If you’re like many women, you probably have hair somewhere on your body that you want to be removed. What is the best way to get rid of it, you may ask? For a long-lasting result, waxing is the way to go. Because it pulls the hair from the root, results can last up to a month. Waxing also leaves the skin beautifully smooth with no stubble re-growth like shaving does.
The negative side of waxing is that it can be slightly painful, especially if it isn’t done properly. However, if you choose the waxing equipment and utensils and prepare your skin properly, you can lead a life full of waxing success. Follow these rules to waxing to avoid bumps, rashes or bruising.
Preparation is Key
Prior to waxing, it’s essential to properly cleanse and exfoliate your skin. You might also want to consider showering with warm water beforehand as the steam helps the pores and follicles to become more soft and supple. It’s also important that your hair is grown out to at least a quarter of an inch so the wax has something to grip onto.
Choose the Right Waxing Supplies
Nowadays you can find a wide range of waxing equipment and utensils available on the market. Choosing the right supplies can make a world of difference between a satisfactory waxing experience and an unsatisfactory one. Here is the list of essential waxing products and accessories that you’ll need to make waxing easier and more effective.
Wax
While there is a comprehensive range of waxes available, hard wax and soft wax are the most popular. The main differences between them are their melting points, texture and application techniques. No matter what type of wax you choose, the most important thing to consider is the quality of the wax you get. The best waxes will include natural resins and shooting moisturising ingredients such as coconut and olive oil, honey, rose, among others. Reliable specialized stores will offer a variety of soft and hard waxes, roll-on and ready-to-apply strips made with the finest ingredients.
Wax Heater
This waxing accessory is crucial for a successful waxing experience because wax consistency plays an important role in the effectiveness of the waxing procedure. Proper temperature and consistency ensure that the wax will grab onto hair properly, facilitating hair removal. It’s very important that you use the pot correctly and pay attention to the temperature controls because the temperature of the wax can turn into a risk factor for burns.
Strips
Unless you choose the hard wax, which you can rip off with your fingers, you will need to get strips to be able to remove the wax. These waxing supplies can be made from either fabric (mostly cotton), or paper (polyester and viscose). No matter which one you choose, you should be fine as both are very flexible and resistant and adapt to any area that you are waxing. You’ll find strips that come in predetermined sizes for different parts of the body. There are even pre-waxed strips. They are much easier for beginners to use than hot wax.
Applicators
You’ll need applicators to apply wax. Wooden applicators and spatulas are commonly used. They are available in different widths to make small or large areas easier to tackle. Although most wooden applicators have rounded edges, you can also find applicators with straight edges. These applicators make it easier to create straighter lines in the eyebrow or bikini area.
Aftercare is Everything
You will want to get a post depilatory to help you get rid of any residue after waxing as well as to soothe and moisturize the skin. These products contain antiseptic ingredients that help prevent infection. You might also want to invest in an antiseptic cream to prevent sensitive skin from getting infected after waxing. A cream like Neosporin is a good option as it contains antibiotics. For extra protection, apply it immediately after waxing.
How to Wax Your Body
In the beginning, you’ll want to apply small sections, taking a small amount of wax and applying it in the direction of your hair and then removing it in the opposite direction. This is a helpful technique to ensure you get all of the hair on the first try and it gets pulled directly from the root, hence avoiding any breakage.
If you take a closer look at your hair you’ll find out that in certain parts, like your underarms or bikini, it may be growing in different directions and you’ll need to target each spot one by one.
How to Wax Your Face
For waxing your face you’ll need to get a specific facial wax. Strips specially designed for the face are the best option to consider as they’re much smaller than ordinary wax strips, which makes them quick and easy to use. Just like with any other wax product, check the instructions o the face strips as you may need to do a patch test beforehand.
The Australian Expert 