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Remember the first time you tried to wax your legs? You’d been shaving for as long as you could remember and complained about having to do it so often. A friend suggested that you try waxing and off you went to find a waxing home kit. After the first attempt, you gave up and swore never to put yourself through that kind of pain again. You have since toyed with a variety of hair removal products but you keep coming back to your trusty razor.

All roads lead to waxing

Although there are many other ways to get rid of unwanted hair, this is the most effective form of hair removal, bar laser treatment. You’re literally pulling the hair out, roots and all. Sounds painful? It is. But it gets easier over time and you will only need to subject yourself to it every four weeks or so. And you can get almost any area of your body waxed: eyebrows, face, bikini area and beyond, legs, arms, back, tummy and feet. Name a hairy body appendage and you can probably wax it.

How does it work exactly?

Ideally, the hair on your legs or other area you want to have waxed should be at least a centimetre long. If it’s shorter, it will be more difficult to remove and more painful. If it’s too long, you might be sent home trim it first.

A thin layer of wax is spread over your skin and a strip of paper or cloth is pressed over it. Ideally, it is then ripped off quickly, in the opposite direction of hair growth.

Waxing is one of the longest lasting methods of hair removal. Hair will only begin to grow after about two weeks. And it will generally tend to be softer and more sparse.

Find a professional

Although you can wax using a home kit, it’s often a better idea to get it done by a qualified aesthetician. It is more expensive but you’re almost guaranteed to have better results because she has has far more experience. In addition, she will have access to the latest technologically advanced products. And when it comes to sensitive areas like your bikini line, it’s easier for someone else to wax it as they have a better reach…

She will also be able to advise you on various pre- and post-treatment products that will prevent ingrown hairs and bumps, such exfoliating creams.

So, bite the bullet and look for a salon close to you. You won’t regret it! And make sure to read up on waxing etiquette before you book your first session.

Tags: hair removal, wax, Waxing