THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF WAXING
I’m an avid waxer and have no shame in it. I personally do not like body hair and like to have mine removed. It can be painful, but smooth, silky (hairless) skin is a plus in my book!
I started consistently waxing two years ago (2012). I was heading on a two-week vacation, and I needed to have control over the amount of hair that grew on my body within that timeframe. I’d be in a bathing suit for a majority of the trip and thought shaving would be too time consuming and irritating (razor bumps & ingrown hairs). I didn’t want to shave my bikini line or my underarms every few days, so my only option was to wax those areas. Maintaining an ingrown hair free bikini line is a hard task and shaving every few days would have just added to the burden.
I get waxed a couple of times a month– my lower tummy and underarms more than anything. There are some things you should do pre-wax and post wax to ensure smooth, ingrown hair free skin. Here they are below:
Pre-Wax
Exfoliate your skin! Any areas that are to be waxed should be exfoliated 1-2 days before waxing. This way, you’ll reveal soft, moisturized skin and bring any ingrown hairs to the surface to be pulled out. (Salt scrub is a great exfoliant!)
Take an advil or some form of ibuprofen at least 1 hour before your appointment. This will help to relieve any pain and reduce swelling during the waxing.
Do clean your lady parts thoroughly, especially if getting waxed on a hot day. Most wax centers provide you with wipes to freshen up before your service, but you should always clean yourself properly. If necessary, go to the bathroom and get it together!
Do allow your hair to grow as long as a grain of rice to ensure that it is long enough to be successfully removed. Hair as long as a grain of rice is long enough for the wax to catch. Anything longer can be painful.
Do your research before waxing! If the center isn’t clean or does not specialize in waxing, it’s best you keep moving.
Post-Wax
Do not take a bath post waxing. Sitting in the water can make you more vulnerable to infection. However, you should take a shower with warm to cool water (keeps skin bacteria free). Baby wipes will also work until you get home.
Use powder on your recent waxed areas. Powder helps to keep your skin smooth and prevent chafing.
Do not engage in heavy activity– gym, bike rides, etc. as this can cause irritation.
Do not wear tight fitting underwear or pants. This can cause friction and increase your chances of ingrown hairs and discomfort.
Do exfoliate! Exfoliating is a great way to keep your skin smooth and reduce ingrown hairs.
Whatever you do, DO NOT shave in between waxing. Waxing pulls the hair from the root making it softer and finer, whereas shaving cuts the hair off at the surface and causes it to grow back coarser, darker, and faster.
Wash your hands before touching your freshly waxed areas. Our hands carry bacteria and can cause infection.
I personally believe that shaving is for your legs only. Your legs are the last place to get ingrown hairs or dark spots, but to each his own. I also wax my underarms, which is one of the best things EVERRR. I like not having to shave my underarms for a couple of weeks. It’s life changing! If you can wax your Queen V then you can definitely get your underarms waxed.
Until next time,
