How to Wax at Home the *Right* Way, According to an Esthetician

Beauty, on a need-to-know basis [BYRDIE]( [REVIEWS]( [SKIN]( [HAIR]( [MAKEUP]( [WELLNESS]( THIS CONTENT IS CREATED AND EDITED BY OUR SPONSOR [Starpil Wax]( Essential Tips for How (and When) to Wax at Home This Summer From Starpil’s Esthetician With summer officially underway, hair removal—and subsequently, salon visits and razor burn—might be top of mind. But fortunately for us, this summer is different than the last, because the Byrdie editors have discovered the best-kept secret for waxing at home: [Starpil](. The brand’s waxing offerings range from hard wax, to soft wax, to pre- and post-care, and beyond, making it possible to [get salon-level results at home](. Curious? So were we, so read on for everything you need to know about Starpil and waxing at home from esthetician Taylor Shipley. Tips for Waxing at Home - Grow Out Your Hair Before You Wax: Allowing your hair to grow to about ¼ inch prior to waxing allows for better grip and less pain during waxing. - Avoid Actives: Don’t use any active skincare ingredients for at least two weeks before waxing. Active ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid, and prescription topicals can all sensitive the skin, resulting in redness and irritation post-wax. - Choose the Right Products: [Professional-grade products]( like Starpil ensure a safe waxing experience and the smoothest results possible. - Heat Your Wax Appropriately: Follow the instructions for the specific wax you’re using—but as a general rule of thumb, wax should be about the consistency of honey prior to use. - Thoroughly Cleanse: Prep the skin with a [quality cleanser]( to remove dirt, oil, and debris from the skin prior to a wax. This prevents irritation, in-growns, and the spread of body acne. - Perform a Patch Test: It’s always a good idea to perform a patch test when you’re trying a new product on your skin, says Gonzales. Waxing is no different—before you apply wax to a large area, perform a small patch test on the inside of your wrist and wait 15 minutes to ensure your skin reacts well to the formula. - Wax With the Grain: To avoid irritation, it’s important to apply the wax with the grain of your hair and remove it against the grain. - Don’t Neglect Post-Wax Care: Your wax results are only as solid as your post-wax routine. Immediately after waxing, be sure to soothe and replenish the skin with soothing [Post-Wax Lotion](. 24-hours following your wax, start to think about in-grown hairs; Starpil’s [In-Grown Hair Serum]( contains exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid to get to the root of in-grown’s before they crop up. And if you need extra hydration and want to seal in moisture, be sure to apply Starpil’s [post-wax oil](. - Have Patience: If you experience unexpected hair growth in-between waxes, don’t be discouraged, advises Gonzales. Your individual hairs are each at different stages in the hair growth cycle, so it may take a few months or regular waxing until all of your hair follicles have synced up. - Know When to Leave it to the Professionals: If you have sensitive skin, a history of in-grown hairs, or are waxing in a hard to reach place on your body, using the services provided by a professional is always a great option! When Should You Leave It to the Professionals? While [Starpil’s]( professional-grade waxing products (including pre- and post-care) make it possible for most individuals to successfully wax at home, there are certain cases where it’s best to leave the waxing to a qualified esthetician. If you have sensitive skin, a history of in-grown hairs, or are waxing in a hard to reach place on your body, it’s best to turn to the professionals. And the good news is, going the salon route doesn’t mean you have to skip out on your favorite Starpil products. Just call +1 (305) 907-0756 for a full list of salons in North America that use Starpil products in-house. And there you have it—everything you need to know to become an at-home waxing pro in no time. Equip yourself with the [best products from Starpil]( have a little patience with yourself, and almost anyone can get the hang of it. FOLLOW US [Unsubscribe]( Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process [here](. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. This email was sent to {EMAIL} | Was this email forwarded to you? [Subscribe here]( A DOTDASH MEREDITH BRAND, 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005 ©2022. All Rights Reserved. [Privacy Policy]( | [Terms of Service](