Simple Guide To At-Home Hair Removal
Discover the method that’s right for you, plus tips and tricks for getting the best results.
What’s The Difference Between Warm Wax And Strip Wax?
Both types of at-home waxing give similar results so finding the right one is a matter of personal preference. Warm wax (also known as hard wax) is typically warmed up in the microwave and applied with a spatula, then removed using a cloth strip. A strip-wax kit comes with pre-made strips that are warmed up by rubbing them between your palms before the wax side is pressed into your skin.
Warm wax is great for beginners and for use in smaller areas because you have more control over where it’s applied. Strip wax, on the other hand, is quick and fuss-free, making it ideal to use when you’re traveling.
Should I Exfoliate Before Waxing?
Exfoliating your skin before you wax can help give a smoother result and keep ingrown hairs at bay. However, timing is everything: try to exfoliate 24 hours prior to waxing to give your skin time to recover from any sensitivity. Use a gentle body scrub or loofah and work in small circular motions from your shoulders to your feet, paying special attention to the areas that you plan to wax later. Pat the skin dry and use a light, non-oily body cream or lotion, as any oils left on the skin can prevent the wax from sticking properly.
Which Hair-Removal Method Is The Best One To Use Before Self-Tanning?
To preserve your self-tan for as long as possible, it’s best to wax beforehand. It leaves a smooth surface and is long-lasting, keeping your skin hair-free for up to three-to-five weeks. By contrast, shaving not only has a much faster regrowth rate, but it also removes the outermost layer of your skin. This means that if you shave after tanning, you’ll remove much of your carefully applied tan in the process.
After either type of hair removal, wait 24 hours before applying a self-tan, to prevent small dots and discoloration from appearing in your tan. (You may need to wait longer if you’ve had in-salon laser hair removal, so it’s best to check with your beauty therapist.)
How Does Hair-Removal Cream Work?
Hair removal or depilatory cream is applied to the skin, left to develop, and then simply wiped off in the shower. lt works by dissolving the proteins in your hair, weakening the structure of each strand so that it breaks off when you wipe off the cream. As the hair is dissolved just below the surface of the skin, the results typically last longer than shaving and hair often grow back feeling softer. Always do a patch test before using depilatory cream and look for a sensitive formula if your skin is prone to irritation.
How Can I Prevent Ingrown Hairs?
Ingrown hairs are caused by the hair growing back in on itself and becoming trapped in the follicle, instead of poking through the skin’s surface. They’re more likely to occur in people with curly or coarse hair. Shaving, tweezing and waxing can all increase the likelihood of getting ingrown hairs. Exfoliating regularly can help reduce the chance of developing ingrown because it removes the dead skin cells around your hair follicles. Go gently, though, and never pick at ingrown – give them time and they’ll heal by themselves.
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