Tips on How to Wax like a Pro

Learning about waxing before you wax

When we take a look at the history of pursuing hair-free skin, we can find that it existed from the time of ancient Egypt. In ancient Egypt, people used to take scraps of fabric and make use of resin mix and beeswax for removing unwanted hair. Ever since then, we have witnessed great changes and evolvements in waxing products and methods. Till today, waxing remains one of the most popular techniques for hair removal.

Waxing is a delicate hair removal technique that requires knowledge, skill, as well as some additional skin care measures. A lot of people lack basic knowledge regarding the before and after waxing care procedures. As a result, they end up with unwanted consequences such as dryness, burns, and allergies. Knowing what waxing products you should use can be such a chore. From strip wax to hot wax, it is always best to learn about the different types of waxes and find out what works best for you.

Furthermore, it is also wise to educate yourself regarding which waxing products work best on which area of your body. For example, strip wax is typically used for larger areas such as arms, legs, and back. This is because strip wax is relatively quick to apply and remove. On the other hand, hot wax is suitable for waxing sensitive areas such as bikini, underarm, and facial hair. This is because the heat from hot wax opens the pores and hair follicles, which makes it much easier for the hair to be waxed out.

Preparations to take before you wax

• Keep yourself hydrated and moisturized before your waxing sessions. Drinking plenty of water and moisturizing your skin on a daily basis is both beneficial for your waxing sessions as well as your overall health. However, drinking plenty of water just close to the time of your waxing session will not really have an immediate outcome. You need to drink plenty of water in general for your skin to show the difference. Also, you could skip applying moisturizer on the day of your waxing schedule because a pre-depilatory product will remove any lotion residue from your skin.
• Take a pain killer around 20 to 30 minutes before you wax. If you are sensitive, you might want to consider this step since it can really make a difference in the amount of pain you feel during waxing. Additionally, taking aspirin for instance, which is an anti-inflammatory, helps in reducing the pain as well as the inflammation after waxing.
• Allow your hair to grow at least a quarter inch long. If your hair is shorter than a quarter inch, it will be hard to tear it out from its root. As a result, waxing will be less effective and harsher on your skin.
• Use pre-depilatory products. Pre-depilatories have hydrating, antiseptic, and soothing elements that eliminate lotion residue and sweat from the skin to get ready for the waxing session. Without pre-depilatories, your skin will be more prone to infection. Therefore, this step is crucial to keep in mind.

Waxing can inflict great trauma on your skin. Therefore, the following tips are to help you soothe your sore skin and reduce the redness on your skin after waxing:

• During the next 24 hours, avoid these:

1. Friction against your skin.
2. Heat (which includes saunas, beaches, sunbaths, pools, etc.). Since your skin is sensitive after waxing, exposure to heat would be too harsh on your skin. It might result in opening your pores and getting you infected.
3. Chlorinated water and salt water. This will dehydrate your skin.

• Use post-depilatory lotions. Investing in a good post-depilatory lotion is crucial if you plan to wax at home by yourself. Post-depilatory lotions clean and remove any residue of wax present on your skin. Additionally, its emollient and antiseptic ingredients help to soothe your skin after waxing.
• Use a cold compress. This is an effective way to lessen soreness and redness from your skin after waxing. Here are some cold compresses you could use:

1. Ice pack.
2. Cold water.
3. In equal amounts, mix cold water with cooled milk or rose water.
4. Cold gels with soothing elements like aloevera, or cucumber.