As smooth as a baby’s bottom
This is how waxing works at home
© Ekaterina Morozova / Getty Images
Waxing at home? Our author tried it – without any professional help. A guide.
We are now lockdown-tested. Hairdresser, nail salon, star kitchen, madhouse – what haven’t our own four walls been in the last few months? I added another item to the list: waxing studio.
Shaving is for beginners
That’s right – I got tired of shaving too and looked around for alternatives. My head is still spinning with all the hot wax, cold wax, strip and laser possibilities. In the end, I decided on the depilation method with warm wax. The heat opens the pores of the skin and can remove the hairs faster and more efficiently than cold wax, for example. But be careful: Beginners: it’s best to start inside with the legs – that’s where the pain is least. For a good Brazilian waxing in the intimate zone, we prefer to go to the professionals.
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Not all wax is created equal
Even if it seems exhausting at first glance, it is worth taking a closer look at the ingredients of the wax that we have chosen to use. Where does the product come from, how and under what conditions is it manufactured? I looked particularly carefully at which pollutants could be contained in the wax. Ideally, it should be free of questionable ingredients and not contain parabens, silicones, perfume, preservatives or dyes. We want the wax just like our legs after depilation: clean and harmless.
Well peeled is half waxed
With good preparation before the actual waxing, we can prevent irritation, razor bumps or ingrown hairs. It is best to follow the steps below:
- So that the wax all hair should remove this at least three to four millimeters long be. So, even if it stumbles: close your eyes and go! If the hair is not long enough, waxing won’t help either.
- The skin should ideally be as dry and oil-free as possible. Means: Avoid body lotions and oils we before depilation. This is the only way for the wax to adhere well to our skin and to grip all the hairs.
- It is best to peel dead skin cells several hours before depilation with a gentle scrub down. In this way, we also expose ingrown hairs and make our skin ready for waxing!
- If so, because already: When waxing, our surroundings should be natural hygienic, light and warm be. Sounds obvious, but: If it is too cold in the room, for example, our pores contract – and depilation becomes more painful.
- Until that Wax at the right temperature is heated, it may take a while, depending on the amount. Electric heaters are inexpensive and keep the wax at a constant temperature. Ideally, the wax is liquid and transparent. It is best to apply a small amount on the wrist beforehand to check the temperature!
Waxing has to be learned
Now it’s time to get down to business: as soon as the wax is liquid enough, it can be applied with a spatula. Best against the direction of hair growth – on the legs from bottom to top. The strip is easy to grip and peel off when the edge is a little thicker.
Now it’s time to wait a moment for the wax to dry – and zigzag – the best thing to do is to pull off the strip in one quick and even motion. Eyes shut and go for it! If the skin is stretched with one hand, the tiny hairs can be pulled off even better. But be careful: Please do not wax more than twice over the same area. If there is still stubborn hair there, we prefer to use tweezers.
After the game is before the game
It is perfectly normal for the skin to be irritated after waxing. Then a soothing aloe vera spray helps – and don’t scratch it, even if it itches! We should avoid greasy creams and lotions or alcohol-based care products for at least 24 hours after depilation. The good news: sweating is not good for freshly waxed skin either. So put your feet up and do without intense UV light, too hot showers or the workout that we would have put off anyway.
Waxing is not suitable for everyone: n
The more often we wax our skin, the thinner the hairs grow back. And even the meanest pain will eventually become a habit – I promise! However, waxing is not suitable for everyone: n: In the case of skin diseases, injured or reddened skin or fresh scars, it is better to wait until the skin has healed or do without it altogether. As with any beauty treatment, however beautiful, one thing comes first: Our health.
A professional “wax at home” kit is available from “Wax in the City” for just under 40 euros. Not included: an electric wax heater. But it’s available online from 15 euros.