How to Avoid Bruising When You Wax
Updated: Jul. 04, 2018
Taking your waxing down under into your own hands? Well, it’s important you remember this tip if you want to steer clear of bruising.
To avoid bruising when waxing, we’ve got the scoop for smooth sailing.
As a monthly one-stop option for hair removal, waxing makes good sense. The process removes hair from the follicle, or root, to deliver enhanced smoothness. “You’ll get flawless results that last three to four weeks, plus waxing stunts the hair growth so it starts to minimize,” says Amy Finnegan Burns, leader educator at WAXON Waxbar, with locations in Ontario and Halifax. There are several perks to visiting a professional. (Psst: Don’t miss 10 things your bikini waxer wishes she could tell you.) “Waxologists are fast — ours can complete a Brazilian in 15 minutes — and speed is good for the nerve endings. Holding skin taut is also important to reduce pain. With self-waxing you tend not to be as stretched out as if you’re getting it done on a table. Plus, we use different types of wax for different types of skin and hair,” says Finnegan Burns. Of course, going the DIY route is always an option as well.
Follow her checklist for a bruise-free wax:
• Prep skin by cleansing so the wax product can adhere properly. If needed, trim hair first — the ideal length is a little longer than a grain of rice.
• Always apply wax in the direction of hair growth and remove it against hair growth.
• Avoid bruising by working quickly, but safely, to pull the wax strip back on itself. The ideal action is a wrist flick versus yanking up.
• Post-wax, cleanse again and use serum or lotion with aloe vera, chamomile or tea tree oil to cool and calm skin.
• Use a sugar-based scrub (Try L’Occitane en Provence Citrus Verbena Refreshing Exfoliating Sugar, $44 at loccitane.com or DIY your own sugar scrub.) to exfoliate two to three times a week, removing dead skin cells reduces the formation of ingrown hairs and aids hydration. You can also try an all-natural formula of glycolic acid and chamomile like Prince Reigns Ingrown Hair Serum, $32 at waxon.ca. It soothes while also preventing ingrown hairs.
Now that you’ve got your key products all sorted, here are some more tips on how to prevent ingrown hairs.
