Have you ever had a razor cut? Ingrown hairs? Or afraid of razors? Wax shaving is one of the best methods for shaving off body hair, especially those on the legs. Compared to a razor, this technique will remove more hair and make it grow for a longer time. As long as you can bear the pain, waxing is a great option for shaving.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Preparing to Shave Your Feet with Wax
Step 1. Purchase waxing kits
You can buy waxing equipment through Amazon for between 100 - 200 thousand rupiah. Compare the tools and decide which waxing kit you want to buy. In general, waxing kits are quite similar, but there are some that offer more strips or are intended for both men and women. Some beauty sites recommend using Nair Moroccan Argan Oil Wax for Legs and Body.
Step 2. Prepare the skin
For optimal results, you should exfoliate before shaving your legs. Also make sure that your leg hair is neither too long nor too short. Feather length should be at least 0.6 cm but not more than 1.2 cm. If the hair is longer than 1.2 cm, you should first trim it with scissors before waxing it.
Consonant Skin Body Scrub is a great product that can help exfoliate. Apply the product until it lathers on the part of the body you want to shave at least 24 hours in advance. Leave it for a few minutes and then wash it off with soap and water
Step 3. Take the time to shave your legs
The shave will take about an hour or two. Do not attempt to wax your legs for 10 minutes before going outside for work or school.
Step 4. Prepare mentally
Waxing can be a bit of a pain, so try to understand that before deciding to do it. While it's not excruciating, you should be prepared to feel a little uncomfortable. As long as you're okay with that, you'll get past it.
Method 2 of 4: Shaving Legs with Waxing Equipment
Step 1. Apply wax evenly in the direction of hair growth
Use the wooden stick that comes with the waxing kit to apply it. You should also read the specific instructions on the waxing kit label. Apply wax to cover the hair, but not too much.
Step 2. Press the strip over the wax
Make sure to press it firmly. You should place the strip in the direction your hair is growing. Leave the remaining bit of the strip hanging over the end without touching any of the feathers. The rest of the strip will become the handle and make it easier for you to pull.
Step 3. Pull the strip in the opposite direction of hair growth
Do it quickly and use the remaining strips as handles. Be sure to hold the pulled skin with the other hand as you pull the strip out. Try to relax because the shaving process will be more painful if you tense up. If the foot hurts after the strip is removed, press the foot with the palm of your hand. This will relieve the pain.
Step 4. Repeat this process for the entire leg
You have to do this on the parts of the body that you want to shave. Once you get used to it, the process will become faster and easier.
Step 5. Apply aloe vera or moisturizer
If you feel pain, aloe vera or moisturizer can be the best choice to relieve it. Using aloe vera or a moisturizer will help soothe shaved legs and leave them feeling softer the next day. Apply aloe vera or moisturizer anywhere you shave.
Method 3 of 4: Shaving Legs with Wax Made from Sugar
Step 1. Make wax from sugar
Combine sugar, lemon juice and water in a pan and bring to a boil over low heat. Make sure not to cook it to a boil. Use a food thermometer to take the temperature. Remove the mixture when the temperature has reached 120 degrees Celsius.
Step 2. Remove the pan from the stove and allow the wax to cool
You should let it sit for at least half an hour before taking the next step. Do not apply it directly to the feet because the wax is still too hot.
Step 3. Pour the wax into a jar or container
You can put it in a container if you're not going to use it right away. However, if you want to use it, be sure to preheat it in the microwave without the lid on for 30-40 seconds or until the texture of the wax resembles honey. If the texture is dense, the wax will be difficult to apply on the feet.
Step 4. Test if your skin is allergic or sensitive with wax
Apply a little wax that has cooled on the body to check whether the skin is rash and reddened or not. If the test doesn't produce any reaction, you can continue.
Step 5. Clean the feet with warm water to soften the foot hair
Pat the water and sprinkle with baby powder. While not mandatory, this can help with the shaving process and make your feet less sensitive.
Step 6. Examine your feet for the direction of hair growth
See if leg hair grows in one direction or in different directions. Apply wax and wax strips in the direction of hair growth.
Step 7. Check the temperature by applying a small amount of wax to your hands
If it feels warm, let the wax cool for a while. An easy way to check the usage time is to stir it. If it's still too runny, you'll likely have to let it sit first.
Step 8. Apply a thin layer of wax to the legs using a spatula in the direction of hair growth
Do this only when the wax has cooled down enough. When applying wax in the direction of hair growth, leg hair should not stand.
Step 9. Apply and rub/press the strip over the wax covering the leg
Vertical scrubbing is the best way to do this. Wait for the wax to absorb or until the strip becomes difficult to remove.
Step 10. Pull the strip in the opposite direction of hair growth
Before doing so, pull the skin around the shaving area holding it in with your hands. Do it as fast as possible in one pull. If pulled out properly, shaving will be less painful.
Step 11. Repeat these steps until your legs are no longer hairy
The process doesn't take too long but should be done thoroughly so you don't have to do it a few days later because you missed some parts. Make the skin tense by holding the skin around it with your hands.
Step 12. Wash feet with cold water and do not use hot or warm water
Pat dry and apply moisturizer to relax skin. Shaving with wax made from sugar is done!
Method 4 of 4: Seek Professional Help
Step 1. Find a hair removal service in the area where you live
You can look it up on the internet or in the phone book. Affordable spa waxing treatments can be found in most areas. If you expect professional-grade waxing, you can use the services offered by professionals.
Step 2. Call to make an appointment
Try not to miss the appointment. Depending on the area and type of treatment, it can cost 300-800 thousand rupiah. It's a little more expensive than waxing at home, but that way you don't have to bother doing it yourself.
Step 3. Come to the treatment center at the scheduled time
Finished! When you enter the place, the salon staff will ask for your name and the appointment you made. The whole process will not take more than 2 hours but the exact time will be determined by the salon.
Tips
- Be sure to remove the wax strip in the opposite direction of hair growth so that the leg hair is neatly removed.
- To create optimal shaving results and reduce pain, be sure to tighten the skin.
- Divide the legs into upper and lower parts. Then shave one part before moving on to the other.
- Wax strip removal that is done too slowly can also be painful. Repeated waxing in the same area can also cause an itchy or painful rash.
- Do not wax or apply wax to areas of skin that are affected by cuts, infections, or any type of injury.
- The skin will continue to be quite sensitive for at least 12 hours after the waxing process. To fix this, apply a moisturizer that can cool the skin.
- Cleansing the skin with cold water and using a moisturizer that cools the skin immediately after waxing can also help prevent itchy rashes.
- Do not allow wax to be contaminated with foreign materials.
- Don't let the wax get too cold or too thick. If the texture is too thick, the wax won't be able to be applied lightly, so removing the strips will be painful without pulling a lot of hair.
- The wax mixture should be thick enough to apply thinly to the skin without causing discomfort.
- Be careful to use wax made from sugar and warmed in the microwave.