We all have body hair, and while some of us have more than others, you might want to remove yours for various reasons. Sure, you could grab a razor (check out our shaving guide here), but if you're looking for results that last weeks without the stubble, at-home waxing might be your answer.
Whether you're waxing at home or in a salon, safety is key to avoiding injury or infection. Here's your ultimate guide to tackling at-home waxing with confidence and care.
How To Prepare Your Skin For Waxing
Waxing removes hair from the follicle, pulling it out by the root, which can allow germs to enter open hair follicles. It also removes the top layer of dry, dead skin cells, leaving skin smoother but more prone to discomfort. Heated wax, if used incorrectly, can burn the skin.
With proper preparation, waxing practices, and aftercare, you can safely wax your hair away and enjoy smooth results for weeks.
Exfoliate Away
Exfoliate with a light scrub, brush, mitt, or loofah a day or two before waxing to eliminate dead skin cells around hair follicles. We recommend using a physical exfoliant rather than a chemical one before waxing, as chemical exfoliants may increase skin sensitivity.
Exfoliating helps release ingrown hairs and improves waxing outcomes. Remember, scrubbing too hard can irritate your skin, which isn't ideal for waxing.
- Exfoliating with a Body Scrub: Ensure your body is soaked and softened with warm water before applying a body scrub. Massage the product into your skin in circular motions. Exfoliate two to three times a week, not daily.
- Exfoliating with a Dry Brush: Use a dry, stiff-bristled brush daily to gently buff away flaky skin, clear pores, and encourage lymph flow. Start at your feet/ankles and work upwards, using long strokes on limbs and circular motions on the chest and back.
Clean & Dry the Skin
Waxing should always be done on freshly cleaned skin. Use a mild soap to remove bacteria, sweat, oil, makeup, and grime. Oily skin can prevent wax from sticking, and dirt increases infection risk.
Wax won't stick to wet hair, so dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel. A pinch of talc-free body powder can absorb excess moisture and protect the skin during waxing.
Choose Your Wax
There are three main types of wax: hot wax, cold wax, and sugar wax.
- Hot Wax: Heated to 40-50°C, hot wax is applied with a spatula and removed once it cools and solidifies. Strip wax, a type of hot wax, uses a paper or cotton strip to remove wax and hair.
- Cold Wax: Pre-shaped strips for specific body parts, like the upper lip, are applied and removed. Commonly used for at-home waxing.
- Sugaring: A natural alternative, sugaring uses a sugar paste to remove hair in the direction of growth, reducing breakage and irritation. Ideal for sensitive skin.
Tips for a Painless Wax
While waxing may cause slight discomfort, these steps can make it as painless as possible:
- Apply Wax in the Direction of Hair Growth: Smooth wax onto the skin in the direction of growth, whether using strip or stripless wax.
- Pull in the Opposite Direction: Follow your wax's instructions. Hold skin taut and pull the strip off swiftly against hair growth.
- Reduce Pain by the Pull: Take a deep breath and exhale as you pull to reduce the sting. Apply light pressure to relax the skin afterward.
- Remove Wax Residue: Use products included in waxing kits or a few drops of olive or jojoba oil to remove residue. Pluck stray hairs with tweezers.
- Apply an Aftercare Product: Use a product that calms the skin and fights bacteria. Our Daily Treatment Oil soothes irritation after waxing.
Final Tips
If you're new to waxing, consider visiting a salon for your first wax to observe an expert. Choose an easily reachable body part for your first DIY wax. Start with a small patch before moving to larger areas.
If waxing isn't for you, explore other hair removal options or embrace your natural fuzz. It's entirely up to you!
Meet Folli Oil
Folli Oil is a natural, cruelty-free, vegan skincare range that truly works. Using the finest, ethically sourced, sustainable plant-based ingredients, our products are handcrafted in small batches at our studio in the beautiful Cotswolds. We test on willing humans, not animals, and our packaging is recyclable. Experience the Folli Oil difference and shop now.