Waxing is one of several methods of hair removal. It is an alternative to shaving that keeps hair and stubble from appearing for as long as several weeks. Hot wax is applied onto the surface of the skin and the unwanted hair and is then pulled off, bringing the hair with it. While it can be uncomfortable, most people adjust to the discomfort of waxing over time. You can get waxing treatments at many beauty or day spas, and you can also perform a waxing yourself at home.
Step 1
Place your hair removal wax in a bowl, and heat in a microwave for 15 seconds, or until it melts into a sticky liquid. Wax at room temperature cannot be easily spread over the skin, so heating is key to getting the wax around the hair follicles and holding firm. However, be careful not to heat the wax for too long, as this can burn your skin. Use a spoon, wooden stick or other spreading instrument to apply the wax in long, thin strips about the width of the cloth strips you will use to remove the wax--waxing must be done in this way to effectively remove the hair with the least amount of pain.
Step 2
Place a cloth strip along the wax while it is still hot. Press the cloth into the wax so it holds firmly as the wax dries. Leave a flap of cloth at one end where you can grip it. Leave at least 2 inches free if possible.
Step 3
Wait for the wax to cool on the skin and becomes solid. When the wax has hardened, grab the end of the cloth and pull quickly and firmly up and across the wax. The faster you go, the less pain you will experience. Try to remove the entire strip of wax in one try.
Step 4
Reapply new strips of wax as necessary until all the hair you want to eliminate is removed.
Tips and Warnings
- Before trying to wax yourself in more intimate areas, try waxing your legs first. The legs are less sensitive to pain than other areas, and it will help you develop your waxing skills with less risk of pain. Pull the wax off against the hair's growth to get the best results.
- Do not moisturize your skin before waxing. Don't try to give yourself a Brazilian wax. You will not have the viewpoint or the leverage to wax yourself properly, and you may end up injuring yourself.
Things You'll Need
- Hot wax
- Cloth strips
- Bowl
- Spoon or wooden stick
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