A wax can take you from floundering to fabulous, but the truth is that no one really enjoys getting a wax. Even with our high-quality all natural BodyHonee, you’ll still feel some pinching and tugging. Depending on your pain tolerance, this can be a major deterrent to getting the smooth, lush skin a good wax offers. But you don’t have to give up on waxing entirely. Try these simple tricks to reduce the pain you experience when you wax.
Take Some Ibuprofen
If you’ve ever popped an ibuprofen when you have a headache, you know that the little pill can do wonders, even for the worst pain. Take an ibuprofen 30 to 45 minutes before you get a wax, and you’ll notice that the pain is dramatically reduced. If you have a sensitive stomach, make sure you take the drug with food, as ibuprofen can cause some minor stomach irritation in those with sensitive stomachs.
Choose the Right Time of the Month
Every woman knows that things can get a little more sensitive around your period, so plan your wax accordingly. Your pain tolerance tends to be lower the week of and the week before your period, so if you tend to experience PMS, save the wax for another time.
Wax Regularly
Every time you wax your hair, you interrupt the hair growth cycle. Over time, waxing can alter hair follicles, causing the hair to grow in thinner or even to stop growing altogether. You can capitalize on this tendency by waxing on a regular schedule. You may find that, as time goes by, waxing takes less time because there’s less hair. It’s also important to note that waxing is more effective and less painful when hair is between 1/4” and 1/8” long, and a regular waxing schedule ensures your hair is the right length.
Cultivate the Right State of Mind
If you’ve ever been stung by a bee or bumped your elbow when you were already feeling down, you know that your state of mind can affect the way you perceive pain. Taking steps to help yourself relax can make a wax seem less painful. Wait until you’re relatively calm and stress-free. For some people this means waxing on the weekend. Then put on some soothing music. Light some candles and then get to work. If you really want to maximize your pain tolerance, consider getting a massage before your wax.
Ease the Sting
If you’re very vulnerable to pain, talk to your doctor about a skin-numbing cream. These creams are safe to use at home, and take the sting out of waxing by reducing or completely eliminating your susceptibility to pain. If you have sensitive skin, it may be the pain after the wax – not during – that you’re most concerned about. Applying a cool compress to the area can help ease pain, as can post-wax treatments designed to reduce skin irritation.
No matter what strategy you use, remember that the pain is temporary and mild. But the benefits of waxing can lasts for weeks, or even months.