Ouch! What Not to Do When Home Waxing

A professional wax can cost anywhere from $25 to $80 per visit. Those kinds of prices can add up in no time.

If you’re tired of shelling out the big bucks for a professional wax, it’s time to consider the DIY route. Home waxing is a great way to save money without sacrificing your smooth skin.

If you’re not an experienced waxer, however, the process can quickly turn painful.

Today, we’re taking a look at a few things not to do when you’re home waxing.

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Don’t Use Wax That’s the Wrong Temperature

If your home waxing kit needs to be heated, follow the package directions precisely. While wax that’s too cold won’t grab onto anything, wax that’s too hot can easily burn your skin.

This is especially true for your underarms and bikini zone.

If you’re worried about burning a sensitive area, it’s best to err on the side of cool wax. If it’s too cold, you can always reheat it and try again.

Don’t Ignore the Directions for Home Waxing

Your kit will tell you exactly how to apply the wax and the strips, and how to remove them for the best results. Every kit is a little different, so follow your directions to a tee if you want to see smooth results.

In general, you will apply the wax in the direction your hair grows, so you’d swipe down on your legs, for example. Then, you’ll press the strip down, pull your skin tight with one hand, and remove the strip with the other.

As you pull, remember these tips:

Pull in the opposite direction of your hair growth.
Keep the strips close to your skin as you pull.
Don’t let the tension build too long — just pull it off.

Don’t Try to Wax Large Areas All at Once

When you’re waxing at home, it’s best to start small. If you cover a large area in wax all at once, the wax will probably dry before you have a chance to adhere the strips. That will just leave you covered in a hard wax shell and it won’t do anything to remove your hair.

When you’re home waxing, stick to small, manageable patches of skin.

Don’t Try to Wax Hair That’s Too Short

If your hair is too short, the wax will likely have a hard time grabbing onto it. That means all of your efforts could be for naught.

On the flip side, hair that’s too long can also present a problem. In this scenario, the wax will likely stick more to the shafts of the hair, instead of pulling from the root. That means more pain and fewer results.

For the best outcome, try to wait until your hair is around a quarter of an inch long. If it’s longer, give it a quick trim first.

Don’t Douse Your Skin in Chemicals

Whether we’re talking about your home waxing products or the lotions and toners you apply afterward, tons of chemicals mean a greater chance for post-wax irritation.

When it comes to your kit, choose waxing products made from natural ingredients, like the ones from BodyHonee. That will protect your skin during what is always a sensitive process.

After your waxing session is complete, avoid the temptation to slather on a lot of chemical-heavy products. Anything containing alcohol or fragrances can really irritate your skin after a wax. Instead, opt for a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic lotion or salve to moisturize.

Don’t Try to Wax if You’re Already in Pain

If you pushed it a little too hard at the gym, are getting over the flu, or are sidelined with menstrual cramps, wait a day or two to try waxing.

Existing pain can make waxing hurt worse. Any tension or tightness in your muscles can increase your sensitivity, too.

If you’re waxing your bikini area, you may consider doing a few quick yoga stretches beforehand to loosen up your muscles. If you’re really worried about the pain, an OTC pain medication taken 30 minutes before you start can keep you from feeling too much pull during the process.

Don’t Forget to Exfoliate First

A good pre-wax scrub will remove your dead skin cells and help the wax hold on better.

Choose a non-irritating exfoliating formula and scrub the skin you plan on waxing. Just make sure you do this a day or two before you wax. You risk aggravating your skin otherwise.

Regular exfoliation is also a great way to keep ingrown hairs from forming in the days and weeks after you wax. Set up a regular maintenance schedule for yourself in between waxes so your skin stays healthy.

Don’t forget to moisturize!

Don’t Wax Irregularly or Switch Between Other Hair Removal Methods

The best way to keep your post-wax smoothness is to keep on waxing regularly.

If you wait too long to wax again, your hair may grow too long for the wax to work properly. If you switch things up with shaving or hair removal creams, you’ll likely irritate your pores when you come back to the wax.

For the best results, wait six to eight weeks between waxes and stay on schedule.

Don’t Forget to Prepare Yourself Mentally

Often times, the biggest hurdle novice waxers have to overcome is fear of the pain associated with waxing.

While waxing may hurt a little (you’re pulling your hair out by the roots, after all), it’s nowhere near the scream-inducing torture procedure shown on TV and in movies.

If you’re scared of the pain, take some time to mentally prepare yourself before you start.

Set aside 10 minutes to do something you find relaxing. Listen to music, watch some of your favorite show, or just sit quietly and breathe. If you start out in a zen-like state, you’re less likely to tense up during the process.

You might even find you enjoy it.