Hey friend! Have you noticed that more and more people are waxing from the comfort of their own homes nowadays? Statistics show that at-home waxing kits have risen in popularity by over 30% in recent years. It makes total sense when you think about it – DIY waxing is way more affordable and convenient than going to a salon. Plus you’re in control of the whole process.
This thorough, step-by-step guide will enable you create your own wax strips at home. To make sure you don’t become upset, I’ll give easy recipes, application instructions for the wax, and post-application suggestions. By the end, you’ll be a DIY waxing expert!
Benefits of Waxing at Home
It’s Cheaper Than Salon Services
Let’s face it, waxing sessions can get pretty pricey over time. A basic bikini wax costs $30-50 per session on average. When you calculate getting waxed every 4-6 weeks, that adds up fast! Making your own wax and strips at home costs just a fraction in comparison.
Customize The Ingredients
You may choose precisely which components to use during DIY waxing. For those with sensitive skin, this is really wonderful news. Store-bought waxes can include extra chemicals and fragrances, which may irritate certain individuals.
Wax On Your Schedule
No more waiting weeks for an appointment just to tweak your brows or deal with prickly legs! The convenience of waxing whenever needed from home is a total gamechanger. Just make sure to properly prep your skin first.
Concocting Homemade Wax
When it comes to making wax yourself, you’ve got a couple DIY options…
Sugar Wax Recipe
I have great news my friends – this 3 ingredient sugar wax recipe could not get any simpler:
– 1 cup white sugar
– 1/8 cup lemon juice
– 1/8 cup water
Mix everything together in a pot on the stove, stirring frequently at a boil until it reaches a golden syrup-like consistency. Let cool slightly before use. The lemon juice helps gently exfoliate while the sugar sticky texture grabs onto hair. Yet it rinses clean off skin in water unlike traditional wax. Talk about a skin-loving swap!
Traditional Wax Recipe
If you prefer a classic wax texture, this easy homemade honey wax is for you:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup honey
– 1/2 cup lemon juice
– 1 tbsp water (optional)
Melt the sugar in a pan until browned and caramel-y, then remove from heat. Mix in the honey and lemon juice, adding a splash of water if too thick. Pour into a heat-safe container and voila! This lemon-honey combo leaves skin smooth.
No matter which wax you whip up, make sure to do a skin patch test before full application.
Getting Crafty with DIY Strips
Wax is no good without something to rip it off with! But there’s no need to buy strips when you can DIY some in 2 seconds.
Muslin fabric, old linen shirts, and cotton cloths make great homemade wax strip materials. Simply cut or tear into long strips, finish the edges by sewing if fraying, and they’re ready for waxing.
But my favorite wax strip hack is even easier – grab any glossy magazine or catalog lying around. Tear off the first couple pages or back cover to use the thicker paper stock. Then rip into strips and smooth over wax. The glossy texture makes it so easy to remove!
Becoming a Waxing Pro
Once your natural wax is prepped and homemade strips cut, here’s how to wax like a boss:
Step 1: Prep Those Pores
Make sure hair length is around 1/4 inch long first with a quick trim if needed. Then powder or wipe skin clean of any oils so wax can grip. Also avoid lotions, creams etc which create a barrier.
Step 2: Spread On Wax
Test temperature on wrist first to ensure your homemade wax is a warm, not hot. Then use a popsicle stick or old gift card to smooth a thin layer of wax in direction of hair growth.
Step 3: Place Strip Over Wax
Immediately place your DIY wax strip on top and smooth downward following the direction of hair growth you applied wax.
Step 4: Rip It Off
After 30 seconds or so, hold skin taut right underneath the strip. In one swift motion, flick strip up and backwards against hair growth. Kinda like you’re starting a lawnmower – quick and angled works best!
Tip: resist urge to tense up or go too slow. Hair comes out less painfully with speed!
For hard wax beans, there’s no strip needed. Just wax then pull chunks off instead once hardened.
And voila – silky, smooth skin without the salon price tag! 💅
Post-Wax TLC Rituals
You survived your first at-home wax sesh! But the process isn’t done yet… Follow these aftercare tips to avoid irritation:
– Apply aloe vera or hydrocortisone cream post-wax to soothe skin
– No super hot showers, tight clothes, working out or sun exposure for 24 hours
– Use a chemical exfoliant 1-2 times a week to prevent ingrown hairs
– Dab on witch hazel to minimize redness
And if you ever overdo it with DIY waxing, no shame! We’ve all been there. Just clean skin gently and use numbing cream or take an anti-inflammatory med to ease discomfort.
Waxing Safety First
While I make waxing sound super easy, it’s still a mini at-home procedure. Please chat with your doctor before trying if you have sensitive skin disorders, take certain medications like Accutane or Retin-A, or have open wounds which wax could infect. Ingrown hairs and rare burns or skin lifting are also possible if not careful!
To play it safe, always do a patch test 24 hours before full-on waxing a new body part. And opt for professional waxing services instead if you don’t feel confident handling the hot wax yourself quite yet!
FAQs: Your Pressing Wax Questions, Answered!
How long does homemade waxing last vs shaving?
On average, 3-6 weeks of smooth skin before regrowth versus a few days with shaving. So while DIY waxing takes more effort upfront, the results last way longer.
Does waxing get less painful over time?
Yes girl yes! As you wax repeatedly, hair follicles get damaged and grow back thinner each time. Less hair means less ouch. After about 3 DIY waxes, discomfort levels go way down.
What’s better – soft or hard wax?
Soft wax like the recipes above need fabric strips to remove. Hard wax just hardens then pulls right off. Each has pros and cons. Play with both DIY formulas to see which your skin tolerates best!
And there you have it – everything you need for pampering skin sans the salon! Let me if any other DIY waxing questions come up. Go get glowing! 😊