Waxing Woes: A Cautionary Tale of DIY Hair Removal
Alright, folks, let’s talk about the furry situation. We all know that body and facial hair are as natural as the air we breathe. But hey, if you’re leaning towards the smooth and sleek look – whether it’s your upper lip, brows, underarms, legs, arms, or bikini line – you’re probably eyeing your options.Â
Now, the hair removal game offers everything from fancy dermaplaning gadgets to those nifty at-home laser gizmos. Of course, there’s always the option of hitting up the pros at the salon, but let’s face it, that can turn into a wallet-draining, up-close-and-personal affair. I mean, some of those waxing sessions get so intimate, you start wondering if you should send your technician a holiday card!
So, what’s the alternative? Enter the world of home waxing kits! They’re like the DIY champions of hair removal, giving you the power to banish unwanted hair in the comfort of your own bathroom. Plus, they’re perfect for those impromptu touch-ups and tackling those pesky little patches.
But hold on to your tweezers, folks – mastering the art of home waxing isn’t exactly a walk in the park. As Vanessa Coppola, the wizard behind Bare Aesthetic, suggests, it takes a bit of time, patience, and maybe even a few sacrificial hairs before you become a pro. And according to Rachel Nazarian, M.D., from the Schweiger Dermatology Group, you might need to practice your poker face too, because let’s be real, some of those waxing strips can be downright shocking!
So, if you’re ready to embark on a hair-raising adventure (literally), grab your kit, brace yourself for some sticky situations, and remember: in the battle against unwanted hair, laughter is your best weapon!
How did we get here again?
COVID-19, duh.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, we all adopted new habits to stay sane. My venture into the world of self-waxing, however, is a chapter I’d advise others to read before ripping off the first waxing strip.
How it all went down:
Convinced I could match salon precision, I enlisted my husband into my hair removal journey. His reaction to this news was priceless.
Needless to say, it took a bit of convincing on my part to get my gentle soul of a husband to agree to give it a go.
I, however, was ready to jump into the world of self-waxing and the possibility of saving myself a few bucks each month. So I did my research and went on Amazon to embark on a path to being hair-free!
Stubborn as a Mule!
Onto the first attempt at self-waxing:
Armed with the waxing machine and popsicle sticks (remnants of school craft projects), I laid out my towel and prepared for the procedure. It was an intimate affair, with my husband playing the unlikely role of esthetician. Laughter and wine did little to mask the impending ordeal.
Ready to dive into the world of home waxing? The best kits include fragrance-free wax, a variety of strip shapes to fit your needs, and aftercare goodies to keep skin looking and feeling its best.
Option 1!
I chose this kit because it was purple and came with everything. I did consult my dermatologist regarding the type of wax because I have susceptible skin. She gave me a thumbs up.Â
So how was it?
What’s that saying, the first cut is the deepest. Well, in my case, the first ripping of wax was a shock to the system. Tears instantly welled up in my eyes. Beginning with the bikini area, my husband went slow at first, but I feverishly told him to go faster. I was determined to get this over with as quickly as possible!
Ironically, the application of the hot wax wasn’t as bad as I pictured it to be. However, the ripping of the hair follicles was way worse.
Tress Wellness Self-Waxing Kit Rating
Onto Option 2!
These flamingo strips are super easy to use and are much more cost effective than going to an esthetician. They save a lot of time as well. Very happy with this purchase. The ease of use and easy clean up is why I gave these a higher rating than the Tress At Home Waxing Kit.
Flamingo Self-Waxing Kit Rating
Onto Option 3!
The roller waxing kit comes with a rose wax cartridge and a honey wax cartridge. It takes only 15-20 minutes to completely heat the wax box, which greatly saves your usage time.
Self-Waxing Kit Rating
Top 3 Self Waxing Kits
Here are my Tips and Tricks if you DARE to venture into Self-Waxing!
If you’re considering taking on the challenge of self-waxing, here are a few tips:
- Exfoliate your skin before waxing. This will help to remove dead skin cells and make it easier for the wax to adhere to your hair.
- Use a good quality waxing kit. Don’t skimp on the quality of your wax or waxing strips. A good kit will make the process easier and less painful.
- Trim your hair to about 1/4 inch before waxing. This will help the wax to grip the hair better.
- Apply the wax in the direction of hair growth. Remove the wax in the opposite direction of hair growth.
- Apply pressure to your skin when removing the wax. This will help to minimize pain.
- Soothe your skin after waxing with a cold compress. You can also apply a moisturizer or aloe vera gel to help reduce redness and inflammation.
And most importantly, don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself! Self-waxing is a learning experience. Even if your first attempt isn’t perfect, you’ll get better with practice.
So, if you are wondering if I've given up on self-waxing, rest asured I have not.
Self-waxing is not for everyone. But if you’re willing to brave the pain and the potential for mishaps, it can be a rewarding experience. Just remember to do your research, use a good quality waxing kit, and follow the tips above.
There’s bravery in trying, wisdom in learning, and humor in sharing. The landscape of DIY waxing has evolved since my initial foray; with today’s improved kits, your journey might glide along more smoothly than mine did. But, should you encounter a few bumps along the way, remember: that perfection is a journey, not a destination.
And let’s not forget the technological marvels of modern grooming—laser hair removers. These gadgets have been lauded for their efficacy and are worth considering if you’re seeking a more lasting solution.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! In the spirit of shared misadventures and unexpected hobbies picked up during lockdowns, drop your tales in the comments. What DIY odyssey did you embark on? Did you find yourself tangled in yarn, covered in paint, or perhaps, like me, in a sticky situation with wax?
Share your stories; let’s find connection in our collective quirks and chaos.
Remember:
Your experience might just be the beacon of light (or laughter) someone needs to navigate their own self-care saga. Whether you’re team wax, team laser, or team ‘let it grow’ – you’re not alone. Here’s to the brave souls who wax poetically (and sometimes literally) about life’s sticky situations.
Happy waxing, or not-waxing, everyone!
