Waxing is a great way to eliminate unwanted hair, but can be painful. Here are some tips from the pros to make the waxing process as smooth as possible.
Exfoliating is a must before your appointment. This will help the wax remove more hair and prevent ingrown hairs.
Don’t Get Waxed on Your Period Days
It is a good idea to avoid getting waxed during your menstrual cycle because the hormones (estrogen and progesterone) cause the skin to become more sensitive. If you want a Brazilian or other intimate wax, make sure to use a tampon and book your appointment for a week after your period ends.
It would help if you also tried not to work out or do anything that makes you sweat for at least 24 hours after a wax. Sweat and friction can irritate the sensitive, waxed area and create an environment for bacteria to thrive.
Taking ibuprofen or another painkiller before a wax is also a good idea to help alleviate the pain. This won’t numb the area completely, but it will help make the experience less painful. The more tense you are, the more the wax will hurt, so take time to relax and distract yourself by reading a book or listening to music.
Don’t Wash Your Skin Before Waxing
Those who exfoliate regularly might be tempted to scrub their skin before waxing Long Island, NY. However, this could cause an overproduction of oil that will prevent the wax from adhering to the hair. For best results, it’s better to skip the scrub and instead use a loofah or washcloth for two days before your appointment.
Don’t apply body lotions or powder before your waxing session; these can also clog pores. If you do need to moisturize, try a small amount of body oil on the area before your wax. This will help prevent the wax from slipping off without grabbing every single hair.
For the first 24 hours after a wax, wearing loose clothing and cotton underwear is best to avoid friction. Avoiding hot showers, saunas, and steam rooms is also good. We recommend a cooling product containing aloe vera or witch hazel if your skin gets irritated.
Don’t Moisturize After Waxing
Immediately after a wax, you should avoid moisturizing with lotions or creams, particularly those that contain fragrances. This can irritate freshly waxed skin and cause it to break out. Instead, our experts recommend using all-natural body oils such as olive or coconut to keep your skin hydrated until your pores have closed.
You should also skip the bath and stick with showering for a while after your wax since hot water can irritate freshly waxed pores. This is because hot water opens your pores more and can lead to infection.
Also, don’t shave the hairs that appear after your wax, as this can irritate the area and encourage ingrown hairs. Lastly, don’t apply perfumed deodorant or body spray after your wax because these products can irritate sensitive skin. Instead, use unscented versions of these products as they are more gentle on your skin.
Don’t Swim in Salt Water
The salt in the ocean, pool, or hot tub can irritate freshly waxed skin and leave it vulnerable to infection. It can also clog the pores and lead to ingrown hairs.
Avoid sweating, taking a sauna, or going in the ocean or pool for at least 48 hours after waxing. This will give your skin a chance to heal from the irritation of those activities.
Avoid using lotions, oils, or heavy body sprays in the areas that have been waxed. The oils and lotions can clog the open pores, leading to bumps. Try a light, natural cream or gel to moisturize those areas after your wax. If you use lotions, use them sparingly and choose ones free of fragrances and dyes to avoid irritating the sensitive, newly waxed skin. You can also apply a cool compress or rub an ice cube over the area. An ice cube or cool gel containing soothing ingredients like Aloe vera can help calm red and inflamed skin.
