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When removing body hair, waxing is a popular option that can yield great results. But before you book that appointment, knowing how to prep your skin to get the most out of this treatment is essential.
For example, it’s best to let your hair grow to the optimal length of about 0.25 inches. This helps the wax grab hair rather than just skin, reducing pain and irritation.
Prep Your Skin
Avoid retinol the week before your waxing appointment, as these can make your skin extremely sensitive. This puts you at risk of a painful experience and possibly even tears on the skin. It would help if you also refrained from getting any facials or other skin treatments in the weeks before your waxing Long Island NY to give your skin a chance to recover.
Take a warm bath before your waxing appointment to hydrate the skin. This will help make your hair more pliable and easier to pull out when it comes time for the wax. Also, be sure to use non-comedogenic (non-blackhead causing and pore-filling) skin products on the area of your body you’ll be waxing.
For extra comfort, apply a bikini area-safe numbing cream about 30 minutes before your appointment to reduce pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help manage discomfort before and after work.
Take a Warm Bath
During the day of your wax, take a bath or shower with only lukewarm water. Hot water can open up your hair follicles, making them more sensitive to being pulled. This could cause a painful experience.
Do not use body sprays, deodorants, or perfumes. Your skin is irritated after the wax, and you don’t want to exacerbate it with unnecessary chemicals. Pat yourself dry instead of rubbing the area.
Avoid scheduling a wax in the days leading up to your period or during your menstrual cycle. This is because your pain threshold is lower during this time due to low estrogen levels. If you must schedule during this time, taking a pain reliever like Ibuprofen or Advil will help.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating is a part of every skincare routine, but it’s essential when waxing. It helps prevent ingrown hairs and helps wax stick to your hair rather than your skin.
Avoid shaving the area you’ll wax for several weeks before your appointment. If your hair is too short, it won’t be grabbed by the wax and may end up stuck to the skin.
Also, don’t schedule your wax a few days before or during your period. The extra blood flow in the area can make it more sensitive and increase the likelihood of irritation, rips, and burns from heated wax. Finally, skip coffee (and any other caffeinated beverage) on the day of your waxing session because it heightens sensitivity. This will help avoid redness and blotches afterward.
Hydrate
Keeping your skin hydrated is essential for good waxing results. A good quality lotion will prevent your skin from drying out, which could lead to hair breakage during the removal process. If you are using a product with added oils and other natural ingredients, apply it while your skin is damp so that it can soak in.
Avoid scrubbing your skin before a waxing session, which can make it temporarily more sensitive. Exfoliation also thins the blood in your skin, making you more prone to tearing during waxing. Avoid alcohol, which can also cause thinning of the skin.
Also, make sure your hair is at a particular length for waxing to work. It should be at least as tall as a grain of rice to allow the wax to grab it properly.
Stay Away From Alcohol
Despite the tempting idea of a pre-wax cocktail, alcohol thins the blood, making you more vulnerable to bleeding during waxing. This is why skipping the booze the day and night before your waxing appointment is best.
Also, avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can increase the skin’s sensitivity, making it more difficult to remove hair. In addition, it’s a good idea to avoid scheduling your waxing session around your period, as the pain of a climax can exacerbate bruising and inflammation.
Take a small amount of acetaminophen an hour before your waxing session to help alleviate pain. It will also make the experience more comfortable, especially for those new to waxing.
