours is the age of metrosexuality and barely-there underwear. And nothing says “put your clothes back on” like a man-sweater or a fur bikini. For those who find themselves in a hairy situation, meet Katie Robart, an esthetician at Salon Adair & Spa who can wax the hair off just about anything. Vox sat down with Robart to pull the top layer off this sticky occupation.
Vox: How long have you been working in esthetics?
Katie Robart: I have been in the field for about three years. I was looking for a fun career where I could work with people.
Vox: What type of training was involved?
KR: You actually go to an esthetics school. The state of Missouri requires 750 hours of esthetic training, though I did a 1,200-hour program. So I’m trained in not just waxing but facials, chemical peels, makeup application and body treatments. I can do permanent makeup, like eyelash extensions, and those different things they do in Hollywood.
Vox: What is the most popular wax?
KR: Definitely the Brazilian. I do a lot of the Brazilians just because it is easy to maintain. There are a lot of nasty things that go along with shaving, like ingrown hairs or razor-burn. Waxing is a lot easier, a lot more effective and quick. Bikinis and Brazilians are especially popular during this season.
Vox: Were your first times giving waxes awkward?
KR: Definitely. I became an esthetician to do facials and more of the medical-type procedures. However, when I started waxing, I realized that it’s quite easy, and you get great results and client satisfaction. When I first started doing Brazilians, I was definitely a little bit more nervous. But I’ll tell you what — it’s a job, and somebody’s got to do it!
Vox: Just how painful is waxing?
KR: It is more like a sting, similar to pulling off a Band-Aid. You’re not throbbing for a long time. It’s quick and cool. The hair pulls out, you sting for a second, then it’s gone. Certain people are more sensitive. It’s all about your pain tolerance. Some people will be text messaging and chilling while I’m waxing, and others are a little bit more vocal.
Vox: What can someone do before they come in to limit the pain?
KR: I recommend taking an ibuprofen 45 minutes before coming in. It is going to help with inflammation. Stay away from alcohol. Obviously, people are like, “Alcohol! Let’s get a margarita!” But, that’s going to thin your blood and make it worse. Margaritas afterward, of course, but not before. We also sell a cream that is called Relax and Wax: No-Scream Cream. It is designed to be applied 45 minutes before coming in for a wax, and it helps numb.
