DON’T PICK UP A WAX STRIP WITHOUT READING THIS FIRST
With the whole country on lockdown, the chance of getting out to see a beautician for your wax is slim to none. The safest is option is to go full-bush then make an appointment on Treat Well as soon as the salons open their doors again, but if you can’t deal with not being bare down there, we’ve got some tips on home-waxing from London waxing chain Ministry of Waxing’s training development manager Chloe Scriminger.
HOW TO DO AN AT-HOME WAX: THE BASICS
Sanitise: “When using any waxing product, it’s important to sanitise the area prior. This will remove any perspiration and bacteria and give a clean base for the product to adhere too without causing irritation to the epidermis.”
Use a barrier product to protect the skin: “If you’re using a strip wax product, a small amount of talc can be applied as a barrier to protect the epidermis. Strip wax does adhere quite firmly to the epidermis, so only going over the area once as repeating the step could remove parts of the epidermis that have active cell membranes. If you’re using a hard-wax product please follow the recommended advice from the supplier, it will either be an oil or talc base, again to protect the epidermis. Hard wax does not stick to the skin it only adheres to the hair; you can wax over the same area twice so long as a small amount of the barrier product is used again. Hard wax is better for sensitive areas such as underarm and bikini as it’s terminal hair which is coarser than vellus hair found on your arms and legs.”
Apply and remove in opposite directions: “When applying the wax, apply it in the direction of hair growth and remove against the direction of hair growth to give best results and ensure the bulb of your hair is removed from the root.”
Stretch the skin: “For the best technique ensure that you hold and stretch the skin whilst removing the wax strip to prevent erythema (redness) on the epidermis. An aftercare product can and should be used to close and clean the pores.”
While at home waxing might not be ideal, there are a lot of reasons why waxing is the hair removal treatment of choice for many of us.
Why waxing over other hair removal methods?
Because, according to founder and CEO of Ministry of Waxing Cynthia Chua, you’re getting right to the root of the issue:
“When opting for a wax, you’re removing hair from the roots and the uppermost layer of dead skin cells. It’s definitely the first choice for immediate hair removal for people who want to be hair-free and a wax can last up to an average of two weeks, and even when the hair does grow back in, it’ll be softer than it would if you shaved, for example, and it’s often less noticeable.”
Waxing specialists and founders of Waxperts Wax Ellen Kavanagh and Trish O’Brien think that the fact that it’s non-faffy and will keep skin smoother for longer are some of the draws: “Waxing is quick, relatively pain-free when done correctly and long-lasting. With regular waxing the hair will become finer and you don’t get a stubbly regrowth.”
When is the best time to have a wax?
Ellen and Trish propose the ‘rice test’ to assess if you’re ready for your next wax:
“If you’ve been shaving try and leave around three weeks growth to get the very best results. Ideally hair should be as long as a grain of rice but don’t worry if it is longer than that. Most people wax roughly every four-six weeks so if you have a special occasion coming up such as a wedding or holiday (and we’re out of lockdown), the best plan is to get a few waxes done in the run-up to achieve the best possible result and ensure it lasts as long as possible.”.…Read More…
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