We’re deep in quarantine, and their hair is top of mind for many people. And no, we don’t talk about the hair on our heads. Avid wax are likely to experience extreme withdrawal when it comes to their monthly or bi-monthly hair removal more than thirteen weeks after COVID-19 lockout, and wonder if they should take the DIY path without the aid of their favorite esthetician.
But waxing is a little more scientific than therapeutic, unlike touching up your roots or doing your own pedicure. With that in mind, Fuzz Wax Bar co-founder Jessie Frampton talks us through how to give yourself at home a stress- and pain-free wax.
How do I prepare my skin before I give myself a wax at home?
In order to make the hair removal process as easy and painless as possible, skin prep is important before a wax. Frampton advises that you exfoliate the day before, but not the day before, and shower just before applying your wax. For a gentle exfoliation, Fuzz Wax Bar sells its own body scrub made of small salt and sugar grains, but you can use any scrubbing agent or instrument you are used to (such as a loofah or dry brush) as long as it is non-irritating and does not contain plastic microbeads.
Make sure that the skin [right before waxing] is free of any lotions, gels or oils, since this can interfere with the wax.’ Super key,’ she tells me. “I also do not suggest day-to-day exfoliation, as waxing is its own form of exfoliation, leaving the skin too raw and fragile.”
The day before exfoliation helps ensure that the wax sticks only to your hair and nothing else on the skin, and a warm day-of shower will help open your pores and smooth your skin, making it a little less painful to remove the hair.
What tools do I need for a DIY wax to offer myself?
Now that your skin’s prepped, it’s time for your wax to get started. Fuzz uses hard wax for more sensitive body areas, such as the bikini line, underarms and ears, which is used without strips and only
pulls on the hair, not the skin. Soft wax, used with strips, is the way to go for wider and less sensitive body regions, such as legs and arms (and back or chest for men).
Many salons have now started offering their own waxing kits (as well as mini wax heaters) to their customers if you’re like most people and don’t have wax sitting around at home. Bonus: This is also an easy way for your favourite local companies to be sponsored when stuck at home. The basics include most kits: wax, strips, wooden spatulas, and products such as pre- and post-treatment mini body scrubs and oils.
Frampton suggests placing the wax (either soft or hard) into a mason jar if you are cool to do without a wax heater and heating it gradually by immersing it in a pot of water. “Microwaving is not advised,” she says. “Too fast, it gets too hot, and it’s hard to measure the temperature that way.” When it has the consistency of honey and slowly drips off your stick, but is not too runny, the best way to know if your wax is ready is. In order to ensure that it is not too hot and that you do not experience any kind of skin reaction, she also suggests checking it on your wrist beforehand.
How do I have a wax at home to give myself?
Pamper the skin of you
Frampton suggests rubbing a little bit of baby powder on your skin before applying your wax if you’re using a smooth wax formula, or a drop of body oil if you’re using a hard wax. Both will help protect the wax from your skin and ensure that only your hair is pulled away. Well, because, ouch.
In small sections, Apple wax
Small sectioning is important if it’s your first time doing an at-home wax. Frampton recommends that you take a little bit of wax and apply it in your hair’s direction, then remove it in the opposite direction. This technique is useful to make sure that the first attempt is to get all of the hair and it is pulled directly from the root,” she advises.” “It helps prevent any breakage.”
Small sections are also super important because once you take a closer look at your hair, you will notice that it may grow in different directions in certain areas, such as your underarms or bikini, and you will need to target each hair one by one.
Hit a pose
Frampton says that most salons have their own protocols on how to ask their customers to sit during appointments when it comes to positioning your body for optimal hair removal, but you feel most comfortable when you’re in the driver’s seat. “If you have a partner or friend who can assist you in more tricky places, that would be ideal, but if you do it on your own, just stick to your small sections and sit down as you feel most confident,” she says.
Skip the Brazilian’s DIY
Another key point is to apply wax only in areas where you have a clear view of your skin, calling into question Brazilian waxing. While there may be brave souls out there giving themselves Brazilian waxes at home right now, Frampton would not recommend that. It can become very difficult to wax the area and can even result in an injury,” she says.” “Avoid that and leave it to the pros for all those awkward spots where you feel like you can’t get your bearings.” (FYI, which involves individuals using the waxing kits of Fuzz, which are marketed as basic maintenance tools until you can go to your salon again. So, no Brazilians please!)
Embrace and trim your hair if you need to,
A full Brazilian is probably not even appropriate at the moment, as Frampton notes. It’s a great time to let it grow *all* with everyone forced to stay indoors. While we’re all stuck at home, the element of embracing your hair is also there. A cleaned up bikini line feels just as good after not getting a Brazilian for a really long time while in quarantine mode,’ she says. “All we’re searching for and recommending is easy maintenance, and just trim if you need to.”
Take a deep breath and go for it
When it’s finally time to pull on the soft wax strip or strip-free hard wax strip, Frampton advises that you keep your skin close, take a deep breath and exhale while you remove it. Not only can this help you remain calm, but deep breathing will also help to relieve the pain.
What is the after-care for the wax at home?
Congratulations. You’ve survived! Frampton offers these tips to help keep your skin cool, relaxed and free of infection or reactions:
Avoid inserting items that are not waxing-approved on the skin because they can cause a reaction or infection due to damage to pores. (A.K.A. Use only what’s in your wax kit for DIY.)
For the first day or so, wear loose fitting clothes to help your skin breathe, until the area feels less sensitive.
For the first 24 hours, avoid hot showers or baths, as your skin will be more vulnerable to irritation and bacteria.
Exfoliate your skin every two to three days once you pass the 24-hour mark. To help maintain your wax and avoid pesky in-grown hairs, moisturize daily.
You might also like to read: Tips on Brazilian Waxing
If you have angry red bumps or other signs of infection, please contact your doctor to arrange a check-up.
Any last pieces of guidance for a successful wax at home?
I have noticed that you can get the same result from home by using the same methods and procedure that we do in the wax bar,” she says.” “If you follow all of these tips from start to finish, it really isn’t that bad. But if you’re applying big strips like you’re an expert in waxing and you’re pulling in the wrong direction because you’re not breathing before, it’s going to get really messy quickly. Noted! Heard!
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