Getting a wax is a great way to remove any unwanted hair, but everyone can agree that the pain is definitely no fun. Luckily, you don't have to be stuck in agony if you use a number of tips to make your waxing appointment less miserable. The more you prepare for your appointment, the easier it will be, and the happier you will feel walking out of the salon.
If you're a fan of waxing, you're not alone. The personal waxing and salon industry grew an average of 7.6 percent annually between 2010 and 2015, according to research firm IBISWorld. Both men and women hit the salon, but not everyone knows that waxing requires a little bit of planning. Picking what time of month you go is just as important as preparing your skin, and the more you know, the less you'll find that waxing is such a burden.
Whether you're getting a Brazilian, you're just getting rid of some leg hair, or your grooming your arm pits, you'll want to do a few things before you even step into the salon. I consulted with a few waxing experts and estheticians to come up with 10 ways to make your waxing appointment less painful.
1. Take A Pain Reliever
"Take Tylenol or your preferred over-the-counter pain reliever 30-60 minutes before your service," says Mandi Dowsey, salon owner of Waxuality over email. This can help with any residual throbbing from your waxing.
2. Use A Numbing Cream
If you don't want to take a Tylenol, opt for a numbing cream instead. "Use a product that contains either Lidocaine (PFB Numb-It) or Benzocaine (Relax & Wax No Scream Cream) 30-40 minutes before your wax," says Judi Souza, esthetician and owner of The Skin Care Studio over email.
3. Don't Drink
It might be tempting to have a glass of wine prior to your appointment to calm your nerves, but that could end up making your waxing experience worse. "Never drink alcohol before because it thins the blood and will create more bleeding," says Souza. "And be aware that if you come in with a hangover, you will be more sensitive to waxing."
4. Avoid Tanning Before
"Tanning can cause skin sensitivity," says Souza. "Tanning before getting waxed can make your skin inflamed or scabby if you get waxed too soon. Because waxing exfoliates, tanning shortly after your treatment can cause burns and skin pigmentation."
5. Trim Your Hair
"Hair should be 1/8 to 1/2 inch to be afforded the most comfortable waxing experience," says Dowsi. "If you have never waxed or you haven't gotten waxed recently, trim the hair down."
6. Time It Out
Avoid waxing right before or during your period. "Waxing near or while you are on your period is not best time," says Dowsi. "Many women are extra sensitive to pain during that time of the month, which enhances the pain."
7. Moisturize and Exfoliate
When you keep your skin moisturized and exfoliated, it prepares your skin for the ultimate comfortable waxing experience," says Dowsi. "Moisturized and exfoliated skin allows the wax to release without unnecessary trauma to the skin and also reduces the occurrence of ingrown hairs after waxing."
8. Use Hard Wax
Before you choose a salon, look for a place that offers hard wax. "Using hard wax hurts less than using soft wax," says Dowsi. "Hard wax is wax that is used without a strip. Hard wax attaches only to the hair and not the skin. Therefore, when it is pulled, you pull only hair and the skin suffers less trauma."
9. Relax
Easier said than done, but try to relax your body and your mind. "Tensing up can lead to a grueling waxing experience," says Dowsi. "Taking nice deep breaths while waxing takes the edge off."
10. Wax Often
If waxing is your thing, then you should make sure to do it consistently if you want to cut down on pain. "Once you begin waxing you should continue to wax every 4-6 weeks," says Dowsi. "Waxing frequently, as strange as it sounds, hurts less. The reason for this is that the hair grows in thinner making it easier to remove the more it gets waxed."
Waxing can be painful, but if you take the proper steps ahead of time, it will make the process much easier.
Images: Fotolia; Pixabay (10); Bustle
