For many men, waxing can be an incredibly scary thought and could bring back memories of Steve Carell screaming in pain during his famous waxing scene in The 40-year Old Virgin.
Are you thinking about waxing unwanted hairs for a special occasion? Check out our top tips from the experts at House of Handsome in Spruce Grove & Sherwood Park.
1. Hair Length Is Key
Making sure the hair length is right seems counterintuitive to removing hair, but it is essential in allowing the hairs to properly adhere to the strip. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends waxing hairs that are between one-fourth to three-fourths an inch in length.
Waxing hairs that are too short or too long can cause unwanted irritation to the skin. Nothing is going to ease the slight sting you feel when the wax strip is pulled off, but you can prevent your skin from being irritated for several weeks by simply trimming the hair to its appropriate length.
2. Exfoliate Your Skin
We recommend doing this two days before your waxing appointment. You can book an appointment here, but make sure to allow yourself two days in advance to exfoliate your skin. This key step removes impurities and can give you a cleaner waxing job. The reason we recommend doing it two days before is so the skin is not too sensitive from the substances in most exfoliators.
3. Avoid Retinoids On Waxing Day
Retinoids are a great way to thicken your skin and reduce signs of aging. Many anti-aging creams contain this chemical which can make the waxing significantly more difficult. While there is no harm in using anti-aging lotion, we recommend you refrain from using them up to 48 hours before your appointment.
4. Take A Pain Killer Before You Go
We know, it’s the same advice your mom would give you, but it works! Couple of hours before your appointment, take an over-the-counter pain killer to reduce the amount of pain your skill will feel. This can bring waxing pains from a 10/10 down to a 7/10 depending on your tolerance to painkillers.
Obviously, we recommend speaking to your doctor to determine the dosage and brand you want to take.
5. Reduce Discomfort With Cold Packs
The sting peaks immediately and then quickly starts feeling better. While the initial pull is the worst of it, you can apply an ice pack to reduce the amount of inflammation and blood flow on affected areas. Using an ice pack is one of the quickest ways to reduce the pain and it’s a solution that is as old as the method itself!
At House of Handsome, we are here to give you the best experience, whether it’s your first time or your hundredth. Your comfort and experience are our primary concern and we take steps to ensure you feel as little pain as possible when getting waxed on any part of your body.