Contrary to popular opinion, waxing isn’t actually that bad – you just need to make sure the conditions are right. Think of it like this, say you went out for a picnic (bear with us), it started raining and you forgot the crisps, you probably wouldn’t enjoy the picnic. Well, waxing is like that but instead of checking the weather and remembering the snacks, you need to time your appointment and steer clear of alcohol beforehand. Here are the waxing mistakes you should avoid.
By Beth Ludolf
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1 Avoid waxing near your periodYou can get a wax on your period (just use a tampon), it will just hurt a bit more. In the days leading up to your period, your whole pelvic area is much more tender and will feel more sensitive. Booking at least a week ahead of your cycle is prime time. If there is a diary clash you can’t avoid, don’t worry too much, a painkiller can work wonders (more about that later).
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2 You don't need to trim beforehand
Your hair should be about a quarter-of-an-inch long for waxing. No shorter and no longer. If it’s a little on the long side, your therapist can give it a quick trim beforehand. If you DIY it, you’ll probably end up cutting it too short (it’s more difficult than it looks). If it’s because you feel embarrassed, remember your therapist will be totally unfazed. Besides, you’re literally there for a wax – they know what’s coming.
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3 No drinking beforehand
A glass of wine en route to the salon sounds like the perfect remedy for first-wax nerves, but it’s actually a bad idea. The stimulants in alcohol (and caffeine, for that matter) can actually make your skin feel more sensitive. Don’t worry, you won’t need the dutch courage once you’ve nailed these steps.
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4 Check your meds
If you’re taking any medications, ‘fess up to your therapist and check they’re safe. Some prescription drugs – like steroids and anti-acne medicine, Roaccutane – thin the skin which means waxing is a big no-no. When the skin is weaker, waxing can be too aggressive and cause a lot more discomfort and bleeding. And nobody wants that.
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5 Keep a painkiller handy
If you know you’re sensitive and will struggle with the pain (or can’t wait until your period has passed), take some ibuprofen or paracetamol an hour or so before your appointment. It won’t numb the area completely, but it will make it a little more comfortable. Worth a try.
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6 Wait at least 24 hours before tanning
‘At least’ being the operative part of that sentence. If you tan too soon after waxing (or shaving), your hair follicles won’t have time to close properly. Basically, you’ll be left with little black dots covering your skin (it’s called ‘strawberry skin’). If you can wait 48 hours, even better. Just to be on the safe side, finish your shower with a blast of cold water to close your pores.
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7 But do wax first
Waxing after your spray tan is out of the question – waxing removes the top layer of skin, so your tan wouldn’t survive. In fact, whichever method of hair removal you opt for after tanning, some of the tan will be removed during the process. If you’re going au natural, brilliant. If you’re not, waxing is a good bet because you’ll remain smooth for the duration of your tan.
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8 Don't head straight to the beach
Avoid the beach and the pool for 48 hours after your wax. Chlorine and sand can irritate your skin, especially when the pores are still open. You want to stick to the shade too. Your skin will be more susceptible to sun damage after waxing because the top layer has been removed. If you’re going on holiday, book your wax for a couple of days before you leave so you can hit the beach straight away, no problem.
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9 Hot baths are a no go
There’s nothing like a bath when you need to relax (goodbye muscle tension), but it’s best to steer clear for 24 hours after your wax appointment. The heat will aggravate any post-wax irritation and redness, it will dry out your skin and open up your pores (a shortcut to ingrown hairs). Same goes for the steam room – you know, in case you’re fancy like that.
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10 Hitting the gym
Raring for a gym class? Props to you, but you should sit this one out – just for a day or two. Super-tight clothes (yoga pants, guilty as charged) will cause too much friction, leading to extra redness and ingrown hairs. Plus, getting hot and sweaty is just asking for a bacterial infection. Stick to loose-fitting clothes for a few days, even at the gym.
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11 Get scrubbing
Not only should you scrub before your wax, but exfoliating is also the key to keeping ingrown hairs at bay. Don’t jump straight in the day after your wax though. Give your skin two to three after before you start using a scrub – and even then, do it gently. Look for scrubs that contain acids, this will help with any bumps. Using a mitt is a good way to use less product too.
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