How to Wax at Home

Author:

I enjoy using wax to remove body hair and I love sharing tips on how to do so.

Self-Waxing Tips

No matter what people say, everyone on the face of this Earth has some unsightly hair somewhere on their body that they're embarrassed about. Shaving it doesn't work (it just comes right back to bite you again). Plucking is out of the question (who has eight hours in case it's a big patch of hair?). Once your frustration reaches its peak, you turn to the painful option of waxing. Most people scream at the thought of it, and who can blame them? Possibly burned skin, strips, yanking off poor hair follicles! Yes, it all adds up to big horror flick scream. But it works.

So, how do I know and why should you trust me? Let's just say that waxing has been a frequent hobby of mine for plenty of years and that I've learned quite a bit through trial and error. I am a wax master. Let's get you set up to ensure minimal (albeit still present) pain.

How to Wax at Home

When applying the wax, make sure that it is not hot enough to burn your skin! Test it on your wrist first. If you can tolerate the heat on your wrist, it's ok to apply elsewhere.
Put the strip on where you've applied the wax and rub the strip so it sticks. Count to three and take a deep breath. Then pull off the strip quickly at a 45 degree angle. Poof! Your hair should be gone.

Your skin will look red and irritated, but that is normal. Your hair follicles have been ripped out and your skin is experiencing shock.

Oil or Aloe Vera After Waxing?

Waxing Tips for Sensitive Skin

So you've made the decision to wax those pesky hairs. Here is what you need before you dive into hairy territory.

Baby powder. It is essential to have your skin as dry as possible. Any hint of slippery skin could make the whole process even more dreadful.
Waxing strips. Strips are pretty much the most important supply besides the actual wax. The best kind of strips to use are actually just a pair of old jeans cut up into whatever size you need them. Jean strips are great because they are tough and re-useable.
Wax. Though it's the most important supply, many people don't know which kind to get. There are three types of wax: hot, sugar, and cold. Hot is the most common and works the best with tough hair—it just glides right on without pulling at the hair. I do not recommend cold or sugar wax, which can be hard to use and may be painful when applied to the skin.
Aloe vera lotion/gel. After waxing, the skin's pores are wide open, so do not apply the oil that many packages offer to calm the skin. Doing so puts bacteria right back into open pores. To soothe the skin from shock, apply aloe vera lotion or gel over the area. This will effectively help calm irritated skin.
A wet towel. It can get messy, so it is always helpful to have a hot towel at hand. Do not use oil or regular wipes as using hot water will help kill bacteria instead of adding to it.

How to Wax at Home: Legs, Arms, and Under Arms

Tips for First Timers

Now that you've got everything ready to go, you're probably wondering how the heck to actually start. Here are some tips to get you started and some basic rules for different parts of your body.

Before you start waxing, make sure that the area is clean. Wash it with soap and water and then dry it off. Apply baby powder.
The hair length should be at least 1/8 of an inch in order for the wax to grasp the hair.
If you are using hot wax, it is a smart idea to have a heater in front of the container so that you do not have to keep running back and forth half naked to warm up your materials. (It can become cold fast.)
For any body part, always apply in the direction that the hair is growing and always pull the strip in the opposite direction of hair growth.

Self-Waxing Tips

Now that you are off to a good start, here are some things to keep in mind. Be safe!

Waxing on open sores or cuts is a big no-no! Doing so could infect any sores or rip open any existing cuts/scabs you may have.
It can be done on many areas of the body, even for men!
If you have sensitive skin and get white head outbreaks, it means that bacteria is somehow finding its way into your open pores. To prevent breakouts, immediately wash your skin with soap and water. Then apply aloe vera on your skin to calm the irritated pores.
The process is not painless! If any product says that they can eliminate any pain, they are pulling your chain. If you cannot tolerate the pain, you can go to the nearest pharmacy and request an over the counter numbing cream. This should help eliminate any discomfort.
If applying and putting on strips is too complicated, you can always use pre-waxed strips. Just rub them between your hands, pull them apart, and apply the strip to the desired area and follow procedure as you would normally.

If you follow these steps carefully, you will be sure to have a safe and healthy. However, waxing is not for all hair types. If your hair is not coarse or light in color, there are a number of other options that easier and less painful.

Body bleach: Body bleach helps blend the color of your hair and the color of your skin so it looks like you have absolutely no hair.

You should be on your way to being hair free in no time!

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.