Waxing 101: This Is Everything You Need To Know About At-Home Wax & How To Do It

Body hair is an aspect of life. But for whatever reason, you might wish to take it out. Maybe you're not feeling so peachy in your peach fuzz. You could use a razor, but waxing is your best option if you want the effects to linger for weeks without a stubble. If you're the DIY kind who loves to save money and time, you might choose at-home hair removal instead of going to the salon. However, safety measures are necessary for any waxing activities to prevent infection or damage. Here's how to do a wax job at home in a secure and safe manner.

Types Of Wax

Ahead, we break down the different types of wax to use for hair removal.

Warm Soft Wax: Soft warm wax is cream or resin-based and used for strip waxing. It is gently warmed and applied in a thin layer over the skin. A cloth strip is pressed on and removed, taking the hair with it. The spreadable wax is often used to cover larger areas like the legs and arms. While extremely efficient at picking up even fine hairs, soft wax sticks to the skin as well, so it should only be applied once per area.

Warm Hard Wax: Hard wax is a practical alternative for both parts with thicker hair and places with fine, thin hair. Warm wax is applied, and as it cools, it becomes harder. Because it serves as the strip itself when it has solidified, it is also known as strip-free wax. After cleansing the skin, a tiny amount of pre-epilation oil is often used to shield it from the wax. After being warmed up to the point where it can be distributed, the wax cools and solidifies into a flexible material that you can easily pull off.

Pre-Waxed Strips: Pre-waxed strips are ready to use without the need for heating because the proper amount of cool, soft wax is already applied to them. This technique is suggested for beginners because it is the easiest to use and cleanest alternative. The strips are not only simple to use, but there is also no risk of applying too much product. A strip can often be used more than once per location, depending on how much hair you're removing.

Chocolate Wax: Chocolate wax is tender on the skin and known as one of the least painful types of wax. It's hydrating and full of soothing and nourishing ingredients like almond oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil, glycerin, vitamin E, and other minerals. Cocoa itself is rich with antioxidants and acts as an emollient in the wax. The almond oil gives it anti-inflammatory properties—a benefit much appreciated while having hairs ripped out from their follicles.

Here’s How To Make Wax At Home

When it comes to hair removal, homemade wax is just as effective as commercial wax. However, homemade wax is much less unpleasant than those sold in stores since it adheres to the hair rather than the skin. Furthermore, it's chemical-free, all-natural, gentle on the skin, and less expensive. The handmade wax won't cause any adverse reactions. What are you waiting for, then? Prepare your own wax by grabbing an apron. 

Here’s how to make it at home:

• In a pan, combine glycerin, water, sugar, and lemon juice to create homemade wax.

• Use a medium flame to cook.

• Keep stirring it for a few minutes.

• Once this mixture takes on a light golden colour, turn off the heat.

• Add the chocolate powder and combine thoroughly (only if you want to make chocolate wax at home, if not then skip this step).

• Prior to removing the mixture from the heat, turn it on again for a minute. Store in a glass container.

Here’s How To Wax At Home

Achieve The Ideal Hair Length: Make sure your hair is between one-fourth and three- fourths of an inch long before waxing. To make waxing less messy and uncomfortable, clip longer hair to a shorter length using safety scissors.

Before Waxing, Stay Away From Retinoid Creams: Two to five days before waxing your body, refrain from using retinol-containing over-the-counter skin care products and prescription retinoids to prevent removing skin along with hair.

To Clean And Dry The Area: To get rid of debris, dead skin cells, and skin care products before waxing, carefully cleanse the region. Dry your skin completely afterward. The wax can properly stick to dry, clean skin.

Heat The Wax: Apply a small bit of wax to the inside of your wrist to check the wax's temperature. Warmth should be felt, but it should not  be painful or burn.

Apply The Wax: On a tiny area of your skin with undesired hair, apply the wax. Spread the wax consistently in the direction of hair growth for the best results.

Apply The Cloth Strip: Place the cloth strip over the wax after it has been applied, and then firmly push down. Wait two to three seconds before removing the cloth.

Take The Cloth Strip Off: Holding your skin taut with one hand, quickly peel the cloth off in the opposite direction of hair development with the other hand. Consider getting a friend or family member to assist you if you're waxing in a difficult-to-reach area, such as the underarms.

Calm Your Skin: Apply cold packs to your skin if you are in discomfort after waxing. Avoid hot baths and showers. Wear loose clothing. Use a moisturiser that won't clog your pores. Find moisturisers with the designations "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic."

Things To Know Before Waxing At Home

Test wax temperature: Applying a small patch to your outer wrist can help you gauge if the heated wax is too hot to proceed. It should be hot, but tolerable.

Apply wax in the direction of hair growth: Whether you’re using wax with strips or a stripless wax, always smooth wax onto the skin following the grain. Apply your strip in the same direction. Avoid double-dipping your applicator in your wax container, as this can introduce bacteria to your wax.

Pull in the opposite direction: Follow specific instructions for your particular wax. Some waxes require time to harden, while others can be pulled almost immediately. When you’re ready to pull, hold your skin taut with one hand by pulling it slightly in the direction of hair growth. Then, use the other hand to pull off the strip or wax in the opposite direction in one fast, swift motion.

Ease the pain of the pull: To minimise the sting, take a deep breath and exhale as you pull fast. Then place a hand on the just-waxed skin to calm it. If you’re prone to waxing pain, you can apply a lidocaine product about 30 minutes before waxing.

This Is What You Need To Do After Waxing

After you've gotten through the challenging portion, the next 48 hours are all about exercising additional care and prudence. Here are top things you need to stay away from while your freshly waxed skin is most vulnerable. After that, the next three to four weeks should go without a hitch.

Stay Out Of The Sun:

Your already sensitive skin is even more vulnerable for the first 48 hours following waxing. So even though you might be itching to put on your bikini as soon as you finish waxing, remember that sensitive skin is more vulnerable to ultraviolet rays. This may result in hyperpigmentation or irreversible solar damage.

MyGlamm Recommends: MyGlamm Superfoods Kiwi & Coconut Sunscreen

Formulated with kiwi and coconut extracts, this sunscreen holds SPF 30 PA+++ that protects your skin against UVA and UVB rays. The vitamin C extracts from the fruits help brighten, heal and protect the skin since it is rich in antioxidants. The coconut water refreshes the skin and hydrates it instantly –– giving you a radiant glow.

Do Not Over-Exfoliate:

Because waxing removes the uppermost layer of dead skin and hair, any extra scraping might cause skin injury. To avoid ingrown hairs, it's crucial to exfoliate dead skin cells after the first few days with a gentle scrub or exfoliating serum.

MyGlamm Recommends: MyGlamm Wipeout Germ Killing Face Scrub - Lavender & Neem

Want to get your oily, acne prone skin under control? Try this unique face scrub containing lavender and neem extracts. Neem is known to purify the skin and treat breakouts while lavender has a soothing effect on your skin and your senses. This scrub will help remove dead skin cells, dirt, and impurities from your skin without causing irritation or inflammation. It will also make your skin feel comfortable and relaxed.

Be Selective With Your Skincare:

For the first few days following waxing, use moderate, fragrance-free body washes and lotions. Avoid using any soap, lotion, or other toiletry product that contains artificial colour or aroma. Freshly waxed skin reacts strongly to these substances. Instead, clean up with a mild body wash that is made especially for skin that has been irritated.

MyGlamm Recommends: MyGlamm Youthfull Hydrating Moisturising Gel With Water Bank Technology

This hydrating gel moisturiser is super lightweight on your skin, yet it gives all the moisture your skin needs. The formula instantly cools and hydrates your skin all thanks to its unique aqua holding technology. From inflammation to irritation, this cream helps soothe your skin. The licorice, turmeric, and coco grass work together to heal, comfort, and repair damaged skin. Plus, unlike other creams, this one isn’t sticky and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. It’s a great moisturiser for combination skin too!

Opt For Loose Clothing:

One thing to remember both before and after your appointment: tight dresses can aggravate and rub raw regions. For a few days, you should avoid wearing leggings and instead wear maxi dresses, flowy pants, and breezy cotton fabrics.

FAQs

What Are The Tips To Keep In Mind While Waxing?

While waxing is nothing to be concerned about, it does, in fact, temporarily make the skin more sensitive (from 24 to 36 hours, approximately). You should use basic maintenance techniques during this time to calm your skin and maintain the results of your waxing. To reduce the possibility of developing skin issues, including ingrown hairs, bacterial infections, rashes, itching, redness, and scars, you should get on a good pre- and post-waxing care regimen!

Is It Better To Shave Or Wax?

Although the effects are basically the same, there is one significant distinction: how long they last. Waxing often lasts 3 to 4 weeks because the hair is removed from the root. Shaving, however, causes hair to regrow significantly more quickly—within 3 to 7 days. This is so because shaving just gets rid of the hair's top layer.

Does Waxing Darken Skin?

You'll most likely notice a smoother, brighter complexion the first time you get a glimpse of yourself in the mirror following a wax sesh. This is so that waxing may remove dead skin cells, which makes the skin look radiant.

Will you try waxing at home?