What to Know About Waxing

Smooth skin is at the top of many summer beauty must-haves. But before you run to the salon for a wax or buy an at-home kit, there are some things you should know.

1. Research your salon.

Read online reviews, ask for recommendations from friends, or even stop by the salon to check it out firsthand. Make sure the room looks clean, the sanitary paper looks fresh and crisp, and the esthetician is wearing gloves.

2. Choose the time wisely.

Avoid the week before or during your period. During this time, your body is most sensitive to pain, so waxing might bring a little more of a sting. 

3. Be proactive about pain.

If you’re worried waxing will hurt, consider icing the area you’ll have waxed shortly beforehand or taking a pain reliever like ibuprofen. 

4. Make sure to moisturize.

Staying hydrated can reduce pain, so drink plenty of water and moisturize your skin before waxing.

5. Steer clear of alcoholic drinks.

Drinking alcohol tightens the pores and can potentially make waxing extra-painful.  

6. Don't pre-exfoliate.

Waxing is, in a sense, exfoliation. Along with unwanted hair, dead skin cells are ripped away. Exfoliating before a wax means double exfoliation – making skin even more sensitive and vulnerable.  Wait a while after your wax to resume.

7. Don't over-trim or over-shave.

Ever wondered about the ideal hair length for a wax? It should be between one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch so that wax can grip the hair and pull from the root. 

8. Follow up with aloe and ice.

After waxing, rub on an aloe-based cream. Ice the area one more time if burning persists.  

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