The idea of waxing to get rid of unwanted hair on the face and body can be a little daunting. First, it’s not very convenient to have to set an appointment at a professional waxing salon. And second, there’s no escaping the pain factor whether you get it done or if you do it yourself. For the very best results, below are a few tips to keep in mind for a smooth waxing experience:
Tip #1: Choose Your Waxing Method
For first-timers, it’s best to consult with a professional waxing service at a salon in order to get an idea about what hair removal process(es) will suit you best. For those who are old hat at waxing, you can go with do-it-yourself solutions like melting your own wax at home, or using wax strips to target specific areas where you need hair removed. Missha Clean UP Comfort wax strips come in small and big variants: the small ones are meant to remove unwanted hair from the face, such as those on the upper lip and around it, while the big ones can be used to remove hair on the legs and arms. Each pack comes with two pieces of cleansing tissues to remove the wax residue from your skin, so it’s a great fuss-free option for those who want to wax without the hassle.
Tip #2: Reduce the Pain
Experiencing pain during waxing is unavoidable, but it is possible not to suffer too much. Schedule your waxing strategically: one of the basic rules of waxing is to wait one month between sessions, but experts claim that going a week or two after your period can very much reduce the pain you feel. That’s because the prostaglandin levels in your body are at their peak just before your period, which in turn makes you more sensitive and prone to swelling. You can also take an over-the-counter painkiller before you wax.
Tip #3: Don’t Wear Tight Clothes After
Tight-fitting clothing may irritate your skin, and certain synthetics will cause inflammation if they rub against newly-waxed skin. Wear something light and loose – cotton is best, but anything loose-fitting will do the job. If you’ve just waxed the bikini area, opt for underwear that isn’t tight, scratchy, or stifling and wear your most comfortable pairs for the next two days. Tight underwear causes pressure over skin which causes hair to become ingrown and more difficult to remove.
Tip #4: Don’t Exfoliate, Go Swimming, or Sunbathe After
It’s also not recommended to go for a hot shower or a bath, no matter how comforting the idea is. Post-waxing, your pores will be dilated or open for up to 48 hours after. Not only can heat cause extreme discomfort to your skin, but salt and chlorine can irritate just-waxed skin and cause it to break out as a defensive measure. If you don’t want to inflame, irritate or burn your skin, you’ll avoid heat altogether, and even perspiring heavily, so as not to clog those pores.
Tip #5: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Moisturizing the waxed area helps prevent ingrown hairs and keeps the skin soft and smooth. You can use an aloe vera gel right out of the plant, or a cream that contains aloe vera to calm and soothe the skin as well as provide deep nourishment. The same goes for salves or creams that contain witch hazel and tea tree oil, which can help reduce the redness. Milk can also fight waxing-induced redness: soak a paper towel in a half-skim milk, half-cold water mixture and apply it to the affected areas for ten minutes. The lactic acid in the milk calms your skin down.
Waxing may be painful at first, but you’ll get more accustomed to the process if it is done regularly. Just make sure to follow these tips and the advice of your waxer to ensure that you have a smooth-sailing experience every time you go in for a waxing session.
