Hair removal is always a sticky subject but if waxing is your method of choice, then there are a few things you must take into consideration. From finding a skilled aesthetician (who specializes in waxing services) to a sanitary salon (double dipping is never OK), a little homework is often necessary to avoid burns, breakouts or infections. The expert waxologists at OC Waxing and Aesthetics offer these five tips to ensure a successful wax with as little pain and ingrown hairs as possible:
1. A good rule-of-thumb is to allow at least two weeks of hair growth from the last time you shaved before your scheduled appointment.
2. Exfoliation is key before and after your wax. Use an exfoliating scrub the day before, and do not apply any body lotion the day of your appointment. For the next 48 hours after your appointment, avoid any harsh exfoliants. After the tenderness has subsided, exfoliate in the shower to remove dead skin so the pores don’t become clogged, causing ingrown hairs and bumps.
3. Witch hazel is a great product to implement into your waxing routine. Witch hazel helps clean the area after you get waxed, killing bacteria, which can cause breakouts—no one likes breakouts!
4. Do not expose the freshly waxed area to direct sun for at least 24 hours after your appointment. Also, don’t workout or do anything where you will get sweaty after your wax appointment so you can avoid ingrown hairs and bacteria buildup.
5. For below-the-belt waxing, make sure only hard wax is being used since it adheres to the hair and not the skin—it’s less painful. The best time to get waxed is the week after your menstrual cycle when your pain threshold is at its highest. If you are crying at engagement ring commercials while you’re eating something both sweet and salty, don’t make an appointment for a bikini wax just yet.
