What are your tips for a first-time waxing?
I've got a good amount of body hair (both chest and back) but I've never done anything besides shaving it before. I've got a vacation to Hawaii coming up and I was thinking of getting some waxed, at least on my back. I've never done it before and thought I'd ask for any tips, suggestions or thoughts before I go through with it. Like how long before the trip should I do it? How long does it last?
go to a reputable spa/salon (if you're in any type of large city, you should be able to find one on the internet). I would get it done somewhere between 5 and 10 days before you go, since you can't be out in the sun for at least 48 hours after you wax and you'll want to give your back a rest. Also, you'll want to get something to prevent ingrown hair. i use PFB Vanish">PFB Vanish Ingrown Hair Treatment Roll On Gel - 4 oz<img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=iradioheaven-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001EI5IUE" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;. it's painful as it's happening, but once you're finished, you'll look great and it will just feel like a very mild sunburn for a day or two. Take a couple painkillers or a shot or two of your favorite spirit to help take the edge off (my spa has a bottle of tequila in the waiting room).
13 Answers
Waxing is a good alternative to shaving because its quick and lasts longer. It's not painless, so I'd suggest starting with the back and see how painful you find it, or just man up and go for both.
I'd try to get it done a couple days before you're going on vacation. You won't be completely hairless for all that long, but when it does grow back in, it will be thinner and lighter for a while. I find its a couple weeks before it is really bothersome again.
Right after, it can be a little red and irritated. Be sure to get something to scrub your back when showering. It'll stop ingrown hairs and will curb breakouts that can occur after waxing. Finally, I'd say go somewhere good. Spas may seem girly, but its better than looking like a Wookie on the beach.
Waxing is a good alternative to shaving because its quick and lasts longer. It's not painless, so I'd suggest starting with the back and see how painful you find it, or just man up and go for both.
I'd try to get it done a couple days before you're going on vacation. You won't be completely hairless for all that long, but when it does grow back in, it will be thinner and lighter for a while. I find its a couple weeks before it is really bothersome again.
Right after, it can be a little red and irritated. Be sure to get something to scrub your back when showering. It'll stop ingrown hairs and will curb breakouts that can occur after waxing. Finally, I'd say go somewhere good. Spas may seem girlie, but its better than looking like a Wookie on the beach.
Two things. 1. Avoid the plastic trim; it can discolor. 2. If your arms get tired, use an orbital buffer with a random pattern to avoid burning the clear coat. Crap--this isn't about a car is it?
I've never waxed for body hair removal. Good luck!
Back is easy. Go to a spa that uses numbing spray and it will save you nearly 50% on the pain scale, I think the spray is lidocaine based.
Chest...OMG don't do it. I lost a bet about 6 years ago and had to get mine waxed...It bled after every 'rip' and for about a week I felt a numbing, electrocution like pain in my chest. It also had then ingrown like crazy. It was a bad experience...
If you have never had a wax before, go to a local salon and get your eyebrows waxed... if you can handle that, then you should be able to handle a back waxing.
Also - follow Ben Wise's advice, he speaks the truth.
I would advise getting this done two or three weeks before your trip, because if there is irritation or ingrown hairs (giving you the infamous chicken pox look), three weeks should be enough time to get much of it cleared up. I do not advise doing it yourself, however, if you feel like you want to go that route then try this kit, by far one of the simplest on the market: Lycon Waxing Kit. Afterward, use something that will disinfect the skin, and then for something to apply on several days afterward, look for a product using heavy doses of tea tree oil to soothe inflamed pores.
Don't get the man-o-lantern.