When it comes to hair removal, there’s no one size fits all. While some prefer threading to get rid of the fuzz on their skin, others don’t mind committing to a full-body laser treatment to remain hair-free for a prolonged period of time. Among the many methods, waxing remains one of the cheapest and the most common ways to get rid of unwanted hair. Though it isn’t completely pain-free, when done right, it can leave you with smooth, bump-free skin for weeks. In the long run, regular waxing can even make your hair growth finer, as the process is known to weaken and thin your hair follicle. We spoke to experts in the field about what you need to know if you’re a first-time waxer (whether you’re headed to the salon or planning to do it at home by yourself).
Prep first
Ingrown hairingrown hair
Just prior to waxing, use a physical scrub to slough off all the dead skin cells in the area and leave a clean surface behind. Most specialists suggest showering before so the skin is clean, and then waxing only on completely dry skin. Rinsing the area before waxing will also get rid of any remnants of oils and moisturisers, or sweat. If your skin is sweaty, the wax won’t adhere to it, giving you an uneven (and more painful wax).
Test (and then test again)
If you’re a waxing neophyte, you’ll want to test the wax on your skin to make sure it doesn’t sting or burn. “There are many different kinds of wax available, both in-salon and in at-home kits. These include hard or soft wax, sugars or a liposoluble variety as well,” says Dr Pallavi Sule, dermatologist and aesthetic physician. She suggests testing the wax (and the strips) on the inside of your arm, before using it on the rest of the body and the face. If you use exfoliating products like chemical peels or scrubs, testing is even more crucial. She advocates proceeding with caution if you use AHAs like lactic acid, or BHAs like salicylic acid.
Give it time
It’s important to give your hair some time to grow, as the length needs to be long enough for the wax to get a grip on it. “The interval between the two sessions depends upon the growth and quality of hair, which is different for every individual. Ideally, the hair growth should be three to four weeks old, which means the growth and the length is sufficient,” says Dr Sule. She also suggests against shaving in the interim, as it can cause uneven growth across the board.
Move in the right direction
Apply the wax in the direction of the growth and pull the strip off in the opposite direction. “A common mistake that several salons and people who wax at home make is pulling the strip perpendicular to the skin. This can lead to breakage of hair, with the root of the strand still stuck in the follicle. This will make your skin bumpy and cause ingrown hair too,” says Dr Prabhudabholkar.
Post-waxing skincare tips
“In the initial 48-hour period post waxing, don’t use any self-tanning products. Do not go swimming, especially in a pool, since chlorine can harm your skin. Running, cycling, trekking or any form of rigorous exercise should also be avoided, as it causes friction and sweating, which could further irritate your skin and make it prone to infections,” warns Dr Prabhudabholkar. She says that this is especially important if you are waxing your bikini line or your face.
According to her, the safest way to cleanse your skin after waxing (if you don’t have post-wax wipes handy), is to rinse it under running water. Once clean, apply a hydrating lotion that is antiseptic and fragrance-free to moisturise and calm it. “You can even use an astringent to close the pores and make your skin less susceptible to infections,” she says. If you’re susceptible to ingrowths despite the exfoliation, try applying a cold pack to the waxed area immediately after. This will close your pores and block the entry of any bacteria.
Also read:
How to choose from the different types of wax for hair removal
Brazilian wax: Every single question you’ve ever wanted answered
4 women on how laser hair removal changed their lives
