Is Home Waxing A Good Idea?

I don’t know about you, but I am so beyond fed up with shaving my underarms and legs. I’ve been shaving since I was about 11, and I’ve had enough of it. For me, no matter what razor I use, I never get that super smooth finish. It always has that kind of dark shadow, and I still have to shave the next day. 

I’ve had enough.

So, I decided to ditch the razor and find out if home waxing can help me get that super smooth, silky finish that I crave. I’ve tried home waxing before, but I never really got on with it. I used the Veet Wax Strips, but they never really worked for me. I would follow the instructions, but it would never pull out many hairs (if any). I’d be left with a load of wax on my skin which was a nightmare to remove, and my skin would be left all red and sore. Not ideal. 

So, I’ve been using hot wax stripless wax, and I’m going to share all the pros and cons of using hot wax at home. But before that, I want to share some tips that will help you on your own waxing journey.

Get Yourself A Wax Heater

It doesn’t have to be an expensive one. As long as it heats the wax and can keep a stable temperature, that’s all you need. Many people heat the wax in the microwave; however, you cannot keep the wax at a stable temperature with this option. Depending on how fast you can wax, you may find that you constantly have to go back to the microwave to reheat the wax.

Additionally, there is a chance that you could heat the wax up too much in the microwave and cause yourself burns from it being too hot. Ouch

Prep The Skin

I usually gently exfoliate the skin a few days before waxing to remove any dead skin cells from around the hairs. It also helps loosen any ingrown hairs. 

On the day of waxing, it’s best not to have a hot shower at least two hours before you want to wax.

Before waxing, I like to use a skin prep to remove anything that might be on the skin, such as deodorant. Then sprinkle on a small amount of talcum powder. This will help absorb any leftover moisture and helps the wax adhere to the hairs rather than the skin.

Check The Temperature

This is so important. I have made the mistake of slapping on the hot wax before checking to see how hot it is, and let me tell you; I will not be making that mistake again. I usually test a small amount of wax on the back of my hand before smothering over my underarms. 

Another essential thing to remember is that different types of wax work better at different temperatures. For example, the wax beads I’m currently using are the Mylee Charcoal & Green Tea Stripless Wax Beads. This is a flexible wax, and it works better at a slightly lower temperature. I’ll heat the wax beads on full until they are completely melted, then I’ll take the lid off and turn the temp to medium for 10 minutes. I find that if I apply the wax when it is too warm, it stretches rather than pulls away nicely. 

I personally really like hot wax as it can be used anywhere, underarms, legs, face, toes! Just ALWAYS make sure you carry out tests beforehand to ensure you’re not allergic to the wax.

Wax Time!

Apply the wax in the direction of the hair growth. Allow to cool and set on the skin for a minute or two. Pull the skin taught, and get ready! Pull the wax off in the opposite direction of the hair growth. You’re done!

If you have any leftover wax on the skin, apply some oil to a cotton pad and gently remove it. 

You should steer clear of hot showers and baths, steam rooms, and deodorants 24 hours after waxing, as the skin will be quite tender. Also, the hot water will open the pores and allow bacteria in. You don’t want that!

Pros Of Home Waxing

• Results last longer than shaving
• Silky smooth finish
• No shaving rash
• No risks of cuts and nicks
• Removes dead skin along with the hair
• Long term use will mean that hair grows back finer
• You don’t have to wait for an appointment at the salon
• You don’t have to pay salon prices
• It can all be done in the privacy of your own home

Con’s Of Home Waxing

• It can be tricky to get the hang of
• It takes longer than shaving or getting waxed at the salon
• Waxing is more painful than shaving
• You have to wait for the hair to grow back before you can wax again

Conclusion

I love home waxing; it’s now part of my self-care routine. I love the smooth result and the fact that I don’t have to worry about shaving every single day. Yes, it takes longer than shaving, but the time you would spend shaving every day, you gain back from only having to wax every few weeks or so. 

The main downside for me is waiting for the hair to grow back long enough to wax again. The pain is over and done with quickly enough, and, honestly, it’s worth the results!

Do you wax, or do you prefer shaving? Or maybe you let it grow wild and free? Whatever you decide to do, do it for you. Don’t let anybody tell you how your body should look. I get rid of the hair, as personally, that’s what I prefer. If you like being more natural, that’s absolutely fine with me too.

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