Body waxing: Do’s, don’ts, and what to expect

I have been getting body waxing for a little over 9 years now and I honestly can’t do without it. The aftermath (I say aftermath because during the process it definitely feels like a warzone, it gets better though☺) is amazing. Your skin is left soft and smooth. 

There are many benefits to waxing. With waxing, the hair is removed by the root. The hair takes much longer to grow back than with shaving. When your hair does grow back after waxing. It will grow back thinner and sparser. Because you are removing hair from the root and exfoliating the skin, after a wax, you'll probably find that your skin is the smoothest it has ever been. Not only does waxing remove hair, it's an exfoliator that removes dead skin cells from the surface, which means you're receiving hair removal and skincare all in one.

However, there are some things to think about. Here is a list of dos and don’ts in in preparation for getting a body waxing.

Dos

• Clean - I prefer to shower immediately before a waxing appointment, but if you cannot do this, you should at least use the wipes the waxing salons usually have in the restrooms before getting on the table.
• Make sure the hair is appropriate length - Most waxing specialists require that the hair is at least ¼ inch long to allow the wax to grip around the hair.
• Wear comfortable undies - You want to wear comfortable cotton panties to avoid irritation immediately after your wax. 
• Relax - The pain you experience with waxing can mostly be attributed to the level of anxiety and tension you feel during the wax. The more relaxed you are, the less painful it will be. 

Don’ts

• Consume alcohol or significant amounts of caffeine before your appointment - You don’t want to be dehydrated. Also, alcohol or significant amount of caffeine can cause your pores to tighten, leading to a more uncomfortable experience. 
• Shave too close to appointment - It is recommended that you not shave for at least two weeks before your waxing. 

Waxing can be a very uncomfortable experience at the beginning. Do your research on specialists and keep in mind that the experience gets much better each time you go.