All methods are good to remove unwanted hair: shaving, depilatory cream and even laser hair removal. What about waxing? Not knowing how to wax yourself and the fear of pain may make you hesitate to go for it. Let yourself be led, step-by-step, by a waxing guide specifically created to help you.
Sensitivity test
Twenty-four hours before your waxing session, carry out a patch test on a small area of your skin to be waxed. If no reaction is observed, you can proceed with waxing with the product tested. If, on the contrary, your skin reacts, it is better to refrain from using it.
Waxing preparation
Before waxing, make sure that the hair length is between 4 and 5 mm for optimal adherence and pain minimization. Clean the skin to be waxed with pre-wax lotion or gel. It is a good way to prevent the development of pimples.
Wax application
- If you have fine to normal hair, there is…
- Ready-to-use wax strips!
Composed of two plastified strips with a thin layer of resin-based wax in between, ready-to-use wax strips are ideal for novice waxers. Gently rub the double strip between your hands to facilitate their separation. Then, apply a strip on the area you wish to wax in the direction of hair growth. Rub your hand over the strip for optimal adherence of the wax to the hair. Remember that wax residue removal should be done with oil and not with soapy water
- Sugar wax or cold wax!
Composed mainly of water, sugar and lemon, sugar wax is found in plastic jars allowing the product to be heated in the microwave. Wax temperature should be maintained at 40 degrees Celsius to avoid burning (check jar thermometer). To be sure, check that the texture of the wax is creamy like honey and test it on a small area of the skin (inside of your wrist for instance). The wax is applied with a wooden or metal spatula in the direction of hair growth in very fine layer. Then apply a cotton, pellon or honeycombed strip on it for the removal.
- If you have normal to strong hair, there is…
- Lukewarm wax!
This wax is made of natural, modified or synthetic resins and can be also found in plastic jars. It also exists in a roll-on format for easier application. Wax temperature should be between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius (check jar thermometer). The texture should be of creamy honey, just like sugar wax. It is also better to double check the wax texture just like sugar. The lukewarm wax is applied in the same way than a cold wax and also requires the use of cotton, pellon or honeycombed strips for removal.
- Hot (stripless) wax!
In case you have strong hair in sensitive areas (underarm, bikini or face), it is better to use resin-based hot stripless wax. The benefit of this product is that it can be used without strips and it is less painful. Spread it on the skin in the direction of hair growth and let it dry (about 10-20 seconds). Wax layer thickness should be from 1 to 2 mm. Being more complicated than strip wax, you can ask for help from your partner, a friend or family member. Wax temperature should be between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius. The ideal texture of this wax is a creamy texture.
Removal of waxes
Hold your skin taught with one hand and with the other pull the wax or strip off quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth, keeping the strip close to the skin. Then, press the waxed area of your skin with your hand or with a cold compress for a soothing feeling.
After waxing
Clean waxed areas with soap and water if you used a sugar or cold wax. In the case of lukewarm wax, hot stripless wax and ready-to-use strips, use post-depilatory cleansing wipes or massage the waxed area with a bit of oil (olive or mineral). Complete post-depilatory care with the application of a post-depilatory cream or gel with soothing properties. Exfoliate the skin 24 hours after waxing. Do not apply irritating products for 24 hours following waxing. Continue exfoliation once or twice weekly and daily skin moisturization.