In any women's magazine, in the self-care section, you will read that beauty begins with perfect skin. At all times, women have taken care of their smoothness, trying in different ways to remove unwanted hair on the body. However, waxing has gained the greatest popularity among others, which has been established since the times of ancient Egyptian beauties and Russian queens, who were the first to try this method of depilation. After all, it is simple, inexpensive and allows you to get rid of body hair for up to 1.5 months. Let's quickly find out how to do waxing at home, and whether there are recipes for making your own waxing product.
What is needed for this?
Many women choose to undergo this procedure to improve the appearance of their legs. The quality of the skin improves; excess hair spoils the appearance. Therefore, carrying out this action has a beneficial effect on both the appearance of the legs and the quality of the treated skin area.
The only exceptions are operations that are performed too frequently, which can ruin the appearance of the skin, impair the elasticity of its top layer and cause irritation and rashes on the surface of the epidermis.
To perform the operation, you only need to select the right material and prepare wax strips. Their use promotes quick and painless hair removal from the skin.
You also need a heater for inserting cassettes, a spatula for epilation itself, cream or oil.
Cold wax depilation
The cold wax procedure is carried out in exactly the same way as in the previous case. The only exception is that it is enough to warm the wax in your hands or hot water for a few minutes right in the package.
To avoid excessive pain or injury during cold waxing, use your free hand to stretch and press the skin well before removing the wax.
How to do it?
A water bath is most often used to melt the ingredients. The process is so easy to control and warming up is safe.
The sequence of the procedure is recommended as follows:
- The resulting homogeneous mass is cooled, after which glycerin is added to it.
- To add additional aroma, it is recommended to season the product with a few drops of essential oil.
- Application can be carried out immediately after the entire prepared mass has cooled.
- It is recommended to keep the drug in the refrigerator between applications to the skin.
Preparing for hair removal
Waxing does not require any special preparation. However, in order for the procedure to be as painless and effective as possible, you will still have to adhere to some rules.
- The first of them is that before waxing, you need to grow your hair to a minimum length of 5 mm. The mixture will not stick to hair that is too short, so some of it will remain intact on the body. Although excessively long hair can become an obstacle to perfectly smooth skin. Moreover, in this case the procedure will be difficult and especially painful.
- If you plan to remove hair from your face, stop applying anti-aging creams and masks containing retinol 2-3 days in advance. This substance makes the skin especially sensitive and vulnerable to damage.
- The day before getting rid of unwanted hair, treat your skin with a scrub or scrub it in the shower with a hard washcloth to remove the stratum corneum from it. This way the epilation mixture will better adhere to the hairs.
- Right before waxing, take a hot shower and dry yourself. The wax adheres well to clean and dry skin. And enlarged pores help reduce pain and make hair removal easier. To remove excess moisture, you can additionally use talcum powder.
- When using wax as a depilatory product in the bikini area or armpits, the procedure can be very painful, especially during menstruation. To reduce discomfort in 30–60 minutes. Before the session, apply Emla cream or take a painkiller.
From sugar
The recommended recipe for preparing a depilatory composition using sugar is as follows:
- Mix approximately 300-350 grams of sugar with water in the volume of one glass; it is recommended to add the squeezed juice of half a lemon for flavor.
- The mixture is cooked with stirring over low heat.
- After the sugar has completely melted, another 200 grams of water is added.
- The resulting mass is kept on fire until it becomes close in consistency to thickened syrup.
- The drug can be used directly after it has cooled. Storage is carried out in the refrigerator.
Before each subsequent use, the entire composition is heated in a water bath. Wax strips are prepared by cutting out thick and waterproof paper.
What does the wax mixture consist of?
If we consider the composition of finished waxes, then in most cases they are based on the following components:
- beeswax;
- rosin;
- paraffin;
- carnauba wax.
Beeswax is a fat-like substance that makes up honeycombs for storing honey. It is produced by the wax glands of bees. Like any beekeeping product, wax contains biologically active components, therefore it has many beneficial properties: healing, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic. At the time of depilation, beeswax has a beneficial effect on the skin.
Beeswax contains more than 300 biologically active components
Rosin is obtained by distilling pine resin (resin) flowing from the bark of coniferous trees. Resin is widely used in cosmetology and medicine. During depilation, it heals microtraumas on the skin.
Rosin is made from pine resin
Paraffin has a high heat capacity, i.e. a heated substance “reluctantly” gives off heat to the environment. Thanks to this property, the wax mixture warms up the treated area of the skin well, the pores open, and the hairs are more easily pulled out. The plasticity of paraffin provides the wax mixture with the ability to repeat the shape of curves on the body.
Paraffin gives plasticity to the wax mixture
Carnauba wax is made from palm leaves. It is the most refractory of all waxes of plant and animal origin. The substance is characterized by hypoallergenicity. It has softening properties, so it is widely used in cosmetology.
Carnauba wax is the most refractory
Beeswax, carnauba wax, pine resin and paraffin can be purchased in specialty stores or online.
In addition to the main components, depilatory waxes may contain various oils:
- coconut;
- cocoa;
- shi;
- almond;
- wheat germ, etc.
Oils are introduced to soften, moisturize, nourish the skin, and increase its regenerative properties.
The wax mixture may also contain essential oils (for example, lavender, sandalwood or mint), which give it a pleasant aroma and soothe the skin.
How to melt wax?
A water bath is mainly used to melt the mass.
The recommended sequence of actions is as follows:
- All prepared material is placed in a water bath for twenty minutes.
- When melting, you need to stir it gradually.
- Keep in the bath until the consistency becomes close to viscous syrup.
- Then the entire set is removed and gradually cooled.
The time indicated is arbitrary; in fact, the wax is melted for as long as it takes to give it the required consistency.
Recipes for making wax at home
You can prepare a suitable mixture according to the given recipes.
Recipe No. 1:
- Palm wax - 360 gr.
- Bee - 130 gr.
- Glycerin - 7 ml.
- A couple of drops of lavender essential oil.
Recipe No. 2:
- Natural rosin - 200 gr.
- Beeswax - 100 gr.
- Paraffin - 50 gr.
The finished mixture can be stored in the refrigerator, reheating before reuse.
Film
In this case, hair removal from the surface of the skin is carried out using special polyethylene films.
After applying a layer of wax to the skin, a film pre-impregnated with the composition is applied to it and left for several minutes.
Then, with smooth movements, the films are removed from the skin along with the hair adhering to them.
The procedure is relatively painless compared to other methods used.
Epilation with wax strips
Depilation can be done using wax strips with cold wax applied to them. But be prepared for the procedure to be extremely painful. But in this case you won’t have to melt the wax.
All you need to do is warm the strip in your palms for a couple of minutes, and then apply it to the desired area of skin in the direction of hair growth. After 3-4 seconds, the tape is torn off with one jerk along with the hairs. But try to pull it along the body, and not tear it off with a sharp upward movement. The permissibility of using one tape is up to 3 times.
In cartridges
In this case, the drug is heated over low heat in special cartridges before use.
Do you want to know what dentures are installed on the lower jaw in the absence of teeth? You can view the offers and photos using the link provided. If you are looking for information about the causes and methods of treating pain in the gums at the end of the lower jaw, then our article, located at the link, will be all useful to you!
The advantages of this method are that the composition is heated consistently and does not cause burns when applied.
Otherwise, the procedure for removing a wax mask from the skin does not differ significantly from the methods described above.
Skin care after depilation
After the procedure, the skin needs hydration and rest. Sunbathing, heat exposure should be avoided, and detergents should be avoided during the first 24 hours. After depilation, it is better to moisturize the skin with milk with a light texture, without fragrances or perfumes. On the third or fourth day, be sure to peel the treated area to eliminate the risk of ingrown hairs. You can find out about film wax here.
How to remove the mixture from the body
One of the difficulties of waxing yourself is washing off the residue from the skin. Plain water is not suitable for this, but the substance can be easily washed off with oil solutions. You can use natural oils or rich body cream.
In granules
It is easier to apply a granular preparation to the treatment area, since the dosage of use is clearly measured in this way.
The granules have a uniform composition by weight, are pre-melted in a water bath and applied to the skin.
They are removed after cooling; you can use wax strips for these purposes or remove them manually or using film.
special instructions
To make depilation of the bikini area less painful, it is recommended to use a hot mixture (45 degrees)
Where can I get wax? It is sold in solidified form (like soap) in cosmetic stores. It can be stored for a long time. If the prepared mixture is not completely consumed, then it is placed in the refrigerator until the next procedure. Before each depilation procedure in the future, it is better to warm it up in a water bath for about 10 minutes. A microwave oven is also suitable for these purposes, but it may heat the product unevenly.
Special instructions before depilation:
- Before applying a homemade product, you need to check its temperature;
- To make depilation of the bikini area less painful, it is recommended to use a hot mixture (45 degrees);
- You should depilate your legs with a warm mixture (38-40 degrees).
Are there any contraindications?
This product has no obvious contraindications.
Private ones include:
- intolerance by the body to some components of the composition used;
- allergic reactions to some wax components;
- the presence of severe skin diseases at the sites of the proposed procedure;
- damage to the skin area by fungal infections at the sites of the procedure.
Do you want to know why white plaque may appear on the tonsils of a child with a fever? Detailed information is provided at the link. You can read how to treat herpes on the lip quickly at home here.
You can find out where to buy sugar paste for sugaring at home in Moscow by following the link.
Precautions and possible consequences
Wax compositions can be used only after possible contraindications have been eliminated. There are few of them and usually the mixtures can be used even on sensitive skin.
Waxing is contraindicated:
- For injuries and damage to the skin at the depilation site.
- With exacerbation of chronic diseases, inflammatory processes in the body.
- For oncological problems of any etiology.
- On skin with closely spaced capillaries, varicose veins.
- For cardiovascular pathologies.
During pregnancy, this method of hair removal is also not recommended due to a possible negative reaction, tendency to pigmentation and pain during the procedure.
When performing depilation yourself, you should ensure the necessary safety measures: monitor the temperature of the mixture, keep the instrument and workplace sterile. The first use is permissible only after identifying possible allergic reactions. To do this, apply a small amount of the mixture to the sensitive area of the skin around the back of the wrist. If no discomfort, redness or rash is observed within 5-10 minutes, the wax mixture can be used for its intended purpose. You can learn about deep bikini waxing in this article.
Advantages and disadvantages
Waxing has some advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages include:
- Extreme ease of operation.
- Availability of all components of the method.
- Relative painlessness.
- Possibility of carrying out in home conditions.
- Ease of acquiring all the tools for implementation.
- Absence of pronounced similar actions.
Disadvantages of the action in question:
- Impossibility of implementation due to contraindications.
- Some soreness.
- Difficulty in re-using in case of irritation.
Contraindications for waxing
Despite the fact that waxing is a fairly safe and gentle way of removing unwanted hair from the body, it involves damage to its root system.
Because of this, some health restrictions are prescribed for the procedure:
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- Varicose veins
- Thrombosis.
- Open skin lesions, acute acne.
- Dermatological diseases.
- Diabetes.
- Tumors.
- Increased skin sensitivity.
- Individual intolerance to the components of the composition.
It is also not recommended to perform the technique during menstruation and a few days before it, which is associated with hormonal changes during this period and a decrease in the pain threshold.
It is important to observe contraindications even when performing wax depilation at home in order to avoid undesirable consequences and ensure the high efficiency of the technique.
Bikini waxing at home or in a salon?
Why you shouldn’t skimp and go to a beauty salon:
In inexperienced hands, wax does more harm than good. the objective inaccessibility of the “bikini” zone for the person himself, so one cannot vouch for the quality of the procedure. The bikini area must be properly prepared. A beginner and amateur is unlikely to cope with this.
It is worth experimenting in two cases:
When you don’t have time to visit the salon, but the well-groomed area is as necessary as air. When a person does not put himself in the hands of a cosmetologist because he cannot overcome his natural shyness.
Universal hand and nail cream
Equally effective for dry hands and thin, weakened nails. Systematic use allows you to solve the problem of peeling, as well as strengthen your nails and moisturize the cuticle and side ridges.
- wax – 1 tbsp. l.;
- apricot oil – 2 tbsp. l.;
- lanolin – 1.5 tbsp. l.;
- lecithin – 1.5 tbsp. l. Liquid or powder lecithin is sold in pharmacies, as well as in stores like iherb.
- lemon juice – 1 tsp;
- Shea butter – ½ tsp;
- vitamin E – 1 capsule.
Recipe:
- Melt the wax in a bowl along with Shea butter, lanolin and lecithin.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the resulting mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Use daily for 2 weeks and then take a break for 1-2 weeks. A break is needed so that the skin does not lose its own protective, healing and moisturizing functions.
Choosing hand cream according to skin type
Waxing of the bikini area. Preparing the woman and performing the procedure
The day is coming. The time is not set according to the boom, but in accordance with the girl’s menstrual cycle. The pattern is that pain is maximum three days before the onset of menstruation, and, conversely, it is minimal after 3 to 5 days have passed after menstruation. The girl calculates when it is convenient for her, based on this simple arithmetic. The same 3-5 days before the procedure, you need to treat the groin and buttocks. They should not have long hair, as mentioned earlier, the optimal size is 5 millimeters. Before visiting the salon, a woman takes a shower or bath, or if this is not possible, she simply cleans the area on which the master will work. Additional cosmetics should not be applied to the skin. The procedure itself is not much different from that described above, when it came to hair removal of non-intimate areas. The bikini area is epilated by a master who is free from doubts, pain and fears.
Waxing of the bikini area is an intimate procedure, so it is important that the master who does it is a professional in his field. How to distinguish a master from a charlatan? It’s very simple: a professional will tell the woman about contraindications and behavior after the procedure. Even if a woman is aware of the consequences and correct behavior, she should not interrupt the salon employee, because his erudition is directly related to his working qualities.
What can be made from wax
From the resulting wax, you can make a whole set of homemade candles of various shapes and sizes simply under normal conditions. Lubricate the mold for the future item with dishwashing liquid, select a natural wick that is suitable in thickness and place it strictly in the middle. The form can be simple paper rolled into a tube. We place the mold in a container with cold water, because this way it cools evenly and hardens.
For originals and those who want to experiment in creating wax, we can suggest making flower wax. Similar products are used in the manufacture of creams, balms and as natural aromatic additives.
Making such wax is much more difficult, but the result is worth it. First of all, you need to infuse mimosa flowers in heated jojoba or rice bran vegetable oil for 2 weeks in the sun. This is perhaps the most difficult part.
A little less than 50 grams of yellow wax, the same amount of cetyl alcohol (it can be purchased at a pharmacy - this is a good cosmetic) and a pre-prepared mimosa infusion are mixed and melted until smooth. We wait until the product cools down a little and add only 10 drops of mimosa absolute (used in perfumery). What you get in the end is laid out in a container with a wide bottom, in as thin a layer as possible. When everything has cooled completely, break the wax into solid pieces. The cooking process may seem long to you, but what you get at the end will please you not only with its properties, but also with its aroma.
A unique and valuable natural wax is known for its beneficial properties in the field of medicine, cosmetics and even industrial/food. One of the few products that scientists still cannot create artificially. And if you want to have a truly natural wax on hand that has not lost all its properties, you need to learn how to make wax yourself, at home. The process is educational, exciting and very interesting.