How to Remove Hair by Waxing

Waxing is one of the best ways to remove unwanted body hair. Results last longer than shaving or chemicals. It is also less painful than electrolysis. Waxing hair is certainly not painless, however, and results depend on many factors. Proper preparation of the skin and wax beforehand are essential for good results. You can also minimize pain through appropriate after care. Most people who home wax use one of two kinds of waxing: Cold wax strips are pre-treated strips that do not need to be heated. However, most people have better results with hot wax--this method is discussed here.

Things You'll Need

• Hair waxing kit
• Towel
• Container for heating wax
• Post-wax soothing balm
• Gentle soap

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash the area you plan to wax. Use very mild soap and do not scrub hard. Be sure to wash gently so that you do not scrub all the protective skin oils away. Dry your skin thoroughly afterwards.

• 2

  Heat the wax according to instructions on the box. Wax can be heated on a stove, using very low heat. Next, test the wax on small area of the body to make sure the wax is not too hot.

• 3

  Apply wax with a small wooden spatula or Popsicle stick to small areas at a time. Spread the wax thinly and evenly over the hair. Make sure to leave a tail end of wax to grasp onto after it cools.

• 4

  Let the wax cool. Press one hand firmly next to the waxed area to draw your skin taut.

• 5

  Grasp the tail of the wax with your other hand end and pull very quickly backwards. When you are pulling the wax, do not yank it vertically. Rather, pull parallel to your skin and pull in one quick movement without stopping. It will hurt--yell if you need to.

• 6

  Remove any excess wax from your skin by rubbing baby oil or mineral oil around it and wiping it off with a soft cloth. Next, apply a post-wax finishing balm to the affected area. Diaper rash ointment works well for bikini areas.

• 7

  Dress in comfortable clothing and keep the waxed area clean and cool. You should avoid bathing until the following day. You should let the skin heal and hydrate. Bathing will wash the skin oils away.