The Do’s and Dont’s of Waxing

We get it, waxing isn’t an appointment anyone looks forward to booking. And while there are a couple of other hair removal options out there, it seems that waxing is an option of choice for many as it is cost-efficient, semi-permanent, and gives you the results you want almost anywhere on your body.

What about shaving?

If you’re contemplating its benefits over shaving. The two main reasons why it could work better for you are because:

1. It’s semi-permanent
   The results from waxing can last anywhere between 1-6 weeks as it removes your hairs from their actual roots – unlike shaving which just trims the hairs from the surface of your skin.
2. It’s exfoliating
   Have you ever noticed how smooth your skin feels after waxing, and more so than shaving? Well, that’s because waxing acts a bit like an exfoliator and removes any of the dead skins in the area you choose to wax.

There are other benefits to waxing as well: it leaves you smoother for longer as there isn’t any stubble left on the surface of your skin like there is from shaving; you often don’t feel as itchy when the hair grows back if the wax is of a high quality; and you can avoid those awful cuts by your ankles you get from shaving too quickly.

Now that we’ve established the benefits, let’s get to the dos and don’ts…

Waxing Do’s

• Try and let your hair grow out to at least 1 cm long before your next wax appointment, as the wax won’t be able to grip onto very short hairs.
• Give your skin a good scrub before your appointment and leave the area clean to avoid ingrown hair. So remember not to add any creams or oils o the area.
• Remember to wear soft and comfortable clothing around the areas you’re waxing, especially if it’s your bikini. Stick to cotton that isn’t too tight, and it should help alleviate some of the burns you feel straight after the wax.
• Invest in a good moisturizer that you can use post-treatment to hydrate and nourish your skin. Stick to products that are more water-based and not oil-based if you’re prone to getting ingrown hairs so that your pores do not clog up.
• Get a reliable exfoliator to prevent ingrown hair or treat any that have already surfaced. Look for products with salicylic or glycolic acid to properly disinfect and clean the surface of your skin. Alternatively, you can dig into your cupboard and use a mixture of tea tree oil, sugar, and olive oil to achieve the same result.
• Find a benzoyl peroxide-based cream at the pharmacy to treat skin that’s inflamed, irritated, or even infected from ingrown hairs after your wax. It’s typically used to treat acne, but it works wonders in this case as well.

Waxing Don’ts

• Remember that your skin is going to be quite sensitive after you wax, so try to treat it with as much care as possible. Don’t use perfumed lotions or creams on the area for a couple of days – this can irritate your skin quite a bit and lead to ingrown hairs.
• If you’ve just had a bikini wax and you think you’re beach ready – you’re not. No matter how much sunscreen you apply, your skin is still going to be too sensitive to sit in the sun. Try to stay clear of the sun, swimming pools, or even hot showers and baths 24 hours after your wax.
• Try and schedule your waxes between your menstrual cycle. If it’s that time of the month, it’s best to reschedule your waxing appointment, especially if your pain threshold is quite low. Your skin, no matter where, will be far more sensitive and the experience is likely to be a lot more painful.
• If there’s a special event that evening, and you’d like to get waxed, better not to. Try scheduling your appointment about three days before a special event as your skin will probably be a little red, swollen and sensitive for the first two days.
• Stay clear of tight clothing or high-intensity exercise for the first 48 hours after your wax to prevent ingrown hairs. A Bikram yoga class in the sauna is definitely something you should postpone for a few days.

Harvard Health also has a nifty guide if you have any worries about excessive body hair.

Last but not least, don’t have your wax done in a salon you aren’t sure is reliable. It’s imperative you choose a salon that uses high-grade and preferably hot wax that’s kept at a steady temperature. If you have any skin sensitivities or allergies,  don’t hesitate to tell your therapist about it before she begins. A well-trained therapist will be able to make the experience very tolerable and give you reliable advice on what products are right for your skin post-treatment.