Does the unibrow embarrass you? Don't worry, there is no need to be ashamed! The unibrow is absolutely natural and more common than you think. In some non-Western countries it is even considered a symbol of beauty for both sexes - uncomfortable information if you hate your unibrow! Fortunately, however, you can get rid of annoying extra hair thanks to waxing: a quick, effective and simple solution to do at home, longer lasting than shaving.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Hair Removal Like a Pro
Step 1. Wax a couple of days before special events
Although thousands of people wax every day without suffering from unwanted effects, sometimes, the substances contained in the product can irritate the skin. If you've never done this before, it's impossible to predict your skin's reaction to waxing, so it's a good idea to shave your eyebrows a couple of days before any special events you want to look your best for to give your skin time to regenerate. case of irritation.
Although it rarely happens, some people suffer from allergies to the substances contained in waxing. If in doubt, it is advisable to first test a small amount of the product on an invisible area of the body (such as the upper leg). In case of skin rashes, folliculitis or pustules, it is better not to use wax on the face
Step 2. Wash and dry your face
Cleaning is important for proper epilation. Since waxing removes unwanted hair but also the superficial layer of the skin, there is always the (real) risk of infection, even if minimal. For this reason, before waxing, it is advisable to thoroughly cleanse your face with a mild soap and a clean towel to kill any bacteria or microbes that could cause problems.
Don't forget to wash your hands too (or, if a friend helps you, ask them to wash them too). Harmful bacteria tend to accumulate on the hands even after trivial activities (for example, after eating), so keep them away from the skin, which will be much more delicate after waxing
Step 3. Heat the wax (if needed)
Waxes are usually available in two formats: cold and hot. Cold waxes (depilatory strips) are simpler and more comfortable to use. Hot waxes, on the other hand, must first be heated, applied, and then removed with a separate strip. If you prefer to use hot wax, heat it up following the instructions on the package - in the meantime, follow the next step.
Be careful not to overheat the wax. A burn on the face, in addition to being unsightly, can be very painful. Also, since it is very close to the eyes where the product could splash, reduce the risk of severe burns by using a not too hot wax
Step 4. Apply some talcum powder before starting
Since waxing is a very aggressive substance to the skin, to reduce unwanted effects, apply a small amount of talcum powder between the eyebrows. The talcum powder facilitates the application and removal of the wax and removes excess sebum and moisture from the skin and hair, making it "adhere" better.
Step 5. Apply the wax between the eyebrows
When you're ready, start waxing the portion of the eyebrow you want to remove - usually the portion to be removed is 70mm-1.30cm. The method of application varies slightly depending on the type of wax you use (cold or hot):
- For hair removal strips, firmly squeeze the sticky side of the strip between the eyebrows and massage to make sure it fits snugly.
- For hot waxing, use the supplied applicator, or another tool to spread the product (such as a popsicle toothpick or a butter knife) in the area to be depilated. Then, press the strip contained in the package until it adheres to the wax.
- Pay close attention to where you apply it and how much wax you use - to avoid accidentally plucking the ends of your brows. It is better to use little product instead of overdoing it. If any hairs "escape" you, you can always epilate them later; however, if you tear too many, you will have to wait for them to grow back!
Step 6. Wait for the wax to dry before tearing it off
If using hot wax, wait a few minutes for it to solidify before removing. During solidification, the product hardens on the hairs, "trapping" them in the wax. If you use cold wax, simply press the sticky side onto the hairs to be removed and the strip will stick on its own.
- When you are ready, remove the strip by pulling it vigorously "against the grain". Since often the direction of growth of the eyebrows is towards "up", in the direction of the forehead, you will have to grab the upper edge of the strip and pull it down.
- Do not hesitate! Act as if you were removing a patch - to reduce pain, it is best to tear it off as quickly as possible.
Step 7. Remove excess wax
After tearing off the depilatory strip, you will see that the hairs have been trapped in the wax. However, there may be some wax left on your skin, which you can get rid of with specific products - usually sold in the same shop where you bought the wax (beauty salons, perfumeries, etc.). Alternatively, you can remove excess waxing with moisturizing oil for children, or other delicate oils suitable for use on the face.
If you use oil, opt for a non-perfumed product. Artificial fragrances can irritate delicate skin or cause allergic reactions
Step 8. Tear off excess hair with tweezers
After you have removed the wax, check your brows with a magnifying mirror. At this point, there will be far less hair between the eyebrows, however, some may have escaped waxing. If you want, you can repeat the waxing application, but if there are very few hairs left, it will be easier and faster to use tweezers.
Tweezers are very simple to use - in front of a mirror, pinch any unwanted hair with tweezers and tear it out firmly. As with waxing, plucking hair with tweezers is much less painful if done quickly
Step 9. Use foundation or another covering product for redness
Even if you waxed perfectly, your skin may still be irritated (after all, you just pulled some hair directly from their follicle). If the skin appears inflamed or red and if you cannot wait for it to return to normal naturally, cover the blemish with a small amount of foundation of the same tone as your complexion. If the irritation is not very evident and if it is not allergic reactions (which would have appeared on the first test), you will be able to successfully cover it.
Step 10. Use over-the-counter pain relievers for pain
Although the skin may be slightly more sensitive after epilation, the pain generally disappears quickly. However, if the pain persists after 15 minutes of waxing, take one single dose of pain reliever medicine, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain. Read the package leaflet before taking the medicine - generally, painkillers with an anti-inflammatory effect are ideal as they help reduce skin irritation.
Also consider the idea of using a desensitizing product before waxing. These products, generally available in the form of cream or spray, temporarily sore the skin, making hair removal less painful
Method 2 of 2: Use a Homemade Wax
Step 1. Mix 230g of sugar, 30ml of water and 30ml of lemon juice
If you don't have a ready-made wax available, don't worry! You can use a homemade wax thanks to this simple recipe using a few simple ingredients. Start by mixing one part water, one part lemon, and eight parts sugar in a bowl - The amounts shown above can be changed as long as you keep the thick proportions of ingredients.
This recipe is inspired by an ancient Egyptian technique, known as "body sugaring", with the same properties as modern waxes - using ingredients that were available thousands of years ago
Step 2. Heat the ingredients on the stove
Pour the mixture into a pan and heat over medium heat. Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature of the wax. It is important that the mixture does not overflow, so be careful not to heat it too quickly. Heat until it reaches a temperature of 121 ° C.
At this temperature, the sugar reaches a degree known in the culinary world as the "big bubble," meaning it becomes thick and sticky - perfect for waxing
Step 3. Remove from heat
Remove the mixture from the heat when it reaches 121 ° C (or when it starts to boil). Pour into a clean bowl. Let the mixture cool until it gets too hot to the touch, but make sure there is still enough "liquid" to be used as a wax (on average it takes 15 minutes).
Step 4. Apply and remove the wax as usual
You can use homemade sugar wax just like a traditional wax. With a clean applicator, such as cutlery or popsicle stick, apply a thin layer of wax to the area you want to shave, making sure to apply it in the same direction as the hair grows. Press a thin strip of fabric onto the wax. Wait for the sugar to harden, then tear against the grain.
If you have any wax left over, you can store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. To use it again, reheat it in the microwave (no need to reheat on the stove)
Step 5. Try adding fragrances
The great thing about this recipe is that it is extremely versatile - you can modify it according to your needs. For example, you can add your favorite fragrances during the cooling phase. Below you will find some ideas to make waxing more pleasant:
- Chopped lavender petals
- Chopped mint leaves
- Chopped basil leaves
- Mint extract
- Orange peel
- Sandalwood extract
