Things To Know If It's Your First Time Waxing At Home
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Time to read 4 min
For many people, waxing can be slightly daunting. Sure, a little discomfort is to be expected, but the benefits far outweigh this. And once you get used to it, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t done it sooner!
At-home waxing is an essential part of self-grooming, and it’s important to get up to speed with the dos and don’ts when it comes to giving yourself a wax for the first time.
Providing all the information you could want without being overwhelmed, we’ve compiled a helpful beginner’s guide.
From the technical bits to the topmost tips, our waxing advice covers everything you need to achieve that smoother look you’ve always wanted!
First, let it grow.
This may seem like a pretty obvious place to start, but there are so many people who insist on shaving before a wax.
Make sure you’re not one of them! Not only does shaving defeat the purpose of waxing, but it can also cause the overall waxing experience to be longer, more painful, and far more difficult than necessary.
You should aim to leave hair between ¼ - ½ of an inch long before waxing. Allowing for some length ensures both an adequate grasp and easier removal, which in turn promises smoother, cleaner results.
Of course, if you fancy a quick trim, go right ahead; just take care not to overdo it.
Don’t forget to exfoliate.
It’s definitely worth lightly exfoliating a day or two before you wax. This will help remove any dead skin cells (as well as ingrown hairs) and adequately prepare the area for your chosen waxing treatment.
Remember not to scrub too hard; you should begin softly and then gradually build it up – but excessive force is a no-no! A pre-care skin moisturiser can also come in handy.
Getting rid of any bacteria from the skin is good preparation for effective waxing, and this type of product helps you reach the best results.
Whatever you do, though, be sure not to leave anything feeling sensitive afterwards, as doing so takes waxing off the table completely.
Avoid waxing sore or cut skin.
Like sensitive skin, you shouldn’t wax any area of your body where it’s sore. You also should not aggravate open wounds; just postpone the wax till you’re fully healed.
This also applies to sunburnt skin, which can be very painful if it’s still tight and irritating. Bottom line: wait until your skin’s back to its clear, healthy state (with optimum hydration) before waxing.
If it’s your first time waxing at home, it is advised to do a patch test beforehand, just to check everything’s as it should be.
Don’t go out in the sun (before AND after your wax)
As we mentioned before, sunburnt skin is not suitable for waxing treatments. If you go on holiday a lot, for example, it’s understandable that you’d want to make waxing a vital part of your beauty routine; the smoothness it brings will help achieve a flawless tan.
As such, you’re going to want to keep an eye on your skin before every waxing session. And afterwards, too; it’s wise to steer clear of sunbeds and sunbathing for at least 24 hours post-treatment.
This is because waxing makes the skin super sensitive and you could be doing yourself more harm than good by immediately heading outdoors to soak up some rays.
Many times, with waxing, patience is key.
Aftercare is crucial!
To get the most out of your treatment, it’s worth knowing how to properly look after yourself once the waxing is complete.
In many cases, simply applying the right after-care lotion is sufficient. This will help protect the skin from irritation and infection.
Other effective post-treatment measures include:
Exfoliating a couple of times a week to stop any pesky ingrown hairs, boost circulation and improve texture while at the same time reducing bumps.
Use a dry brush just before a shower or bath to achieve a smoother finish.
Avoid shaving waxed areas too. You may notice a small amount of regrowth at first, which is down to your unique hair growth cycle length.
It can take up to four waxes to see the results you’re after but shaving the treated area between sessions would interfere with the cycle.
Try to plan your waxing for every four to six weeks. Much like your regular beauty routine, waxing does require persistence and effort to stay with the process, so if you’re interested, be in no doubt that you’re in it for the long haul.
And that just about wraps it up.
Hopefully, you’re now ready to start your waxing journey with confidence that you’re making the wisest, most well-informed decision possible.
If you’re planning to give it a go yourself, simply getting clued up is enough for putting your waxing worries to bed. Don’t be shy or nervous; preparation is the key to every good wax, but once you know what’s what, your best bet is to dive right in.
Also, the benefits will become clear very early on – you’ll never look back!
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Ellie Simmons
Ellie is the Brand Manager at Mylee, where she immerses herself in all things gel nails.
Alongside being a skilled and certified nail technician, Ellie's expertise extends to gel manicures and nail extensions. Her heart and soul are devoted to all things nail-related, and she loves flaunting her own long, natural nails with captivating nail art.
Ellie's ultimate favourites are iridescent and sparkly designs!
