The dos and don’ts of hair removal

Whether you’re just starting out on your hair removal journey or know the ins and outs of waxes and creams, there are lots of tips, tricks, and techniques you can add to your routine to help make for a smooth hair removal experience. We’ve compiled a list of do’s and don’ts of hair removal to help make your at home hair removal experience as effective and easy as possible!

WAXING

DO exfoliate around 24 hours prior to using a hair removal wax. Exfoliating removes the dead skin and built-up oils that clog your hair follicles. This helps prevent the likelihood of getting ingrown hairs and also allows the wax stick to the hairs directly for optimal results.

DON’T apply fragranced or alcohol-based products on the waxed area within 24 hours of hair removal as there may be increased sensitivity and irritation to your skin.

DO keep the waxed area away from constant friction. Excessive activity like hitting the gym, bike rides, and hot yoga immediately after a wax can cause mild irritation because of the uric acid and salt in your perspiration[1].

DON’T take a hot bath or hit the hot tub and sauna immediately after. The extra heat can irritate the skin and make it redder and more sensitive. It can also increase the likelihood of getting ingrown hairs as the hot water will widen your pores[2].

DO moisturize. While waxing reveals new, softer skin by removing parts of the upper layer of skin, it also strips away the skin’s natural oils and moisture. Try using a light moisturizer during the day and treat your skin to a rich moisturizer at night to maintain silky soft skin post-hair removal!

DON’T sunbathe 24 hours before or after waxing. Sunbathing could dehydrate the skin prior to waxing and the sun exposure post-hair removal can increase heat sensitivity and discomfort.

CREAMS

DO make sure you use the right type of hair removal cream for your target area and skin type. Different areas of your body can have different hair types and sensitivity, so be sure to use a product that’s been formulated for that specific area! Luckily, Veet^® offers a wide range of depilatory creams^* so you can choose the right product for your needs!

DON’T leave the cream on for longer than the maximum time indicated on the product label. It may be tempting to leave the cream on longer to ensure that all hair has been dissolved, but leaving it on for too long can increase the chances of irritating your skin.

DO a patch test 24 hours beforehand. Different skin types and different areas of your body have varying sensitivity levels, so it’s important that you use the right type of product for the target area. Test the cream on a small patch of your skin 24 hours before you use it to remove hair over a larger area to help avoid irritation or allergic reactions.

DON’T rub the cream off as it can cause irritation. The best way to remove the hair removal cream is to use a damp cloth or sponge and gently wipe in the opposite direction of hair growth before rinsing with lukewarm water. Always read and follow product label instructions!

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

[1] https://www.eccotique.com/blogs/news/the-dos-and-dont-of-waxing-what-you-need-to-know

[2] https://sheerluxe.com/skincare/13-dos-and-donts-of-waxing