Can you 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
Prior to waxing apply something to numb the skin. Take a pain reliever (not aspirin, it thins the blood) about 30 – 45 minutes before your wax. This is especially helpful when getting waxed above the lip, chest, back of the neck, 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. This is important for any waxing.
3. Do reduce acidity
Smoking and regular caffeine and alcohol consumption creates a lot of acid in the body’s system. You might benefit from taking something like “Tums” 20 minutes before your service to reduce acidity and therefore reduce skin sensitivity.
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 simple net sponge used with your preferred shower gel will help remove dead cells around skin pores and hair follicles, providing an easier exit and help to prevent ingrown hairs.
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 listed above. We want pores nice and relaxed.
7. Don’t drink a lot of caffeine or alcohol
While having a couple of glasses of wine or beer before getting waxed sounds like a great idea, stimulants in the system can cause the skin to be extra sensitive to waxing. Give yourself a couple of hours after drinking coffee or alcohol before getting waxed. Instead, drink a lot of water to hydrate your body and skin.
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 when you shouldn’t
Don’t try waxing over sunburned or irritated skin. Don’t wax if you’ve been taking medication or using products that thin the skin.
