Waxing is a daunting idea for many but often it’s necessary for giving you the confidence you need to step out of the house. That’s why the waxing industry is expected to continue growing and have a value of over $950 million in the UK by 2031.
We know just how good that smooth feeling is after the different parts of your body have been waxed but getting it done professionally can be expensive for some people. A study from 2017 revealed that the average woman will spend £17,000 on waxing in their lifetime, which is why you may be looking for a cheaper alternative and that could be waxing at home.
Waxing at home can be daunting to begin with but when you know how to do it, you’ll soon find that it’s possible and the cost-saving benefits outweigh any pain you’ve been worried about. So, if you’re thinking of making the switch, we’re here to tell you how you do it safely. Read on to find out more.
Are there any risks?
We understand that you may be worried that there are risks to waxing by yourself and while there are some risks, they shouldn’t cause you too many problems. These include:
- Too much wax – applying too much wax means you might remove more hair than intended, which could prove more painful
- Too little wax – if you don’t put enough wax on then you may need to pull more strips off overall to get all the hairs off
- Irritation – if you pull too many wax strips off then it can irritate sensitive skin
- Pulling hairs the wrong way – if you don’t pull the hairs away from the direction they’re growing, then it will cause the hair to break instead of coming out cleanly, which is painful
How to wax safely at home
- Buy your hair removal wax from a reputable supplier
- Ensure your hairs are at least ¼-inch long
- Prepare your skin for the wax with an antibacterial wash
- Follow the instructions on the packaging and heat the wax to the right temperature
- Place the wax and strip over the hair
- Pull the wax strips against the direction the hair is growing in for clean removal
- Wipe down the skin area with the antibacterial wash to reduce any risk of infection
How to minimise pain while waxing
If you’re worried about the pain then here are some tips for keeping it to a minimum when waxing:
- Take a painkiller like ibuprofen
- Avoid waxing the week before ovulation
- Make sure the hairs are the right length for waxing
