Use a loofah or scrub to get rid of dead skin so the wax can grip the hairs better. Then, wash the area with a regular soap and water, and make sure it is completely dry. [1] X Research source After cleansing your skin, sprinkle a bit of baby powder to the area about to be waxed. It’ll absorb any excess moisture so the wax and cloth strip can adhere properly. Waxing can be done on the upper lips, under arms, arms, legs, stomach, back, and bikini line. [2] X Research source Any lotions or makeup on the skin may prevent the wax from removing the hair.
If you have sensitive skin, you can take an ibuprofen half an hour before you begin. Be prepared to spend about an hour waxing as this is not something you want to rush. If you menstruate, try not to wax right before or during your period; your skin may be much more sensitive, and it could be significantly more painful. Don’t wax if you’re currently dealing with any pimples, infections, or open sores or you could irritate your skin and make the problem worse. [4] X Expert Source Mohiba Tareen, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
If you wax in a cold environment, it’s going to be a more painful process. Warm air helps your follicles stay open, and the hair will slide out more easily. This applies to plucking your eyebrows, too! Go several days without shaving the area you want to wax; you will have best results when the hair is at least 1/4 inch long.
Next, slowly separate the layers, exposing the wax. The benefit of wax strips is that they don’t require you to heat up the wax. The downside is that some people consider them more painful than hot wax because the wax remains cold. Choose the right wax strips. If you are using pre-coated wax strips, make sure you are using the correct kind for the area you are waxing. You don’t want to use a leg waxing strip on your bikini line or on your face.
For example, a wax strip applied on the legs should be applied with pressure moving downwards because leg hair grows downwards. You want to press firmly on the strip, until the wax cools against the skin. This should just take a few seconds.
Don’t wax the same place twice. Ripping the strip against the direction of hair growth pulls the hair from the root, ensuring thinner hair growth. The waxed region should remain hair free for about 2 weeks. Keep the skin taut as the discomfort subsides. Any wax left over can easily be washed off later. Remove excess wax from the skin with baby oil. Some people develop rashes once waxed.
Make sure to follow microwaving directions to the letter to prevent the wax from getting too hot and burning your skin. Make sure it’s not too hot, as it can burn you. [6] X Research source If you have the tub of wax, you would need to get yourself some wax paper (which you can find at pretty much any grocery or dollar store), and a popsicle stick or two, preferably the thicker variety. [7] X Research source You will also need muslin or other fabric strips to use with the wax. Always test your wax by applying a bit to the inside of your wrist to make sure it’s at a comfortable spreading temperature. Too cold and it won’t spread; too hot, and you’ll burn yourself. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully, heating and stirring at intervals to avoid boiling the wax, as overheating can cause it to break down and not work as well for future uses.
Apply a thin layer to the skin in the same direction of the hair growth. Quickly apply the cloth strip, and smooth down in the direction of the hair growth; you should have these ready so that the wax doesn’t harden on your skin while you are fishing around for your strips. The wax shouldn’t be too thin or too thick, but the more the hair, the more wax you should use. The more wax you use, the more painful the process can be, though.
You may immediately apply pressure to the skin with your hand to help soothe the nerve endings. Use another cloth strip to remove any leftover wax from the skin. Don’t go slow, as that’s one of the worst things you can do. Brace yourself and yank fast. If the hair does not come off, possible reasons include short hair (too short for waxing); too hot wax; or wax pulled in the wrong direction; not enough wax applied
