You can find facial wax at your local beauty supply store or online. Cold wax kits are ideal for the face. These kits use wax strips. They are less painful and messy, and they may cause less damage to your face than using hot wax. [1] X Research source
If you use acne medication, use facial wax made for sensitive skin. Acne medication can make your skin extra sensitive to wax.
You will also need fabric strips to help remove the hair. You can buy pre-made fabric strips for waxing or make your own by buying white, cotton fabric and cutting it into small strips.
It is usually easier to apply wax in strips, rather than have to deal with loose wax and an application stick. If you are a seasoned waxer, you may feel more comfortable with loose wax.
Gently exfoliate your skin as you clean it by pressing the cleanser to your skin in small circles. Exfoliating your skin will help to remove dead skin. Don’t scrub too hard, however, or the waxing might be more painful.
Avoid shaving, tweezing, or any other hair removal before you wax. Otherwise, the hair might be too short for the wax to grab. [4] X Expert Source Karina VillaltaCertified Esthetician Expert Interview. 11 August 2020. Do not try to wax any hairs on your face that are shorter than 1⁄8 inch (0. 32 cm), as this can lead to ingrown hairs and damage to your skin. Wait until your hair grows out and is long enough to wax off.
If your face is very dry, apply a small amount of moisturizer to your skin so the wax can grab the hairs properly and won’t irritate your skin too much.
You may also position yourself in front of a mirror to make it easier for you to see what you are doing as you wax your face.
Your eyebrow hair and upper lip hair will usually grow at a diagonal. Hair on your cheeks and jawline may grow straight downward or at a diagonal.
If you are using prepared wax strips, peel off the non sticky side and apply it to your skin in the direction of your hair growth. Press down on the strip, massaging it into your skin so it picks up your hairs. Be sure to massage it in the direction of the hair growth.
The wax should not feel like it is burning your skin when you let it sit. It should feel hot, but not burning.
You do not have to remove the strip quickly as long as you remove it in one continuous go. Do not tug at the strip too hard. Next, put two fingers gently on the waxed area for 10-15 seconds to relieve the extra blood flow that will cause redness and pain.
Do not use soothing oils on your skin right after the wax has been removed as this can clog your pores. A wet clean cloth is fine. Some wax kits will come with a cooling gel that you can use. If they don’t, try applying some aloe gel.
You may want to avoid waxing off too much of your eyebrows or shaping them using the wax. When in doubt, consult a professional.
Do not use moisturizer that is heavy with oils or fragrance, as they can clog your pores.
