No matter how you choose to remove your body hair, chances are that you want it to last as long as possible. So, it is no surprise that many girls — and plenty of guys! — opt for waxing. Although, it can be a fairly painful procedure, especially if you are getting a sensitive area such as your bikini line waxed, many will agree that it is worth going through since it tends to last a while, leaving you free of any hair removal worries for at least a few weeks.
But, what do you do if you simply do not have the time or the budget to visit a professional salon for your hair removal treatment? Many therapists will advise against DIY home waxing, however, if you do it correctly, it can be just as effective. Whether you are looking to save money, time, or both, here are our top tips to help you achieve a safe at-home wax with great results:
Tip #1: Opt For Hot Or Hard Wax
Many at-home waxing kits come as ready-made wax strips, however, these do not tend to be as effective for hair removal as hot or hard wax. A traditional hot wax kit is always a better choice, although it can be more difficult to find. Alternatively, you can use a hard wax kit, as this type of wax will become firm as it cools, eliminating the need to use a strip.
Tip #2: Consider The Ingredients
With so many DIY home wax kits out there all promising to give you the smoothest and silkiest skin ever, it can be difficult to decide which is the best to purchase and use. When choosing your at-home waxing kit, look for natural ingredients that will soothe and calm your skin at the same time; this will help to reduce your risk of irritation, inflammation, or a rash afterwards. For example, a kit that contains aloe vera and other natural anti-inflammatories will often be a better choice, than one which is laden with chemicals and harsh on your skin.
Tip #3: Do Not Expect Professional Results
If this is your first time carrying out an at-home waxing treatment, then do not expect the same results that you would get from your salon. In addition to the fact that you are probably not as experienced or knowledgeable as your technician in this aspect, experts say that most at-home waxing kits sold on the high street are inferior in quality when compared to products used by the professionals. Where possible, use a professional-grade waxing kit to improve your results.
Tip #4: Be Aware Of The Risks
Applying hot wax to any area of your body, but particularly the sensitive areas, always carries some level of risk with it. While using an at-home waxing kit, be aware that you are at risk of burning, bruising, tearing, and causing damage to your skin. Always ensure that you read the instructions carefully before you begin and have suitable products on hand that you can use to quickly remove the wax should anything go wrong. You may also find it helpful to enlist the help of a close friend or family member, especially when waxing hard-to-reach areas such as your bikini line.
Tip #5: Check The Temperature
The last thing that you want is to seriously burn yourself by forgetting to check the temperature of your wax before applying it to sensitive skin. When waxing at home, checking the temperature beforehand is one of the most important things that you must remember to do. Many home wax kits require microwaving to heat up; if this is the case then you should pay extra attention to the area — remember that you only want to remove the hair, not your skin! Professionals always test the temperature on the inside of their wrist before applying it to your skin. You should do the same to determine whether it is good to go.
Tip #6: Get The Right Hair Length
Waxing when your hair is too short can lead to a range of problems, including trouble removing the hair in the first place and an increased risk of irritation, inflammation, and sores afterwards. On the other hand, leaving the hair to grow too long can also lead to future potential issues during and after waxing. Ideally, your hairs should be around 4mm long before waxing, no matter where they are on your body. If your hairs are longer, trim them down before you begin. If they are shorter, wait a while to allow them to grow before you use your waxing kit.
Tip #7: Prepare Your Skin
Just as if you were going to get a professional waxing treatment from a salon, it is important to make sure that your skin is properly prepared before you use an at-home waxing kit. Along with checking the skin to ensure that it is not broken or torn, you should check for spots, rashes, and other signs of irritation that could be made worse by using wax. When preparing your skin, one of the most important steps is exfoliation, which will remove any dead skin cells from the area. However, do not leave this until the last minute, since exfoliating can result in your skin being extra sensitive and more susceptible to irritation from wax. Ideally, you should exfoliate at least a few days before waxing and again around 5-7 days afterwards.
Tip #8: Look After The Area Post-Wax
If you prepare your skin correctly and follow the instructions of your waxing kit carefully, then you should hopefully avoid any issues. However, if you do not look after the area properly afterwards, you could be setting yourself up for an infection. You may be tempted to apply lotions or oils to the area, however, it is advisable to leave it clean for at least 24 hours. If you want to cool the area down, you might want to think about applying ice or a natural aloe vera gel. Wear loose-fitting clothing for at least 24 hours afterwards to allow the skin to breathe and prevent sweating, which can spread bacteria and increase your risk of infections.
Share your best at-home waxing tips in the comments below!
I’ve always wanted to try waxing my legs, but I get rashes very easily. I’m glad you suggested looking for waxing kits that include ingredients like aloe vera that will soothe the skin. If I use a waxing kit with calming natural ingredients, I might be able to wax my legs without having a skin reaction.