The fear of waxing is very real! It’s like getting a tattoo—you dread the second that needle inches close to your skin, but man, oh man, do you adore the artwork etched onto the canvas that is your body. Or even like working out. It might wear you down to the bone, but in the aftermath of all that pain and sweat, how rewarding is it to admiringly gaze at the results in the mirror?
What if we told you that we had some effortless pre-waxing tips to make the next session a more pleasant one? Read on to learn!
1. Grow your hair out:
It’s important to have the right hair length, so about a quarter to half an inch (6-12 mm) before getting waxed is ideal. This will allow the wax to get a firmer grip on the body hair while minimising breakage and pain and keeping the waxing lady from blaming your growth, or lack thereof, as a hindrance.
2. Time it right:
Did you know there is a good and bad time to get waxed? That’s right! If you have an appointment scheduled during your cycle or a beach vacation, cancel it. The best time is to wax a week after your menstrual cycle ends, as your threshold for pain is the highest, or after your sunburn has healed.
3. Exfoliate:
A noble thing to do before your waxing session is to exfoliate well. You must scrub dead skin cells and buildup in hair follicles away at least two to three days in advance. It’s essential to opt for gentle body exfoliators like Dove Oatmeal & Calendula Oil Exfoliating Body Polish Scrub; or just a loofah for a smooth hair removal sesh later.
4. Cleanse beforehand:
Be sure always to cleanse and dry the parts to be waxed with mild, non-oily body care products. Opt for a formula like the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash, as it is enriched with prebiotic oat to lock enough moisture in the skin, along with removing residue that can interfere with the wax’s adhesion.
5. Skip the body lotion pre-wax:
Once you’ve cleansed, avoid giving into your skin care muscle memory and don’t use moisturisers, lotions or oils on the to-be waxed sections of skin. This step will reverse the effect of cleansing by recreating a barrier between your hair and the wax, thus giving your esthetician a much tougher time getting the wax onto your skin.
6. Consult an expert:
Are you on medications such as retinoids or blood thinners? They could make your skin hypersensitive and prone to complications. If you are, we urge you to check with your doctor to see whether waxing is even the right hair removal method for you or not.
7. Food & beverages matter:
If you’re a sucker for caffeine or happy hour, it’s good to bear in mind to avoid drinking coffee or alcohol a few hours prior to getting waxed. As we know, these beverages are stimulants, and they are likely to increase skin’s sensitivity to pain. So, skip them and stick with good ol’ fashioned H2O for hydration.
8. Wear breathable clothing:
On the day of your salon appointment, go casual to avoid ingrown hairs or irritation. It rarely strikes us as a prep before waxing, but it is a game changer to avoid tight-fitting attire after waxing. If you forget to give your waxed areas a breather, they might get rashes and breakouts.
9. Consider pain relief options:
Do you experience an unusual, unbearable amount of pain and discomfort because of waxing? If so, you can opt for pain relievers like OTC meds like ibuprofen or numbing creams, as suggested by your dermat.
In conclusion, while waxing may be a regular salon indulgence for many, others might have a tougher time of it. If you are unsure about any of the tips mentioned above, it is recommended to consult a professional on how to prep your skin for waxing.
