You’ve looked into each tiny detail for every possible routine while prepping for your wedding to look your best on your big day. You may have been waxing for years now, and probably believe that you know everything you need to know about this hair removal procedure. But hold on, glance through this piece and enlighten yourself before your pre-wedding waxing routine. We promise, that if you keep these waxing tips in mind, you’ll be your smoothest best on your wedding day.
1. Time it well
Timing is everything when it comes to a pre-wedding wax. Everybody’s hair grows at a different rate, the normal being between 3-6 weeks. Wax too early and you aren’t fuzz-free for the big day, wax too late, and you may end up with sensitive, blotchy skin. The key is to aim for a time somewhere in between, around 3 days to 1 week before the celebrations begin, depending on your hair growth. This way your skin remains smooth and has a chance to recover from any irritation that may be caused by waxing.
2. Prepping is the key to a good waxing session
3. Exfoliate for that smooth feel
Skin rejuvenates itself every 28 days. This means the dead cells take that much time to reveal the inner layer of fresh cells. Accelerate this process by incorporating regular exfoliation into your skincare routine. You should be doing this anyway, but if you aren’t, then start this at least a few months in advance to make sure your skin is at its best for your big day. Fresh skin cells mean better absorption of any oils/moisturisers and lesser ingrown hair when you wax. We cannot stress enough on the importance of exfoliation for the skin – the earlier you begin the better.
4. Prevent ingrown hair
5. Bikini wax might have a different timeline
A wax session a few days before the wedding and you won’t have to worry about regrowth until a couple of weeks later. If you’ve never had a bikini/ Brazilian wax before, make sure you give it a shot at least a few months earlier to see how your skin tolerates it. This will give you a chance to assess how long it takes for it to grow back and you can plan your next session accordingly. The ideal hair length for a wax is 1/8th of an inch, so, it helps to trim before a wax session for optimum results. If you experience any irritation, your dermatologist can prescribe a topical ointment to soothe the skin. Keep this tube handy for your future wax sessions.
6. How to make it last
7. Don’t irritate your skin
Avoid wearing tight clothes right after you get a wax and make sure your skin stays cool by taking frequent showers and using cooling lotions. This ensures that the skin isn’t exposed to too much friction or heat that can cause red bumps. Make sure your skin is well moisturised after you wax to avoid any irritation. Opt for fragrance-free lotions and oils to minimise the chance of any possible sensitivity.
8. Pick the right place
9. Pick the right type of wax
With so many options to choose from, it can get confusing to narrow the best type of wax for your skin type and for each body part. Wax for hair removal can be broadly classified into two categories – hard wax (strip-less) and soft wax (with strip). Wax that is in liquid form when applied and hardens in a couple of minutes is called hard wax (aka katori wax). This type of wax does not require a cloth or plastic strip for its removal. It is best suited for small body parts. Soft wax, on the other hand, is the regular wax that requires a strip for removal and is best suited for larger body parts. Soft wax may again be cold or hot. Pick a wax accordingly to your needs and your skin’s tolerance levels.