Sunday, December 9, 2007

How to Wax Your Legs


From Julyne Derrick

Waxing your own legs can be tricky and sticky. But do it right and you can save yourself a lot of money from the salon.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 30 minutes

Here's How:

1.Ensure hair is long enough to wax. Hair needs to grow out 1/4 inch (the wax needs hair to stick to otherwise it can be yanked out by its roots).

2.Two days before exfoliate legs to remove dead skin.

3.Apply baby powder to skin. Baby powder removes oils helping the wax stick better to hair.

4.Heat wax in microwave or by immersing container in warm water (follow the package instructions methods vary widely).

5.Work in small sections. Apply wax in the direction of hair growth. For proper application hold the stick at a 90-degree angle & apply a smooth thin layer.

6.Before wax cools completely apply the strip to wax

7.To remove strip peel it in the opposite direction of hair growth. Don't pull straight up, it's less painful to keep the strip as close to skin as possible. If the area stings it can help to apply pressure on immediately after the strip removal.

8.Apply a lotion containing salycylic acid to prevent ingrown hairs. Try Bliss ingrown hair eliminating pads

9.To remove excess wax on skin use a body oil do not try to remove wax with hot water. Also consider a sugaring kit like Moom Sugar. Sugar washes off much easier than wax.

Tips:
If you're using Retin A Renova or Accutane don't wax that area of the skin. You're much more susceptible to rashes & irritation.

Take 2 ibuprofen pills an hour before your treatment to cut down on the pain.

What You Need:
* Wax kit (comes with the spatula, wax and strips)
* Hairy legs
* Post-waxing cream (see Step 8 above for product info)





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