How to remove hair with minimal pain

Waxing sometimes gets a bit of a harsh reputation, leading some people to opt for the razor instead. But using a depilatory wax doesn’t have to be a painful process, and it actually offers many benefits over shaving, which we’ll explore below. Modern techniques and simple tips can make hair removal a lot less painful, and we’re glad to share some of them with you here!

Time it Right

Two things worth considering when choosing the best time for your home wax are 1) whether your hairs are at the right length and 2) where you are in your monthly cycle. If your hairs are too short, then the wax won’t have enough to grip on to, pulling the skin but not the hairs. Also, your pain threshold is at its highest just after your period (and lowest just before) so make sure you time your routine accordingly!

Prepare Yourself

Wax is not only effective for hair removal — it also pulls off any dead layers of skin left in the area. That means it’s a good idea to exfoliate close (but not too close) beforehand. The best time is around 24 hours prior to waxing. Just before you wax, you should take a nice warm bath to open up your pores and follicles. Make sure that your skin is bone dry before you try to wax, as the water can affect how well the wax will work.

Perfect the Technique

When actually waxing, always remember to breathe. Our natural reaction to pain is to sharply inhale, so it’s good to take a cue from our own bodies! Pull your skin taut to give the hairs a smooth exit and take a deep breath in as you apply the wax. Veet® Professional™ Wax Strips* makes home hair removal as quick and easy as possible — so grab the tab and pull against the direction of the hair while exhaling.

Look after Yourself

After waxing, your skin will be sensitive — so you shouldn’t do anything to further irritate it, such as exfoliating. Depilatory wax is a great exfoliant itself, so you shouldn’t need to anyway! You should also avoid heat and strong deodorants.

Alternatively, you could try a different, less invasive hair removal solution such as depilatory creams. These work by dissolving the hairs at the roots, allowing them to be simply washed off with the cream. The effects don’t last as long as waxing, but for those with very low pain thresholds, hair removal creams can be a great alternative.

The best way to discover your most comfortable option is to try different Veet products and compare for yourself*. Good luck, and don’t forget to breathe!

^*Ensure this product is right for you. Always read and follow product label.