You too will have happened, after having shaved, to find yourself with residues of wax on the skin; You may have also noticed that trying to eliminate them with your fingers, in addition to being ineffective, can be painful. However, there is a very simple way to solve the problem: use oil. This method is suitable for removing any type of wax, be it cosmetic or candle wax.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Remove the Wax with the Oil
Step 1. Choose the oil you intend to use
Any type is good for removing wax residue. The oil manages to pass under the wax and makes the skin slippery; this makes the residues come off easily. Waxing kits often come with a nourishing mineral oil intended for just this purpose. You can also purchase a specific "post hair removal" product that contains ingredients suitable for eliminating traces of wax. However, here are some suggestions; these oils work just as well:
- Baby oil;
- Massage oil;
- Olive oil;
- Canola oil
- Loose coconut oil
- Oil-based lotion.
Step 2. Dip a cotton ball into the oil until it is saturated
Alternatively, you can use a folded piece of fabric or a clean cloth; you could also pour the oil directly on the skin, but with a cotton swab you will avoid making a mess.
Step 3. Keep the cotton ball on the wax trail for 30 seconds
Make sure the oil can seep under the edge of the wax to soften it; by pressing lightly, the wad will release more oil and the stain will be saturated.
- If the wax covers a large area, place kitchen paper previously dipped in oil on the skin. Press it to release the liquid onto the residue to be removed.
- If the traces are multiple, use several cotton balls, in order to treat more points at the same time.
Step 4. Remove the wax
Rub the stain with the cotton so that it comes off; if the wax doesn't lift easily, use more oil. Continue with the application, scrubbing until the skin is clean.
- If you're having trouble getting rid of the wax, you probably haven't used enough oil. Try applying more of it, making sure the stain is completely impregnated with it.
- Try using a terry towel to remove any remaining traces.
Step 5. Wash when you are done
Use soap and water to get rid of excess oil, then pat your skin dry with a towel: you should feel soft and fresh, thanks to the treatment you just performed.
Part 2 of 2: Prevent the Wax from Sticking
Step 1. Make sure your skin is moisturized
Otherwise, the skin will try to absorb moisture from the wax, causing it to adhere and making removal much more difficult. Apply an emollient cream the morning before hair removal to make sure your skin is well hydrated.
- Let the cream be fully absorbed before proceeding with waxing. The skin will need to be moisturized but not greasy, otherwise the wax will not be able to remove the hair properly.
- Avoid using an oil-based moisturizer - it would take longer to absorb, making waxing ineffective.
Step 2. Trim the hair to a suitable size
They should be between 6 and 12 mm in length; if they are too long, they can become tangled in the wax. In this case it would be difficult to tear them cleanly and wax residues may remain on the skin.
- Try shaving a week before your scheduled hair removal date - your hair will be able to grow back to a suitable length.
- Alternatively, trim the hair in areas where it is too long for waxing, such as the bikini line.
Step 3. Make sure the wax is hot enough
In this way it will be more fluid and easier to apply; when it is cold, in fact, it thickens and its use becomes difficult. Make sure it is completely dissolved and has a liquid consistency before applying.
- Check the temperature of the wax on a small area of skin, before spreading it over the whole area: it should be hot, but not so much that you burn.
- During hair removal you may need to take a break to warm the wax if it gets cold (unless you have a wax warmer).
Step 4. Avoid sweating
Waxing tends to stick to wet skin, so you need to make sure it's dry before you apply it and throughout the process as well. Try keeping it dry by following one of these methods:
- Sprinkle baby powder on the areas you intend to shave. This will prevent the wax from adhering to the skin, but will allow the hair to be pulled away.
- Wax in a well-ventilated room; turn on the air conditioning, a fan, or open the window so you don't get too hot.
- Avoid exercising or raising your blood pressure before waxing. Pick a time when you are calm and relaxed so you don't start sweating already.
Step 5. Make sure that the skin is taut
Apply the wax and then the strip; when you are ready, hold the skin taut with one hand placed right next to the strip and with the other hand make the tear; this will make it easier to remove the wax. When the skin wrinkles, in fact, the wax penetrates into the roughness and remains sticky.
Step 6. Tear off the strips quickly
By removing them slowly, the wax will have time to cool and adhere to the skin. Pull them out with a firm gesture, as you would with a band-aid: you will be more likely to remove the hair clearly and your skin will remain clean.
Advice
- You can make a ball with the still hot wax and let it roll over the residues to be removed; these will stick to the ball leaving the skin clean.
- Test a small patch of skin to practice tearing the strip cleanly.
- Avoid waxing hard-to-reach areas covered with long hair. Make an appointment with a beautician if you have trouble removing hair in certain places on your body.
