When preparing your skin for waxing, it's important to note that there are several things to do so that you're getting the most out of your waxing experience. Some of the things that should be done before waxing include exfoliating, moisturizing, and removing dead surface cells. When you follow the right techniques, you will have perfectly smooth skin every time and your waxing session will be free of wax burns, and discomfort.
Below are some waxing tips to follow to ensure you have a successful waxing appointment either at a spa or if you're doing it yourself with an At Home Waxing Kit. One thing you should always remember is, don't rush! If at all possible, schedule extra days for extra prep and then go at a nice pace and enjoy the process with confidence. You will be happy you did and you'll be very pleased with the waxing results!
1. Observe Your Skin
When your skin is broken or has inflammation, (which occurs more often than not, especially if you have a lot of skin sensitivity issues), you must make sure it's healed before you wax it. You will also need to let the esthetician know before your waxing appointment of any moles or beauty marks so they aren't irritated. Also, make certain that all of your body hair is clean.
2. Light Exfoliation
Gentle exfoliation helps wax grab hair and not skin and causes less pain, as well as reduces ingrown hairs and bumps that could otherwise remain unnoticed. You can follow up your exfoliation routine with a rich scrub by using either an exfoliating glove or a brush. You may use oil containing tea tree oil but watch for bumps or irritation if you've had previous bad experiences with exfoliation, especially if you have skin sensitivities. Depending on your skin type, if you have more sensitive skin, it's always recommended to gently exfoliate.
3. Moisturize Your Skin
Moisturizing should be done days before your appointment. This will help soften the hairs leading up to your appointment, making it easier for hair removal. Vitamin-E Lotion is a great moisturizer and will leave your skin smooth and soft to the touch. It is also great for removing dead skin cells due to dehydrated skin.
4. Use a Pre-Wax Oil
By using a pre-wax oil, you'll be able to use less force, but still, achieve the results you want. Plus, pre-waxing oils contain ingredients that help prevent redness and infection. Don't use petroleum-based or scented oil; instead, opt for organic ingredients. You might also consider using oil from natural sources like olive or jojoba oils.
5. Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothing to the Appointment
Make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing to your waxing appointment. This will ensure your skin isn't irritated, and you will be more comfortable too. You can avoid tight clothing by wearing shirts that fit loosely, rather than snug ones. Don't put on tight underwear, especially for bikini waxing. Also, avoid tight leggings or leotard shorts because these can restrict blood flow, and cause you to feel more discomfort during your waxing service.
6. Let Your Hair Grow
Your hair follicles should be long enough in the waxing area so that it is easy to grip onto, but not short enough that the wax can't pick them up. For best results, grow about 1/4-inch of thick hair. This hair length is also recommended for bikini and other body-gripping types of body-modifying procedures. For most people, this amount of hair growth is plenty, although some people may prefer to grow thicker hair.
7. Take a Warm Bath to Help Hydrate the Skin
If you have dry skin, not only will a warm bath help hydrate your skin, but it will also be helpful before your waxing appointment to avoid having irritated skin. Different skin types, such as dry skin, may be more prone to pain during a waxing session because the hairs are harder to remove. A bath will help soften and loosen up the skin and will reduce redness and irritation.
8. Clean the Skin Before Waxing
Freshly washed skin before your waxing appointment is very important, and you must use a clean towel so that you know you've eliminated any bacteria or dirt from the skin. You can also use a Pre-Waxing Cleanser to cleanse the area as well. This ensures no bacteria will enter the pores before waxing.
Conclusion
Ensuring you take all the necessary steps before waxing will greatly improve your chances of avoiding issues that could derail or hamper future waxing. No matter what kind of equipment or products you use, always start with clean fingers. Never attempt to remove hair by hand without clean fingers or clean equipment, as you run the risk of a painful infection. Always follow the same steps for every wax job. If you've followed these steps, there is no reason why you can't safely enjoy parts of your hair-free body for weeks!
