8 ways to minimise waxing pain we wish we’d known about before

I admit, waxing can hurt like a you-know-what, but aside from a choc ice on a hot summer’s day, not much beats that silky skin feeling. Whether you’re fresh to the wax bed, or a seasoned hair remover, knowing how to ease the ‘ouch’ is always a bonus. We’ve got hacks by the bucketload – well, 8 to be precise – that’ll leave your skin ready for a-waxing’. Deep breathe (more on that later), here’s the steps to try before your next appointment.

By Rachel Spedding

• 1 Exfoliate, always

  Exfoliating allows the wax to grab hairs without dead skin cells interfering. Yep, prepare before you bare beauties. No doubt you’re exfoliating every week anyway, but make sure to squeeze in a scrubbing session two days before your appointment. Exfoliating will also reduce the chance of ingrown hairs appearing post-wax. Loofahs at the ready.
• 2 Leave it to the pros

  Stop stirring that at-home wax pot and head to a salon, stat. A professional therapist will know exactly how to navigate those limbs for a wax that’s *almost* pain-free. You’re in safe (smoothing) hands, so fill them in on all your skin sensitivities. A 20-minute appointment with a waxing pro, and a wax-free bathroom, great. We’ve got heaps of salons to head to, so you’ll find your go-to spot in no time (take it from us).
• 3 Consider your cycle

  It’s true, Aunt Flo doesn’t always give us a heads up before her arrival, but bear your menstrual cycle in mind when booking a bikini wax. Skin can become pretty darn sensitive due to inflammation, and an increase of hormones kicking around the body, so book your wax around a week after the period finishes (between all the joyous dancing).
• 4 Relax, you can do it

  Breathe, people. Anticipating pain will make it worse, so exhale deeply with each pull. Ask for some music, plug into a podcast, or envisage your happy place (chilling on the sofa with my favourite men: Ben and Jerry). Give your therapist a heads up if it’s your first wax trip, they may be able to help with the calming. If it’s a bikini wax, you’ll probably be in downward dog anyway – omm.
• 5 Alcohol's a no go (until after, anyway)

  Alcohol may help numb those tipsy tumbles, but when it comes to waxing, stimulants can actually increase skin sensitivity. Alcohol saps moisture from your skin causing your hair to cling more tightly to its dehydrated follicle (BFFs) resulting in a more painful wax. Ouch. Skip the lunchtime vino, and treat yourself to a bev (or three) post-wax, you’ve earned it.
• 6 Length matters

  Make sure your hair is at just the right length before heading for a wax. That’s around ¼ of an inch for both bikini and legs (a quarter of a grain of rice, to keep it technical). If the hair’s too short, the wax won’t grip, but if it’s past an inch, it’s going to sting. Rulers away, it’s easy to judge, or just ask your beauty therapist for advice. Once you’ve waxed, you’ll know just how long to wait ‘til next time.
• 7 Yes to decaf

  Okay, this one is painful: you need to avoid coffee. It’s a hard sacrifice to make, but in the name of Brazilian, we must pledge on. The stimulants within your afternoon brew can make the skin extra sensitive. Switch to decaf (don’t hate me), on the day of your appointment to keep those nerves settled. Better yet, drink as much water as possible. Stay hydrated – hairs an all – for a wax with less flinching.
• 8 Wait 'til after lunch

  Schedule your appointment in the afternoon, around 3-5pm in fact. Around this time, your pain threshold is at its highest, because the body’s ‘natural painkillers’, endorphins, are kicking in. As well as easing any aches and pains, you’ll be ready to take on a wax. SCIENCE.

  And just like that, you’re ready for a pain-free wax (sort of). With Treatwell, you can book beauty online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Discover amazing salons in your area for your next wax.