Reactive Skin After Hair Removal? Here’s What’s Really Happening with Melissa Mercado — Calm Skin, Histamine & Intimate Aftercare

Welcome And The Sweet Standard

SPEAKER_01 0:00

Welcome to the Sugar Show, the podcast for beauty pros, ready to drop the wax stick, master body sugaring the smart way, and build a career that loves you back. Whether you're brand new or a seasoned sugar pro, there's something sweet for you in every episode. I'm the Sugar Mama. Let's get into it. Okay, Sugar Tribe, today is one of those episodes that can change the way your clients feel leaving your room. Because let's be honest, when intimate skin gets reactive after hair removal, it's not just uncomfortable, it creates doubt for your clients and for you. And if your client isn't leaving feeling calm, confident, and cared for, they're way less likely to rebook, even if they love you. So today we're talking about the sweet standard of intimate care, how to keep skin calm, how to prevent issues before they start, and how to elevate your service into something your client trusts. And I'm extra excited about this episode because you're not just hearing from today's guest on the podcast, you'll have the chance to learn from her live at SugarCon in Cleveland. I'm sitting down with Melissa Mercado from Hale and Hush. And if you've ever wanted to feel more confident in corrective intimate treatments, calming reactive skin, and improving outcomes, Melissa is one of the people you want in your ear. What I love about Melissa is she doesn't teach product type. She teaches skin logic, what's actually happening, what to stop doing, what to start doing, and how to communicate aftercare so clients follow it. Here's what to listen for in this conversation. First, what causes intimate irritation, even when your technique feels fine? Simple corrections that create big results, and how to coach clients so aftercare becomes a partnership, not a lecture. All right, let's get into it. Melissa, welcome to the Shadow Show. Miss Melissa, thank you for coming on the show. Thanks for having me. Yes, absolutely. I have been, as I told you earlier, um watching Melissa for years be in probably every single trade show that I was at, you were at. And we were, you know, rows away from each other, but would see each other in passing. And I think it would be interesting for our audience to understand from you, like to go back a little bit, because we're going to talk about what you're going to speak about at the sugar con, but what let's go back to like what brought you to Hale and Hush anyway. And I shared with the group your history, but you're an esthetician, you're doing your thing, minding your P's and Q's. What led you to Hale and Hush in the very beginning?

SPEAKER_00 2:36

The very beginning, I was introduced to Hale and Hush uh during the skin games competition, actually. And I was watching someone else's videos, one of my competitors, and her uh case study was with Hale and Hush products. And I was absolutely blown away by her before and afters of her case study. And I got to meet uh Chris Campbell that year at the Skin Games competition. And I ended up using the products right away, ended up uh working with them. I brought it in as my third line. It ended up quickly becoming my number one selling line. And then the following year, when I entered the skin games competition again, um, I was asked what line I wanted to work with. I chose to work with Hale and Hush, became closer to Chris, got to know her more, and the rest is really history from there.

SPEAKER_01 3:26

It's really kind of a no-brainer when you work with a skincare line that actually does what it says it's gonna do. And your clientele is is proof for sure.

SPEAKER_00 3:36

And we've been their results, yeah.

SPEAKER_01 3:39

Not only in the results, but what they're buying, you know, what they're what they're yearning for, which is really, really nice. She has put together a beautiful line. And I I love so you first started educating for them. Yep. And were you teaching in classes? Were you only at trade shows? Like, how does that work when you start out as an educator for a skincare company like that? Just for audience members that are interested.

SPEAKER_00 4:03

Yeah. So it was actually, I was doing some local classes for um hair removal services, and I ended up doing uh bringing in using her products for these hair removal classes. And then I ended up branching out, starting to teach a vegetable course in my area. And then I said, Hey, do you want to do a product knowledge course in the area? Because at that, it was prior to COVID and you know the world wasn't closed down at that point. So that was kind of where I started. Then I started doing some trade shows and then everything went virtual from there. So my my career with her kind of evolved at that point.

SPEAKER_01 4:38

I love it. And she is one that as soon as she sees talent, she snatches it up and infuses you with wisdom, which is probably one of the biggest benefits of this.

SPEAKER_00 4:47

She is such a motivator as far as making us get out there and making all of her educators, not just me, but all of us be in the spotlight, get out of our comfort zones and try things that we wouldn't have normally done. So it's, you know, because of her where we all are today. Yeah.

Why Sensitive Skin Products Fit Intimate Care

SPEAKER_01 5:02

Yeah. Okay. So Hail and Hush is by design a facial product for aestheticians. It is a skincare line for sensitive skin. And then super smarties like you were like, wait a minute, we can use this on other areas of the body. And, you know, back in the day when I started using the Hale and Hush duo, um, we were at a trade show and there was a waxer that had actually torn some very delicate skin that was doing a um demonstration on a bikini. And the first thing people said in the class was, go find that hail and hush product that will fix it. And the the girl literally ran out the class and found the hail and hush booth and got Chris's biorelief powder and her uh hush hydrate gel.

SPEAKER_00 5:53

Absolutely. So dealing.

SPEAKER_01 5:55

It was, it was really uh kind of the moment, I believe, when Chris was like, wait a minute, we can use this on other parts of the body. Let's start doing that. So you started doing the hair removal services courses and then started using her products. Talk a little bit about how it goes for you with intimate areas. And so I, you know, I did explain earlier that you will be teaching at SugarCon. And so, you know, kind of this leads to, you know, why the heck should someone sit in your class, Melissa? Um, and really it's to understand the ingredients and and the the benefit of the of the line that can also be used on intimate areas.

SPEAKER_00 6:38

Right. So being a sensitive skin product line, I mean, it's a no-brainer. Your your intimate area is the most sensitive area of your body. So, of course, we're going to use products that are formulated specifically for sensitive skin types and conditions. So I think around the time I started doing uh vegetational course was when you uh were creating a sugaring protocol with them as well at that time. And it kind of all was falling in place around that same exact uh period. And I remember um just really loving how the it was benefiting post post-hair removal. I mean, you've got hives, you've got inflammation, you've got irritation, and it was just literally on contact, calming any kind of inflammation or irritation. And again, just wowed me, wowed our our customers, my employees, everybody. So it was just meant to be.

What Melissa Will Teach At SugarCon

SPEAKER_01 7:33

Yeah. One of my favorite times back in the day, again, we're dating ourselves, but one of my favorite times back in the day was working with Chris and Mirag Curran to educate. I mean, the ultimate sensitive skin is medically sensitive skin. And, you know, with oncology aestheticians is to, you know, was to introduce them to other things, you know, other modalities that can be used for hair removal for their patients, you know, and and it's been so lovely to watch you, you and Chris grow that, you know, so that folks understand that medically sensitive skin really benefits this, you know, from this as well. Intimate areas and face, facial areas. I mean, it's been really neat to kind of have each have each other compliment each other, sugaring and and the sensitive line. Um, so okay, so anyone that's coming to SugarCon, there's so many classes to learn about. I highly recommend Melissa's class because she's like we were talking about like, is it a vegetable? Well, you can use it in that area, uh, but it's the the line and the and the protocols for really any part of the body. I use it on underarms, I use it on booties, I use it on noses. I mean, we use it everywhere. So it's very safe for intimate areas. And talk a little bit about what you're going to speak about. You're gonna do a demo, right?

SPEAKER_00 9:01

Yep. Yep. So we're gonna do a demo. Um, I'll probably do an underarm demo, maybe I don't know. It depends on what body part we find and who's comfortable showcasing what area. Um, maybe I can do a vegetable or maybe an inner thigh. Who knows? We'll see at that point. But we're gonna do a demo of something. And regardless of which body part we're working on, pretty much step by step, it's going to be the same protocol with the exception of what are the concerns? Is it going to be um ingrown hairs? Is it going to be sensitivity? Is it going to be inflammation? So without knowing who which model we're working on, it's kind of hard to pinpoint specifically. But we'll do an intimate treatment start to finish. We'll talk about the benefits of adding intimate treatments into your services if you're not already doing that. And again, it doesn't have to be a vegetable. If you're not doing bikini waxing or Brazilian waxing, it can be something as simple as an underarm. And believe it or not, it's a very popular service, which you wouldn't really think about. But women are concerned about pigmentation, they're concerned about ingrowns and men, as it shouldn't just be women. I shouldn't just be inclusive of that. Uh, and just bottom line, like, how can you make more money by adding these types of services to your treatment room?

SPEAKER_01 10:10

Yes, yes. So if you are someone who's listening to this show and you're like, yeah, I don't do vegetable, I don't do hoo-has, you know, that is not me. I'm a face girl only. Um, I think that you would be well served to come to Melissa's class because it it we the protocol can be used really anywhere. It is that sensitive, you know, that good for sensitive skin. And, you know, understanding the ingredients, understanding why she's doing what she does is really, really critical. So you're gonna be talking a lot about that, not just demoing, right?

SPEAKER_00 10:43

Exactly. So each product that we're gonna be using in the protocol will talk about its key ingredients, its benefits, what it's good for, whether it's on the vegetal, the underarm, or even the face or anywhere on the body. So where you would want to use it and how you'd want to use it. Good, good. And this is gonna be your first time in Cleveland. It is my first time at SugarCon. I'm excited.

SPEAKER_01 11:02

Yes, I love it. I love it. It's uh Mahalen Hush was there last year, and then you will be at the table this year. And so you won't have products for um for immediate cash and carry, but you will do orders.

Hero Products And Histamine Surprises

SPEAKER_00 11:15

Yep, we're gonna have orders with a nice discount. So make sure you stop by and um you can stock up for whatever you need, whether you're a first-time client or you've been ordering from us for years, you can still uh take advantage of that discount. And I hope to be able to meet everybody there.

SPEAKER_01 11:33

That's a really, really cool piece is A, that's where you get the discounts. And B, it's where they get to talk to you live. Yeah, you know, and and I'm beating this uh into their heads, you know, uh on each episode, which is get to know Melissa. Pick me right for a smart, savvy, yes, for a smart, savvy uh attendee at these shows, you're gonna get to meet Melissa because she can really help you after SugarCon, you know, and answer some of your questions. And the classes that you teach are so valuable with, you know, even just your aesthetic career, not just hair removal. Um, but there's so much to be understood. And understanding sensitive skin isn't just a quick talk and a couple of products. I mean, it's a very deep dive.

SPEAKER_00 12:22

For sure. It's not a it's not for those with weak at heart either. No, no, you really have to understand.

SPEAKER_01 12:30

Yeah, you really have to understand what you're working with and you know what sensitivities you're looking at and how to treat them. And um, but I will say, and I've said this earlier in the episode, but if I am to give a shout out to any products that are a complement to a sugar pro, it is the Hale and Hush Duo. That hush hydrate gel in combination or alone, but in combination with the biorelief, the relief biopowder, I would say wrong, the relief biopowder is no joke the product that no treatment room should be without.

SPEAKER_00 13:09

I agree a hundred percent. And I feel like so many of our clients, even if you're already using the line, they don't even know how to use the powder. But once you use it, it is miraculous and everybody needs to have it, even if you're not in the treatment room. I have it in every one of my bathrooms because I have kids. Anything that's a real swollen.

SPEAKER_01 13:29

Yes, put on powder with menopause who have got, you know, some issues, some itching, some whatever. It's incredible. The two products, I mean, the other day I ran out of my hydrate gel. I just pressed powder in the skin with like, honey, don't touch it. When you get home, put some sensitive, you know, we put a little sensitive lotion on the top, like, don't touch it. I just press the powder straight on there. Yep. It was it literally is like this saving grace in a treatment room because things happen. You could have a client for 10 years, never once break out, and all of a sudden you see the histamine response. Ah, it's allergy season. Okay, that makes sense, right? So I would love to have you on the show again to talk more about histamine responses and the ingredients that work with those. Yes. So, and now that I'm thinking about it, squirrel. Oh, but there's so much to talk about as it relates to sensitive skin. So um honestly, audience, get to that class. It is 9:30 in the morning on Monday of the SugarCon agenda. And Melissa will be in uh sharing with you all of the protocol for um for sensitive skin. And anything else that you want to say to our sugar pros before you see them?

SPEAKER_00 14:46

No, I'm just really excited to meet everyone. I love questions. I love when people are just starting out or just have, you know, just where do I begin? How do I get started? I mean, I that's what I'm here for. That's what I'm here to help with. And I'd love to get you going. Yes, yes.

SPEAKER_01 15:01

So a complimentary line like Halen Hush, while you are sugaring faces, underarms, bikinis, men. It's it's really what you have to have in your lineup. You have to have something to address sensitive skin. And Melissa will be live and ready to take any of your questions at the class. Uh, Melissa, thanks for being with us, man. And we'll see you in Cleveland. So much for having me, Shannon. I appreciate it. Uh-huh.

SPEAKER_00 15:26

See you all soon.

SPEAKER_01 15:28

Okay, that conversation is exactly why I want you to go hear Melissa speak at SugarCon. Because when you learn this topic live, you get to connect the dots faster. Ask your specific questions, and walk away with a stronger corrective care strategy for your clients. So I heard a few uh sweet standard takeaways from today, and I want to pull them out for you. And then if they give you a little homework, you can immediately use behind the table. So, a couple of my takeaways. Let's start with uh sweet standard number one. Calm stand is part of the service. Clients don't just pay for hair removal, they pay for how they feel walking out of your room. Second thing I heard as a sweet standard was corrective care is prevention, not damage control. If you only respond after irritation happens, you'll always feel like you're chasing results. Let's try sweet standard number three. Aftercare is a partnership. Your client's outcome depends on what happens after they leave. So your education matters. And actually, I'll throw this one in. Your confidence is contagious. So when you understand the why, you stop sounding unsure and your clients will feel safer. So make sure you pay attention to how your confidence is appearing to your clients. Now, how about if I give you a little bit of homework? Um, let's start with the calm skin audit. I want you to pick one client this week and after your next intimate service, ask yourself, what did I do to prep the skin for success? What did I do during the service to keep it controlled and calm? And what did I do after the service to support the barrier and set expectations? Just one little sentence doesn't have to be fancy. Just write that down. That's it. I want you to be mindful of what you're doing before, during, and after, not just after. Homework two, create your 15-second aftercare script. Say it the same way every time. Calm, clear, and confident. She goes something like this. Your skin may be a little reactive because we just did a controlled exfoliation. For the next 48 hours, your job is to keep it clean, calm, and protected. Here's what to do, and here's what to avoid. And then give your top two or three rules. Give them a couple of things that they can be working on with their home care. So here is your invitation to hear Melissa at SugarCon. If this is a topic you want to get stronger in, go hear Melissa speak in Cleveland at our favorite conference. Bring your real questions, bring those three observations, bring your toughest client scenarios. This is the kind of education that makes you better immediately. I am so excited for SugarCon, as you know. And if this episode has helped you, send it to a beauty pro friend who's incredible at hair removal, but maybe wants better skin outcomes if she's honest and stronger aftercare compliance. And stay with me in this sweet success series because we're raising the standard all the way to Cleveland. We are getting sugarcon ready. So I look forward to seeing you in class, giving you a hug in Cleveland. See ya, sugarcon.