How painful is Waxing? And how to feel it less

Every newbie to waxing has wondered or asked the million-dollar question: Does it hurt? The general answer to this question is «yes», and maybe even «hell yes». Although most people would rather see their waxers than their dentists anyway, waxing is one of the least enjoyable things you can do at a salon or spa.

You can take steps before and after waxing to reduce the pain and side effects. Your experience with waxing can be made more difficult or easier by the timing of your appointment, your skin condition, and even the food you eat in the hours prior to your appointment.

Experts were interviewed to find out why waxing can be so painful and what you can do to reduce the trauma.

Continue reading to learn how to get the best painless wax possible.

You have probably ever removed an adhesive bandage from a hairy area of your body. This gives you a good idea of what it feels like to wax. Imagine that feeling with a stronger adhesive gripping hair on a wider area of your body. That’s basically what waxing is. So, yeah—it hurts.

Tobia says that manually pulling hair out is painful as well as the removal of adhesive from the skin. Ciraldo bluntly stated that «there is a lot pain associated with this procedure.»

The «ouch» factor in waxing has a biological explanation. Ciraldo says that the hair root is very close to the nerve root. Tobia states that waxing is generally harmless to the body. However, pulling hair out of the root triggers the same pain response as a physical injury.

While the shock of losing your hair is quickly forgotten, there are some side effects that can persist. These include tenderness, inflammation, swelling, redness, itching, rashes and bleeding. Very rarely, especially if you don’t follow the aftercare instructions, waxing can cause skin infection.

The location you wax can also affect the pain of waxing. Tobia and Ciraldo, for instance, say Brazilian waxes and other genital waxes are the most painful.

Ciraldo states that patients tell him that the most sensitive areas to wax are the most painful, particularly in the pubic region. The hair around the bikini line and genitals tend to be thicker than other areas, which makes it more difficult to remove and causes more pain.

She adds that this area contains a greater concentration of sensory nerves so it will be more painful than the underarms.

What are the most painful places to use wax on your face? Ciraldo states that the delicate areas of your face are your brows, upper lips and upper lip. She says that brows can be sensitive because of the thin skin around the brows. This makes it more sensitive than the chin. «Lips can also be sensitive to procedures. I attribute this to their high blood flow.»

It doesn’t matter if you find waxing unbearable or just a little uncomfortable. Tobia says that pain levels can vary from person to person. Preparing before and after your appointment can greatly reduce your suffering.

How to Avoid a Wax Pain

Take a look at the skin care routine for the area you are going to wax one week prior. Levin recommends that you stop using retinoids two to five days prior to your waxing appointment to avoid the skin’s superficial layers from being pulled off.

Make sure that none of your prescriptions interfere with waxing. Tobia says that some medications can cause or exacerbate skin sensitivities.

It is not a good idea to wax while you are taking Accutane (also known as Isotretinoin). This can cause the skin’s top layer to be removed. Talk to your dermatologist if you are unsure if waxing is right.

Your skin must be clean and healthy before you go to a waxing appointment. Tobia warns that you should not wax areas with open wounds or other skin conditions. Ciraldo recommends that waxed skin be free from sunburns and rashes, as sunburned skin can be more sensitive.

Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol. Tobia states that caffeine can increase blood flow, which can lead to skin bruising. Alcohol thins blood and can make it more difficult to bleed when waxed.

Avoid scheduling your wax while you are pregnant. Levin says that waxing may feel more intense around your period or when hormone levels shift and inflammation is high.

How to make a wax less painful

These are the tips that will make your salon waxing experience as smooth as possible.

For the best wax, it is important to find a licensed esthetician. Ciraldo recommends that you refer someone.

Make sure that your appointment is for the right length hair. Tobia says that wax should adhere to hair at least 25% of the way. It can be more difficult to wax hair that is longer than this. If the hair is too long, there’s a possibility that random hairs will remain in the wax.

Levin recommends that you gently exfoliate the area where you will be waxing. This will prevent ingrown hairs from forming and folliculitis. Instead of using harsh exfoliants like apricot kernels, use mild chemicals such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid to exfoliate.

There are many (cheap!) options available on the day of your treatment. There are many options to reduce the pain of waxing.

Ciraldo suggests using one percent hydrocortisone cream. This is available over-the-counter at most drugstores. Hydrocortisone should be applied at least one hour before your procedure to minimize discomfort. Ciraldo recommends that hydrocortisone’s anti-inflammatory properties can make the procedure less painful. She also mentions that hydrocortisone reduces redness.

Lidocaine is another topical you might consider. Tobia states that a topical spray of lidocaine can be used to numb the skin prior to waxing, if necessary. It may be kept on hand by your esthetician for clients. If not, it can be purchased at a drugstore for less than $10.

Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, is another pain-relieving medication. Ciraldo suggests that you take acetaminophen before your service to reduce pain and not cause bruising. It is best to take it 30 minutes before you go.

Don’t forget regular ol’ ice. While some waxers may not recommend ice before waxing, it can cause tightening of pores and make hair harder to pull out. However, it is a great way to soothe the pain. Levin recommends bringing a cold pack with you to your appointment. He also suggests icing your skin right before your treatment.

At-Home Waxing Tips

Tobia warns that while at-home waxing is an efficient way to save money, it can also lead to some very painful mistakes.

One common—and quite literal—pain point? Tobia states that wax burns can occur. She explains that DIY waxing can cause more burns than professional waxing. She assures us that wax burns are rare when performed by professionals.

You can avoid wax burns by checking the consistency of your wax after heating. If the wax seems runny or watery after heating, it is likely that it has been heated too much. Do a small patch test of the wax on your skin to ensure that it is in good condition.

Tobia suggests that you test the wax in the inner forearm. You can test the wax without tearing any visible skin, although there is enough sensitivity to give good temperature feedback.

Your technique is another way to reduce pain while waxing. A one-handed, rip off-the-bandaid approach to waxing is almost guaranteed to increase your agony.

Tobia states that pulling the skin taut prior to applying the wax and removing it helps reduce the pain. To put it another way, you need to use two hands to wax. One to pull the wax off and the other to anchor the skin. This will make the process as fast and as clean as possible.

Post-Wax Aftercare

Some of your pre-waxing techniques can also be used to relieve post-waxing pains if you feel a little numb from the wax.

Ciraldo states that if you feel uncomfortable, one percent hydrocortisone can be applied two to three times daily for the first 48-hours. Ice and acetaminophen may also be helpful in reducing swelling and tenderness.

Hydrocortisone can be applied to your skin, but you should also allow it to breathe. Tobia states that oils and lotions should not be applied immediately following body waxing unless instructed by a professional. She also recommends that you avoid wearing tight or abrasive clothes. Another potentially painful side effect is infection. Keep the waxed area clean, dry and free from irritants.

After your wax is complete, you can start a gentle exfoliating routine. Tobia says that exfoliating can help to prevent ingrown hairs.

The Final Takeaway

Can waxing be made painless? Tobia says that waxing can be made less painful with proper pre- and post-waxing treatment.

Tobia states, «As with most things mildly to moderately painful, the more you do it, you become more familiar with the sensation.» «Waxing is less painful if you do it regularly.»