Do you like the results of a leg wax, but not the expense? We'll show you how to wax just like the pros. Don't expect waxing yourself to be as easy as it looks, but with a little time and effort you can get smooth legs without the high professional price tag.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 1 hour half leg wax / 2 hours full leg wax
Here's How:
- Buy waxing kit. Compare waxing kit prices.
- Have enough hair. Grow leg hair out to at least 1/4" long. Use hair clippers to trim hair down if longer than 1/2". Scissors don't work well for trimming because you run the risk of making some hair too short.
- Cleanse legs. Use pre-wax cleanser on legs and apply a light dusting of powder. Don’t over do it on the powder, more isn’t better.
- Wax on. Apply wax evenly in the direction of hair growth using applicator (wooden stick) to a large area of hair. You want enough wax to thoroughly cover hair, but not so thick that it’s hard to remove.
- Cover with strip. Apply strip in the direction of hair growth, leaving some leftover strip at the end not attached to hair like a tab (say hair grows from left to right- leave leftover strip on right side). Press and firmly smooth hand over strip in the direction of hair growth a couple times, to ensure wax is attaching to hair and has slightly cooled.
- Wax off. Grasp onto the end of strip that isn't attached to hair. Hold skin taut with one hand, and remove strip in opposite direction of hair growth in one quick pull, all the way to the other side. Don't pull up, which might be your natural inclination. Press hand down on skin to help relieve some of the pain, after strip is removed. (Sounds silly, but it works!) If a little bit of wax with hair remains, simply put strip back on hair and pull off.
- Repeat. Work your way through legs repeating steps 4-6.
- Clean up missed hairs. Use tweezers to remove any hairs missed by leg wax.
- Clean wax off skin. Remove any remaining residue, with wax remover, baby oil or petroleum jelly.
- Soothe skin. Apply after-wax lotion, or an aloe based lotion or gel.
- Well done. Congratulate yourself!
Tips:
- Use wax heater with a cream wax, which is gentle on the skin and easy to spread. Cold waxing strips might seem easier and less messy, but don’t grasp onto the hair well.
- Test a small amount of wax on hand before putting on leg, to make sure it’s warm, not hot.
- If you have varicose veins or phlebitis do not wax legs. Read: Waxing Precautions & Warnings for the full list.
- Take an asprin or ibuprofen 30 - 45 minutes before waxing, and apply a numbing spray (compare prices) if you're concerned about the 'ouch factor'. Read: Top Ten Tips to Reduce Waxing Pain for the full run-down.
- Watch the way the hair grows on different part of the legs, because it can change direction on you. Try getting someone to help you wax the back of your upper legs.
What You Need:
- Wax warmer
- Cream wax
- Pre-wax cleanser
- Baby powder
- Muslin or pellon strips
- Wooden applicators
- Wax remover for the skin (or you can use baby oil or petroleum jelly)
- After- wax lotion, or aloe based gel
