How to Wax Correctly - Waxing at Home
Wax me Right!
Waxing is one of the oldest methods of hair removal - and waxing seems like a very simple process. Yet, there are some pitfalls then many people have found themselves in when trying to wax correctly...
Incorrect waxing can lead to irritation, ingrown hairs, burns and discomfort after the waxing has finished.
So here's what you need to know for a great waxing session....(by the way we have a full guide on waxing here that you may also want to read)
Steps for A Great Waxing Session!
- Test First - If you're new to waxing, or you're new to the particular product that you're going to be using then is highly advisable that you test your body's reaction with the wax. Apply a little bit of the mixture on the site of the skin and do a quick test. Leave it at least 10 minutes to see if you have any signs of an allergic reaction or negative symptoms.
- Minimum Hair Length - It's advisable that you wait for the hair that you want to remove to be at least 1/8 inch long, otherwise you may finx that the waxing process is ineffective.
- Remove Oils / Lotions - Sometimes your body accumulates either natural or man made oils and lotions on the site that you wish to remove hair. You should use a bit of soap and water to wash the area that you're going to be working on to make sure any substances like this are removed.
- Heat Wax Carefully - There's nothing like applying boiling hot wax on to your skin! Most home waxing product ask you to heat the wax up in a microwave or similar heating device - make sure you don't cook the wax too much - and test the heat by using your finger!
- Optional - Pain Creams - If you're someone who can't handle the pain of waxing then you may wish to use a topical anaesthetic. There are creams and lotions you can purchase and apply to the site that you're going to be working on about 30 - 60 minutes in advance of the waxing session.
- Apply Wax in the Right Direction - To avoid ingrown hairs and to make sure the waxing process is as pain free as possible you should apply the wax in the direction that your hairs are growing. You can easily tell hair direction by running your hand across the top of the hairs and seeing which direction gives you the most resistance.
- Clean Skin Once Done - Once you've waxed the area you need to use a warm, damp towel to clean the area and remove all wax. This will also help limit the chance of ingrown hairs.
- Wear Loose Clothes - For the next few hours I recommend that you stay away from tight fitting clothes that may cause irritation on the waxed part of your body.
That's it!!
A Final Note about Waxing
Waxing at home is all very well and good for certain areas of the body such as the chest, legs, arms and back (if you have somebody to do the waxing process for you). However, it is important that you go and see a fully trained professional if you are going to be waxing any parts of the body down below...
Serious injury (including tears!) can occur if you try and wax that part of the body without doing it correctly - this can cause considerable pain and long term health problems so definitely see a trained specialist for the more sensitive parts of the body!