28 June 2018

We all know the benefits of waxing body hair over shaving it; you can remove large amounts of hair at speed with longer periods of smoothness. And for smaller, more sensitive areas like the face, you can target small areas for precision results. No matter what area you’re having waxed, and whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, here are our expert tips to help you enjoy the best results.

 

Preparation…

For those worried they have sensitive skin, you might want to do some research first into what kind of wax is best on your skin. If you have a waxer in mind that you really want to go to, ask them if they can do a test patch first.

 

Exfoliate…

Regular exfoliation (as you’ll find out when you keep reading) is great for your skin, but even more important in the few days leading up to your waxing appointment. Scrub away all those dead skin cells to help ensure the hair is free and ready to be waxed away. It also helps avoid bumps and ingrown hairs post-wax.

 

DIY vs Pro…

There are loads of at-home kits that claim to be easy and effective. But the truth is, you’ll never get the same result as going to see a professional. Not only can they better access the area needing to be waxed, they do it cleanly and quickly, something we guarantee won’t be the case at home.

 

Ouch! Be prepared for pain…

Waxing comes with a certain level of pain that can’t be avoided. And it hurts some people more than others. If you really dread it, avoid alcohol, caffeine, and exercise beforehand, as this induces blood flow which will make it all the more painful. Also, for women, booking appointments around your period can be more painful.

 

Aftercare…

Caring for your skin post-wax is as important as preparing it. Moisturise and stay hydrated; this counts all the time, but especially in the 48 hours following your wax.

Immediately after your wax, and perhaps for a few hours following, you might be red and have a bit of a ‘plucked chicken’ look. This is normal but try to keep the area clean and bacteria free for a while.

Don’t go swimming in a chlorinated pool or spa, or go in a sauna.

Avoid applying any topical lotions for about 12 hours as these can have fragrances and other ingredients in them that can react. Use a tea tree oil based product to apply to the area if you need; these are anti-bacterial.

 

Ingrown Hairs…

An unfortunate side effect for some people who wax, ingrown hairs happen as a result of the waxing process removing the hair and the root. But they can be combatted by regular exfoliation, every 2 to 3 days with a soft brush or exfoliating glove. Along with that you can purchase roll on products that contain a very mild acid which helps ensure dead skin cells are buffed away so the hair can come back through the follicle opening.

 

Tanning…

Getting a wax before tanning is a great idea providing you leave the right amount of time between each appointment. Waxing gives you the smooth, exfoliated skin that tanning solution sticks to best. But you’ll need to wait at least 24 hours before getting the tan or you’ll end up with an uneven look. And absolutely DO NOT tan in a tanning booth or sunbathe for 24 hours following your wax; the skin is just too sensitive.

 

When to wax again…

Tweeze or shave any strays after a wax but let the hair grow to a minimum of about 5mm before re-waxing (about 4 to 6 weeks typically). For facial hair it can be a bit shorter but for body hair, any shorter and you might end up a bit patchy. But it’s about more than just having the hair long enough for the wax to grip properly, you also need to allow time for your skin to repair itself.

 


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