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Otylia Roberts, the beauty guru known for introducing the Brazilian bikini wax to the UK, talks to Cosmo about the dos and don'ts of waxing
Is there such a thing as a pain free wax?
Not really... but fifty percent of the pain is psychological isn't it? What I usually say is take a painkiller an hour before that usually helps a bit. Some people say its more painful during your period, so don't wax then! A period doesn't last a lifetime. It does help if you're doing it at home to have a warm bath, put a bit of lavender in it, and put some nice music on and just relax. Take, as I say, take a painkiller, and off you go, and that helps.
Is there a correct way to wax?
You always have to go against the hair growth. And try to start from the bottom and follow the hair up.
How can you avoid ingrown hairs you can get after waxing?
Ingrown hairs
Is it a myth that waxing the eyebrows can make you more wrinkly because when you pull it off it pulls your skin?
I personally don't like to wax the eyebrows, the skin is sensitive, and it's very fine. A lot of women have very fine hair, which is not necessary to remove. And if you start to remove it you make yourself the problem. Eyebrows should be done professionally with tweezers.
Is it ok to do your armpits yourself?
Yes, if you stay in front of the mirror it's easier. If you follow the instructions, it's not that difficult.
How long does the hair have to be before waxing?
It has to have grown for about two weeks without shaving. Maybe 2mm so it can grip. If the hair is short and thick the wax won't pick it up, you need a lift.
Is there any way you can avoid redness after waxing?
It depends on the type of the skin. You can put products on after, like Aloe Vera. Surprisingly when people go out to the fresh air, it is very cooling. There are products, like camouflaged lotion that have antiseptic, something to take the redness down. Alternatively give yourself two or three days before an important event because the skin will cool down and it won't show up. When you go on holiday try and wax about three days before incase you tear the skin. It heals very quickly, it is an extraordinary organ.
Is it a myth that waxing your skin could make it thinner?
That's a myth. However the top layers of the skin are protective against sun, so we always say don't go in the sun 24 hours after waxing, or saunas and hot heat treatments, because the skin has less protection. No sun sprays or self tans, because again you're working on brand new skin.
Simply Wax, a new, easy to use home waxing range by The Waxing Legend Otylia Roberts is available nationwide now.
