One of the disadvantages and is one of the biggest thing that may put some people off waxing is the pain factor. Unfortunately, no one has invented a 100% pain-free waxing treatment yet. However, you can reduce some of the discomfort if you really struggle or have a low pain threshold with these useful tips:
THINK ABOUT YOUR MONTHLY CYCLE when booking your wax. Waxing in the run up to your period or if you have just been on it can often feel more painful than at other times because hormone changes can make the skin feel more sensitive than usual.
EXFOLIATE your skin a day before your treatment to remove the dead skin cells on the surface and reveal any trapped hairs. Smoother skin will also encourage the wax to glide on better and wrap around individual strands of hair so they can be successfully removed on the first try.
MOISTURISE your skin a few days prior to your waxing appointment. If your skin is dry the wax is more likely to stick to the skin rather than the hairs, but ensure you don't have moisturizer on the skin before your wax as the wax may struggle to adhere properly.
HOLD YOUR SKIN TAUT during your waxing session to reduce the pain, especially around intimate areas like the bikini line. This will also help your therapist to work faster, again curbing any discomfort and getting the treatment over as quickly as possible.
KEEP CHATTING to your therapist to distract yourself from feeling uncomfortable or listen to the music playing.
COLD COMPRESS placed over any painful areas can help to soothe inflammation and immediate soreness.
BREATHE! Anticipating pain will make it worse, so exhale deeply with each pull and try to relax!
AVOID COFFEE/ALCOHOL on the day of your wax (don’t hate me) - The stimulants within your afternoon brew or lunchtime tipple can make the skin extra sensitive. Switch to decaf and skip the lunchtime vino, and treat yourself to a bev (or three) post-wax, you’ve earned it!
LENGTH MATTERS make sure your hair is at just the right length before heading for a wax. Around 5mm to 1cm is best, if the hair’s too short, the wax won’t grip, but if it’s past an inch, it’s going to sting. Rulers away, it’s easy to judge, or just ask your beauty therapist for advice. Once you’ve waxed, you’ll know just how long to wait ‘til next time.
WAIT 'TIL AFTER LUNCH - Schedule your appointment in the afternoon, around 3-5pm in fact. Around this time, your pain threshold is at its highest, because the body’s ‘natural painkillers’, endorphins, are kicking in. As well as easing any aches and pains, you’ll be ready to take on a wax. SCIENCE.
PARACETAMOL - take a painkiller up around an hour before your wax, this will help to numb the pain slightly.
MAKE SURE YOU FEEL 100% - if you are feeling under the weather, stressed or unwell you may find you are more sensitive and therefore will be more painful.
AFTERCARE CREAM ask for lots of after wax cream to be applied to your skin to alleviate discomfort. Formulated to instantly soothe and soften the skin, post-waxing oils and balms act like healing salves on irritated skin that also reduce infection.
The mild discomfort of waxing is definitely worth it in the end though isn’t it? You get silky smooth hair-free skin for up to a month in return for a treatment that lasts less than an hour. Sounds like the perfect trade off! I hope these top tips help you to have a more comfortable waxing experience!
Book online now or email us here for katy@beautify-southampton.co.uk