Reduce waxing pain? Yes you can! The first time getting waxed in an area hurts the most and does get less painful each time after. Hard to believe when your hair has just been ripped out for the first time, but it's true. Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce waxing pain, whether you have been waxed before or not.
1. Do dull the nerves
Apply a numbing spray (found at your local beauty supply store) and take an aspirin or ibuprofen about 30 - 45 minutes before your wax. This is especially helpful when getting waxed above the lip, chest, bikini and genital areas- which top the list as the most pain-provoking areas.
2. Do seek a professional
It doesn't mean just anybody licensed (like an esthetician or cosmetologist), but someone also experienced. They will use the wax best suited for the hair, apply the right thickness of wax, hold the skin taut, and pull in the right direction.
3. Do apply some heat
Take a warm (not hot) shower or use a warm compress just prior to waxing, it will open up the skin pores and allow the hair follicles to come out easier.
4. Do use a body scrub
While the skin on the face is generally exfoliated enough in terms of waxing, the body needs a little extra help. A somewhat gritty body scrub will help rid dead cells around skin pores and hair follicle, providing an easier exit.
5. Don't apply astringent or toner
These tighten the pores and can make a firmer hold on the hair follicle. So hold off right before waxing.
6. Don't use ice for numbing
You might think that ice would be great to numb skin and reduce waxing pain. But applying anything cold to the skin tightens pores. It's the same principle as above, we want pores nice and relaxed.
7. Don't drink a lot of caffeine or alcohol
While having a couple glass of wine or beer before getting waxed sounds like a great idea, stimulants in the system can cause skin to be extra sensitive to waxing. Give yourself a couple hours after drinking coffee or alcohol before getting waxed.
8. Don't think waxing at home will be easy
It's hard to do on yourself, and will really hurt if you don't know what you're doing.
9. Don't tense up
Some people hold their breath or tense their whole body while getting waxed. While it might be easier said than done, breathe deeply, a relaxed person will cope much better with the pain.
10. Don't wax where you shouldn't
The inside of ears and nose, eyelashes, nipples and male genitals shouldn't be waxed. Don't try waxing over sun-burned or irritated skin, warts, moles, cuts or pimples. Not only is it dangerous, but it could give you some mighty big pain.
