Waxing is a popular method of hair removal that can be done at home or in a salon. While visiting a professional is the safest option, it is possible to achieve effective results at home by following certain precautions. Before waxing, it is important to ensure the hair is approximately 1/4-inch long. Additionally, exfoliating the skin 24 to 48 hours before waxing can help achieve better results. When waxing, it is crucial to apply the wax in the direction of hair growth and pull the strip in the opposite direction. At-home waxing kits offer a convenient option for those who want to remove unwanted hair in the comfort of their homes. However, it is important to purchase kits from reputable brands to ensure safety and effectiveness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep skin | Exfoliate 24-48 hours before and after waxing |
| Hair length | Let hair grow to 1/4 inch |
| Moisturising | Stop moisturising the day before waxing |
| Wax temperature | Warm to the touch, but not hot, with the consistency of honey |
| Wax application | Apply a thick strip with firm pressure in the direction of hair growth |
| Wax removal | Pull the strip off in the opposite direction of hair growth |
| Post-wax care | Use a serum to soothe and hydrate the waxed area |
| Wax type | Hard wax or pre-waxed strips |
What You'll Learn
- Prep your skin by exfoliating and cleansing
- Don't shave beforehand
- Stop moisturising the day before
- Test the wax temperature
- Apply wax in the direction of hair growth
Prep your skin by exfoliating and cleansing
Prepping your skin before waxing is crucial to achieving the best results and avoiding irritation. Here are some detailed instructions on how to prepare your skin by exfoliating and cleansing:
Exfoliate:
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that surround hair follicles. It is recommended to exfoliate gently a day or two before waxing to loosen ingrown hairs and improve your waxing results. Use a mild scrub, brush, mitt, or loofah to exfoliate. Remember to be gentle, as scrubbing too hard can irritate your skin, which is not ideal for waxing. Exfoliating the night before is especially important for dry-skinned clients to bring their skin back to a balanced state for a successful wax. For oily-skinned individuals, exfoliating helps remove excess oil that can block essential water moisture.
Cleanse:
Always start your waxing session with freshly washed skin. Use a mild soap to remove any germs, sweat, oil, makeup, dirt, or other residue. Grime and oily skin can increase your chances of developing infected bumps, and the wax may not adhere well to oily hair. Dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel after cleansing.
Additionally, it is essential to stop moisturising the day before your at-home waxing. Moisturizers can leave an oily film on the skin, making it more difficult for the wax to adhere properly.
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Don't shave beforehand
Shaving before waxing is not recommended. If you've recently shaved, it's best to wait at least two to three weeks before waxing to let your hair grow to the ideal length of approximately 1/4 inch. This length ensures the wax can easily and efficiently remove unwanted hairs. If your hair is too short, the wax may not be able to grip the hair effectively, resulting in irritation and leftover hairs.
The ideal hair length for waxing is when the hair is long enough to lay flat on your skin. This length allows the wax to grip the hair properly and remove it from the root. If your hair is too long, it can make the waxing process more complicated and painful. Therefore, it is crucial to allow your hair to grow to the appropriate length before waxing.
Exfoliating your skin 24 to 48 hours before waxing can help loosen existing ingrown hairs and improve the waxing results. However, be gentle during the exfoliation process to avoid irritating your skin, which is not ideal before waxing. Additionally, make sure to wash the area with a mild soap before waxing to remove any germs, sweat, oil, makeup, dirt, or other residue that may interfere with the wax's adhesion.
If you've been shaving and are transitioning to waxing, you may experience some challenges with your first wax. You may notice stubbly and sharp hairs a few days after waxing, which is due to shaved hairs breaking through the skin. It usually takes a few waxing sessions to align all hairs with the same growth cycle. However, with regular waxing, you'll achieve smoother results and finer hair regrowth.
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Stop moisturising the day before
Moisturising is an important part of any skincare routine, but when it comes to waxing, it's best to stop moisturising the day before your wax. This is because moisturiser can leave an oily film on the skin, which makes it harder for the wax to adhere to the skin.
Waxing removes hair by the follicle, which can give germs an invitation to enter the opened hair follicles. The top layer of dead skin cells is also often removed, leaving your skin more vulnerable to irritation. Therefore, it's important to take precautions to avoid infection and irritation.
Before your wax, it's a good idea to exfoliate your skin gently to remove any dead skin cells surrounding the hair follicles. This will help to loosen existing ingrown hairs and improve your waxing results. Just be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can irritate your skin.
On the day of your wax, you can take a warm bath to hydrate your skin, making it softer and easier to remove the hair. After your bath, use a water-based, oil-free moisturiser to prevent your skin from burning during the wax.
After waxing, you can use oil-based moisturisers to prevent infection, as they can be excellent disinfectants. However, avoid deodorant soaps and cosmetics for at least 48 hours after waxing, as these can irritate the skin.
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Test the wax temperature
Testing the temperature of your wax is a crucial step in the home waxing process. Too cold, and the wax won't spread; too hot, and you risk burning yourself. So, how can you ensure your wax is just right?
Firstly, it's important to understand the ideal temperature range for waxing. The perfect temperature for the treatment room is between 68-72°F. If the room or your client is too cold, the wax won't melt properly or stick to the hair or skin. Conversely, if the room or client is too warm, the wax will become too runny and difficult to apply.
To test the temperature of your wax, apply a small amount to your outer or inner wrist. This will help you gauge whether the wax is too hot to proceed. It should feel warm, but not uncomfortable. If the wax feels unbearably hot or is starting to become runny, allow it to cool down before proceeding.
It is crucial to test the wax temperature, especially when waxing sensitive areas such as the bikini line or Brazilian area. By testing the temperature, you can avoid potential burns and ensure a more comfortable and successful waxing experience.
Remember, soft wax requires higher temperatures than hard wax and increases the risk of discomfort or burns. Always test the temperature, no matter which type of wax you use, to ensure a safe and pleasant home waxing experience.
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Apply wax in the direction of hair growth
When applying wax during an at-home waxing session, it is important to always spread the wax in the direction of hair growth. This allows the wax to adhere more completely and efficiently remove unwanted hair.
To do this, start by applying a thick strip of wax with firm pressure in the direction your hair is growing. At the end of the strip, create a half-circle shape for an easier and less painful removal process. If the wax becomes stringy, this is a sign that it is too cold and needs more heating time.
Once the wax is applied, place a cloth strip over it and press down firmly, using strokes in the same direction as hair growth. Leave the strip on for a few seconds to set.
When removing the cloth strip, hold your skin taut and pull it off quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth. Stay close and parallel to the skin, as if turning a page in a book. Do not lift the strip up in the air.
By applying wax in the direction of hair growth, you can ensure better adherence of the wax and more effective hair removal results.
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Frequently asked questions
Your hair should be at least 1/4-inch long before waxing. If your hair is too long, it can make the process more complicated and painful.
It is recommended to gently exfoliate your skin 24 to 48 hours before and after waxing. Avoid aggressive exfoliation or scrubbing, and stop moisturising the day before waxing to prevent an oily film on the skin.
Hard wax is generally recommended for at-home waxing, as it adheres to the hair and not the skin, reducing the risk of skin injuries. Prewaxed strips are also a good option, as they are easy to use and reduce the risk of burning your skin.
Taking a pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen before waxing can help minimise pain. Additionally, try to avoid waxing during the week before ovulation, as nerve endings tend to be more sensitive during this time.
