Yet another beauty duty is in the spotlight with spas and salons closed - that's right hair removal, here’s a DIY how-to says editor Trudi Brewer.
Image Instagram
Waxing is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to get rid of unwanted body hair, not to mention the results. It beats shaving and plucking; waxing means your hair grows back finer slower and sparser – but how easy is it to do yourself? Here are the dos and don'ts, speaking from experience of course!
DO: Make sure the hair is long enough to wax.
If like me, and your waxing appointments are six weekly, then you may need a DIY top-up soon. Before you DIY wax make sure your hair is at least ¼ of an inch long before, and wax strips are the easiest of all the wax products to navigate.
Marzena Natural Body Wax Strips with Hemp Oil, $17.
Marzena Natural Body Wax Strips with Hemp Oil, $17.
A new generation of natural wax strips that are made with sustainably sourced pine tree resin that help grip every single stubborn hair, while soothing with the natural hemp seed oil as you wax. But the best news these strips are made from 100 per cent bio-compostable clear cellophane so that you can see exactly where you are placing them and they are kind on the planet - no brainer right?
There is also a facial wax strip option too from Marzena Natural Face Wax Strips with Hemp Oil, $14.
DON'T: Use skin-calming body lotion before your wax.
Use a skin-calming moisturiser before you attempt a DIY wax, moisturise the skin the night before the wax with a lotion that helps protect the skin’s barrier to irritation.
Avène TriXera Nutrition Nutri-Fluid Lotion, $35.
With a base of soothing Avène thermal spring water along with ceramides, essential fatty acids and castor oil, this lotion works to restore the skin's protective barrier, precisely what your skin needs pre-wax.
Avène Trixera Nutrition Nutri-Fluid Lotion, $35.
DO: Exfoliate the night before a wax
Use a gritty body scrub the night before the wax, to lift away dead skin cells, boost circulation, and release any ingrown hair follicles.
Pure Fiji Coconut Sugar Rub, $67.
Pure Fiji Coconut Sugar Rub, $67.
This coconut sugar scrub is a blend of oil and sugar cane crystals, that contain alpha hydroxyl to polish the skin, unclog pores and release ingrown hair gently. While the cold-pressed tropical nut oils including virgin coconut, dilo, macadamia, and sikeci oils, moisturise in minutes. There are ten heavenly tropical scents on offer.
DO: Shower before you wax
Shower and exfoliate before you wax to make sure your skin is clean before waxing. This process opens the hair follicles, which are a breeding ground for bacteria to grow, so the skin must be clean to avoid breakouts or mini infections.
Avene TriXera Nutrition Nutri-Fluid Wash, $30.
The perfect partner to the TriXera Lotion (see above), it's a gentle, soap and paraben-free. This daily cleanser helps protect and restore the skin's natural barrier, (and is ideal for the face and the body) thanks to the blend of selectiose, sorbitol, and glycerin, whipped with the base of soothing Avène thermal spring water. In essence, it's the mainstay in my bathroom.
Avene TriXera Nutrition Nutri-Fluid Wash, $30.
DO: Take your time
Apply the wax strip in the direction of the hair grows. The skin should be held taut with one hand, while you pull off the strip fast with the other hand, always in the opposite direction of hair growth. It may take a few practice attempts, but be brave and pull off the strip quickly. Next comes a soothing gel.
Lifestream Aleo Vera Gel, $20.
After waxing, your pores are wide open, and it’s at this time you need to calm the skin from the shock. Apply soothing gels with vitamin E or aloe vera over the area you have waxed. This soothing gel is 96 per cent organically grown aloe vera, which is rich in vitamin E, which can also be used to calm and soothe shaving, and nappy rash as well as cooling sunburn.
DON'T: Exercise after waxing
Once you have waxed your skin, don't go for a run. Skip exercise, this often entails wearing tight, air-resistant clothing, which will cause friction in the areas you have waxed, such as bikini and under the arms or legs. This can also lead to redness and ingrown hairs, also, sweat is a great way to spread bacterial infections.
Malin+Goetz Ingrown Hair Cream, $60.
The plant-based extracts, including allantoin, chamomile, and vitamin B5 calms and soothes any post-wax skin bumps. At the same time, the combination of glycolic and salicylic acids helps prevent the risk of ingrown hairs. This cream is ideal for the face and body.
Malin+Goetz Ingrown Hair Cream, $60.
DO: Post-wax soothe your skin
Post-wax, to prevent red bumps or ingrown hairs, nourishing oils that contain tea tree oil offer natural antibacterial benefits ideal for the bikini area.
Fur Oil, $89.
Made specifically for your lady garden, this lightweight oil contains grapeseed, tea tree, and jojoba oils designed to soften hair and keep those ingrown hairs at bay - plus we love the name.