Do you suffer from embarrassing facial hair? You’re not alone. Many women around the world have to deal with thick upper lip hair.

While a lot of women simply bleach the hairs or try and shave them away, the best way to have weeks on end with very little hair is to go in for a facial wax. It can feel a little daunting to go in for your first wax.

After all, won’t it hurt? Not if you prepare the right way. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to have the best first facial skin wax possible.

Is Getting a Facial Wax Safe?

The first thing that you should know is yes, getting your face waxed is more than safe. It’s a popular method that many people use but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Even though it’s safe there are a few things that you should keep in mind before you go in for your appointment.

For example, if you’re using any kind of facial cleansers or creams that contain retinoids it will make your skin more sensitive than it normally would be. The same goes for most acne medications.

Waxing may also be quite painful if you have lupus or any other autoimmune disease. To avoid the pain, it may be best for you to go with another hair removal method.

Does it Hurt?

Having someone rip your hair out by the root won’t feel amazing, no. Unless you have lupus or are using retinoids, the pain should only last for a few seconds.

If you have sensitive skin in general, the process may hurt a little more than it would for other people as well. Other than that, you should be fine.

Does the Hair Grow Back Thicker?

It’s a common myth that if you wax your facial hair it will grow back much thicker. We’re here to debunk that by saying no. Your facial hair will grow back looking the same as it did before your waxing appointment.

In fact, waxing has the opposite effect. After a few sessions, your hair will begin to grow back looking thinner.

Are There Any Bad Side Effects?

You may experience some redness and irritation but that will fade after a little bit. Applying aloe Vera or coconut oil to the irritated area will help speed things along if need be.

It’s not too common but you should keep an eye out for painful bumps or swelling. The bumps occur when your hair follicles become inflamed due to the procedure. If your face is swelling, that might mean you’re having an allergic reaction to the wax that was used.

How Can I Prepare?

If you’re worried about the process being painful or having any side effects, the best thing you can do is prepare yourself. Here are a few safety precautions and steps for you to practice before a skin wax.

Grow the Hair Out

It’s important that you grow your hair out to at least half an inch before you make a waxing appointment. If you don’t wait long enough the wax will have nothing to grab onto which means, you won’t be getting the most out of the session.

If you spot a few stray hairs that are getting way too long for your liking, pluck them with tweezers. Don’t shave your face or jump to make an appointment.

On the flip side of this, if the hairs are too long, it will be a bit painful to wax them. Long hairs also overlap which makes it equally as hard for the wax to grab onto. You’ve got to plan your appointments before your hair gets this long.

Cleanse

The day before your session, go over your face with a gentle cleanser. Doing so will stir up your dead skin cells and lift your hairs up. This isn’t a requirement but it does make the process a lot easier.

Pain Medications

If you have low pain tolerance, waxing isn’t going to be fun for you at all. You can combat some of the pain by taking a few over-the-counter pain meds prior to your appointment or invest in a numbing spray.

No Cosmetics

Always go into your waxing appointments with a clean face. Makeup and moisturizers are a no go.

For one, they make it hard for the practitioner to put the wax on your face. Two, it’s possible the cosmetics could slip into your hair follicles and cause a nasty infection.

Can I Wax at Home?

There are waxing kits that you can buy but it’s not recommended. No matter how carefully you read the instructions on the box it’s no substitute for experience.

When you do it yourself it’s more likely that you’ll burn yourself or scar up your skin. It’s better to leave it up to a trained professional.

Spa Day?

That’s going to be a big old no. Many people associate waxing with a spa so they schedule other treatments like facial peels and masks on the same day.

Doing this will leave your skin more vulnerable to some of those side effects we were talking about earlier.

The Ins and Outs of Facial Waxing

One of the best ways to get rid of embarrassing hair on your face is with a facial wax. Even though the process may leave behind some redness and irritation, it’s safe for most skin types and your skin will stay smoother, longer.

Book your appointment with us today and keep these tips in mind to make the most out of your session.