Brow waxing has been around since… well, before the millenium, if we can stretch our dusty memories back to the pre-smartphone era. It started in the ’60s and took off in the ’80s – and there’s a reason it’s been popular so long. It’s quick, easy and effective. If you’ve never tried it, here’s what to expect.
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1 Where does it sit on the pain scale?
The anticipation's probably the worst bit. It's not 100% pain free, but it's bearable. And with hot wax and strips the pain's over in a flash – it only takes a fraction of a second for each brow. If you've got a really low pain threshold, you can use a numbing cream before you go. And buy chocolate when it's over to reward yourself for being extra brave.
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2 Do I need to prepare?
Not really – although it's best not to wear brow make-up to your appointment. Also, if you're particular about the shape, have an idea of the look you want so you can tell the therapist. If you're new to the world of brow waxing and you haven't the foggiest, that's fine too. Your therapist will be able to suggest what kind of shape you should go for – they're trained to know what suits your face shape.
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3 Will my skin turn red?
Probably a little – but that's normal. The skin around your eyes is super sensitive, so it's expected that the skin turns a bit pink. This usually goes down by itself after an hour or two, but you can speed it along with a post-wax skin soother if you're headed straight out.
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4 How often do my brows need waxing?
Hairs need to be long enough to be picked up by the wax strips, so leave about three weeks between appointments. In the meantime you can keep on top of any naughty little roots bursting forth with a pair of trusty tweezers.
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5 What about aftercare?
It's minimal. Use a gentle moisturiser to soothe the skin beneath your brows. Feel free to put on makeup afterwards, or go barefaced – whichever you prefer.
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FAQs
How painful is eyebrow waxing and can you reduce the pain?
Eyebrow waxing is not 100% pain free, but the discomfort is brief and bearable. The pain only lasts a fraction of a second per brow, and using a numbing cream beforehand can help if you have a low pain threshold. Treating yourself afterwards, like buying chocolate, can also make the experience more enjoyable.
Do you need to do anything to prepare for an eyebrow wax?
You don’t need much preparation for an eyebrow wax. It’s best not to wear brow makeup to your appointment. If you have a specific brow shape in mind, bring a clear idea to discuss with your therapist, but if not, a trained professional can recommend a shape that suits your face.
Will your skin turn red after brow waxing?
Your skin will probably turn a little pink around the brow area, which is totally normal. This redness usually goes down after an hour or two. If you want to speed up recovery, use a post-wax skin soother before going out.
How often should you get your eyebrows waxed?
You should wait about three weeks between each eyebrow waxing appointment for best results. This allows your brow hairs to grow long enough for the wax to grab them. In-between sessions, you can tidy up stray hairs with a pair of tweezers.
What aftercare do you need after eyebrow waxing?
Aftercare is minimal following an eyebrow wax. Use a gentle moisturiser to soothe your skin if needed. You can apply makeup right afterwards or go barefaced, depending on your personal preference.