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The products featured in this article are from brands available in NBCUniversal Checkout . E! makes a commission on purchases. Whether or not you choose to remove body hair is totally up to you.
But if you've done it before, you know that professional hair removal services can add up quickly. Removing hair at home is typically the more cost-effective option. However, we know you're not a pro! Doing it at home alone can be anxiety-inducing! What's the best way to avoid razor burn? How can you wax with as little pain as possible? To achieve the best results at home, there are a few things you need to know first.
We spoke with esthetician and hair removal expert Eva Gonzalez , who shared her top tips for removing hair from head to toe. Read on for esthetician-approved tips, tricks, and techniques, and find out which hair removal method is right for you. “Good skin prep will give you the best results,” says Gonzalez, so it’s important to take it seriously if you want a smooth finish.
Before waxing or lasering, she recommends avoiding sun exposure for four to five days, as sunburns can damage the skin barrier or cause irritation. No matter the hair removal method, “I always suggest exfoliating a day or two before with a gentle exfoliator to remove any dead skin,” she advises. You can use a physical exfoliant like a scrub or mitt (Dolce Glow makes a good one), or opt for a chemical exfoliant containing AHAs.
A pro tip to avoid razor burn? “Using a warm towel to soften hair before shaving can also give you a much cleaner shave,” she says. Crybaby Wax Ride or Cry AHA Exfoliating Splash This body soap makes exfoliating easy since you can add it as an extra step to your shower routine. The bar contains white pumice and exfoliating salt particles to exfoliate, while shea butter, olive oil and sunflower seed extract leave skin feeling nourished.
OffCourt Exfoliating Body Soap Exfoliating has never been easier thanks to this mitt . Dolce Glow Exfoliation Mitt Exfoliating has never been easier thanks to this mitt . Just gently scrub wet skin with the mitt to prep for hair removal—it buffs away dead skin cells, bacteria, and more.
Crybaby Wax A Wail of a Time Talc-Free Priming Powder Prior to waxing, Gonzalez says to prep the skin with a drying agent since wax won't stick to skin lotion or oils. This talc-free powder is just the thing to remove any excess oil or moisture from the skin. Nécessaire The Body Acne Set with Salicylic Acid This set is the secret to smooth, bump-free skin.
It includes a body wash and spray solution. Both products contain acne-fighting salicylic acid, n iacinamide to help fade post-blemish hyperpigmentation, and rosemary extract to soothe skin. Apart from shaving, there are a few different ways to remove unwanted body hair.
There's no right or wrong answer, it's all about what makes sense for you! Waxing : Stop spending a fortune and wax at home instead. Here are a few esthetician-approved tips in to set yourself up for success. “Use a good quality wax, your wax should never be runny! That’s an indication that it is too hot! Think sticky like honey,” Gonzalez says.
Don't try to wax fresh out of the shower! Gonzalez advises that you need to “make sure your skin is clean and dry." "Wax will not stick to skin with lotion or oils. Use a drying agent like baby powder to remove any excess oil and moisture from the skin.
If you are waxing make sure your hair is as long as a grain of rice or 1/4 inches,” she shares. And don't be afraid to really get in there. “Hold your skin taught to avoid brushing or breaking hair while waxing as this can cause ingrowns," she shares.
"Lay your wax with the hair growth and remove in the opposite direction (against the growth). This step is very important. Pull parallel to the skin, NEVER up!" Gonzalez warns.
"Most importantly, be patient and work in small sections when working with wax.” Laser hair Removal : In terms of at-home laser hair removal, Gonzalez says the method "can be effective in hair reduction, but they are not all created equal,” so it's important to do your research to see which option is most compatible with your hair color and skin types. Luminess Kinetic Smooth Duo Blade Hair Remover For the cost of one professional wax, you can buy this wax warmer and do it from the comfort of your own home.
Not only will it heat up your wax in 15 seconds or less, it has an easy-to-clean silicone lining and a temperature dial for precision. Crybaby Wax The Meltdown Machine Wax Warmer If you want to achieve professional level waxing, you need these applicators . The 75-piece set includes three applicator sizes so you can be as precise as possible.
Crybaby Wax Get a Grip Face & Body Applicators Calling all sensitive skin girlies! This professional-grade wax was made with you in mind. It's hypoallergenic and beginner-friendly. Remember to use on dry skin! Crybaby Wax I'm Sensitive Meltdown Vegan Hard Wax This at-home laser device is as close to affordable and permanent hair removal as you can get.
It utilizes intense pulsed light to neutralize hair follicles and prevent future hair growth all over your body. As Gonzalez mentioned, patience is key with this tool, as it could take up to 12 weeks to see results. Hair Remover Epilator This at-home laser device is as close to affordable and permanent hair removal as you can get.
It utilizes intense pulsed light to neutralize hair follicles and prevent future hair growth all over your body. As Gonzalez mentioned, patience is key with this tool, as it could take up to 12 weeks to see results. Hair removal is only as successful as your aftercare.
“For any waxing, it's best to avoid hot showers, saunas, pools, jacuzzis, limit sun exposure, and wear sunscreen for the next two or three days,” advises Gonzalez. "It’s also smart to skip the gym and avoid sweating for a few days to help prevent bacteria from clogging your pores." If waxing or shaving has left your skin feeling sensitive, Gonzalez suggests “using calming creams like aloe vera or azulene oil" to help with redness.
If you happen to get an ingrown hair (ugh, who hasn't been there!), don’t pick at it—no matter how tempting it might be. Instead, Gonzalez recommends, “use a hot compress and gentle exfoliator to help bring it to the surface.” To prevent ingrown hairs altogether, she advises using a gentle exfoliator two to three times a week and applying a fragrance- or alcohol-free moisturizer to help keep skin hydrated.
Crybaby Wax You Big Softie Finishing Oil After hair removal, you want to keep your skin hydrated, which is why you need this finishing oil . It's made with apricot kernel oil to lock in moisture and neem seed oil to minimize inflammation. It absorbs quickly and will help remove any leftover wax.
Necessaire The Body Retinol | 0.1% Retinol This body lotion is perfect for post-hair removal skin care because it combines two of the things Gonzalez recommends. It contains retinol and AHAs to exfolilate, as well as peptides and glycerin to keep skin hydrated.
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