Note: Hair inhibitors work particularly well with waxing. As wax pulls the hair out from the roots, hair inhibitors can have a maximum effect in disabling the hair follicle and slowing down and preventing future hair growth.

Click here to learn more about hair inhibitors and waxing

To avoid the skin appearing darker after waxing, be careful not to expose the treated area to the sun for 48 hours after treatment. Alternatively use a good sun blocker cream on newly treated areas.

Be sure to test a small area of skin first to make sure there is no acute sensitivity or allergic reaction to the process.

Hair should be at least 1/8 inch long. If it isn't wait until it reaches this length.

Be sure to wash the skin thoroughly and dry it well beforehand to remove any lotions or oils which may prevent the wax from adhering closely to the skin.

Heat the wax carefully so as not to overheat and thus burn the skin when applying. Test on a small area first. The consistency should be soft rather than runny.

If pain and discomfort is a main concern use a pain reducing gel or cream available from pharmacists. These solutions should be applied 30 to 60 minutes before waxing so the skin is numbed beforehand.

Click here for a pain control available online

Apply a thin layer of wax in the direction of the hair growth, preferably holding the spatula or tongue depresser at a 45 degree angle as you spread the wax.

When applying the cotton strip over the wax, rub in the same direction as the hair growth leaving about 1/3 of the strip free to allow for a firm grip for a fast back pulling action.

Pull the skin taut before pulling the cotton strip away.

Pull back with a rapid movement close to the skin. Do not pull up or out, rather pull back.

One fast, smooth, pull back is much more effective than a series of light pulls which only increase the pain and leave patchy areas.

For facial hair use wax at a lower temperature than the rest of the body. Use one hand to hold the skin taught. Spread the wax very thinly. Only treat small areas at a time.

Clean the skin with a warm moist towel afterwards to remove excess wax.

Avoid showering and making the hair wet prior to hair waxing. Hair absorbs the water making it soft and less likely to adhere well to the wax. Tough hair is easier to pull off.

Avoid wearing tight clothing over freshly waxed areas to minimize the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs.

After 24-48 hours exfoliate the skin (with a Loofa sponge for example) to prevent the dead skin from accumulating in areas that can become ingrown such as the bikini line, upper thighs, underarms and calves.

If acne is a problem, wait until the skin has healed before hair waxing to avoid further irritating this sensitive condition.

Waxing: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

How does hair waxing work?

A wax combination is spread thinly over the skin. A cloth strip is pressed on the top and then ripped off with a quick movement removing the wax along with the hair and dead skin cells leaving the skin smooth.

What's the difference between hot waxes and cold waxes?

Good hot waxes melt just above body temperature so they can be easily spread thinly over the skin. As they harden they trap the hair in the wax so it is removed by the roots when the wax is ripped off.

Cold waxes are available in precoated strips which can be pressed directly onto the skin. The hair sticks to the wax and is then removed with the quick pull back action. (Cold waxing is also known as Persian waxing)

What is the effect on the skin?

As dead skin cells are removed in this process the skin can feel quite smooth afterwards. The hair waxing action does cause the skin to sting and many find a soothing skin healing cream to be helpful afterwards.

Some persons find the skin reacts with redness and bumps which disappear after a few hours.

Are there any health precautions to keep in mind with hair waxing?

Some physicians do not recommend hair waxing for persons suffering from diabetes or who have varicose veins or poor circulation as they are more susceptible to infection.

Users of Retin-A, Renova, Differin or Accutane are advised not to use hair waxing on the face as these medications tend to weaken the skin and tearing of the skin may occur when the wax is removed.

Hair waxing should not be done on areas of skin affected by warts, pimples, moles or rashes or on skin that is irritated, chapped or suffering from sunburn. Never apply wax to peeling, broken skin or varicose veins.

Never apply wax to the nipples when removing hair from the breast area.

On what body areas can hair waxing be used?

It is wise to test a small area first but generally waxing can be used on most parts of the body. The exceptions are the male genitals, nipples, inside the ears and nose, eyelashes.

Some find it works well on legs and arms but a little too painful for the bikini line.

How long before hair reappears?

Generally between 3 and 8 weeks. Less hair regrows and it is generally finer. Eventually some hair never regrows.

What is Brazilian hair waxing?

Brazilian hair waxing refers to hair removal around the anus, perineum and vagina. Prices at beauty salons may range anywhere from $25 to $100 or more.

After underwear is removed a beautician asks the client to lie down and raise the legs. Talc may be sprinkled all over the bottom, anus and vagina areas. Hot wax is then spread over all these areas and then ripped off with cotton strips.

The pain of course can be quite acute and it may continue for some time afterwards. Many though feel it is worth it for the results.

See our page on Brazilian Waxing for more information

Waxing Resources

Amazon has a huge range of wax and sugaring supplies, warmers and equipment.

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