Waxing, which can be done at home or a salon, is one of the popular hair removal methods. It can be painful, especially if your body hair is too long and thick. But once you get used to it, the pain becomes bearable! Waxing may seem simple, but if you don’t take care, you may end up with infections instead of soft skin. There are waxing rules you need to follow before getting your hair removed and after it is done. Read on to know the before and aftercare tips for waxing.

What is waxing?

Waxing is a hair removal technique that removes hair from the root using either hot or cold wax. Warm wax is applied to the skin and then a thick piece of paper is placed over it. When the wax is peeled away in the opposite direction of the path of hair growth, it draws out large amounts of hair from the follicle, shares dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon Dr B.L Jangid. The area of the body being waxed, personal preferences, and individual hair growth rates can all affect how frequently a person gets waxed. The duration of waxing generally ranges from three to six weeks.

What are the pros and cons of waxing?

Before you go for waxing, know its pros and cons.

Pros of waxing

• It quickly and effectively removes a lot of hair.
• It removes hair from the root.
• The time required for hair to regrow is considerable.
• Compared to hair removed by shaving, the hair that grows back has softer texture.

Cons of waxing

• The process may be painful, as it involves pulling hair from the roots.
• It may lead to skin irritation, skin burns, redness and inflammation.
• It may cause allergic reactions, and ingrown hairs that may irritate the skin.
• Waxing is a temporary solution that needs ongoing care to maintain the intended results.

How to prepare skin for waxing?

Before you gear up for waxing, know that it is not for everyone. People with sensitive skin, skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and those with a medical history of recurring skin infections or conditions such as folliculitis, which is an inflammation of the hair follicles, may be more vulnerable to acquiring bacterial infections or developing rashes, inflammation due to waxing.

If you don’t have these conditions, follow these before care tips for waxing:

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1. Cleanse

Wondering if you should shower before waxing or after? Do it before waxing, says the expert. Make sure to cleanse the skin to remove sweat and grime, which can hinder the wax from sticking to the skin and gripping the hair.

2. Don’t trim your hair

Don’t shave before waxing. Let your hair grow until it reaches the size of a rice grain. Ensure that the length of your hair is suitable for waxing.

3. No bruises

Look for any wounds, rashes, bruises, or broken skin. If any of these symptoms apply to you, you might consider postponing your waxing schedule since this could make the problems worse.

4. Exfoliate

Exfoliate your skin a day or two in advance, and not on the same day of waxing. This will make sure that the wax sticks to your hair and not your skin, says Dr Jangid.

5. Moisturise

Regularly moisturise your skin to avoid dryness. But don’t use any creams or lotions the day before or the same day of waxing schedule. These items may lessen the effectiveness of the waxing procedure by preventing the wax from sticking to the hair.

6. Check the basics

To prevent the spread of bacteria, make sure sterile tools are used for waxing at a salon. Good hygiene should also be maintained to avoid infections during waxing.

What are the ways to care for skin after waxing?

Waxing aftercare is essential. Here are some tips:

1. Keep your skin dry

In the first 24 hours after waxing, you must keep the affected areas dry and clean. You should avoid showering, as water can enter the open hair follicle while bathing. This will irritate the waxed area and cause discomfort.

2. No tight clothes

Wear loose-fitting clothes instead of figure-hugging ones. Tight clothes might cause irritation on areas that are waxed by rubbing against your pants or leggings.

3. No scented products

Deodorant, perfumes, and other scented products should not be applied right after waxing. They may contain alcohol and might irritate the skin, says the expert. You can apply gels to cool your skin.

4. Apply ice

After waxing, apply ice or hydrocortisone cream to the waxed region. These will help soothe the bumps, redness, and swelling if you experience them after waxing.

5. Stay away from sunlight

Stay away from bright direct sunlight, as it may cause sweating. You must stay cool, as perspiration can lead to infections, says the expert. That is why you should also steer clear of strenuous activities, which can not only cause sweating but also lead to friction.

6. No touching

Touching your waxed skin again and again is not a good idea. Touching your skin will cause pores to clog and bacteria from your hands can be transferred to the waxed area.

Taking care of your skin after waxing is essential to keep it smooth and healthy.