Summer’s almost here, which means it’s time for short shorts, mini skirts and sleeveless tops … And for women, that means it’s hair removal season.

We’ve all heard the normal tips (wax the week after your period, use Visine on shaving nicks, etc.), but there are some relatively unheard of tips out there.  Having worked closely with shave creams, razor companies, salons with sought-after waxers and even a well known depilatory company (not to mention being a bit hairy myself), I can honestly say that I’ve actually tested out each and every one of these – and they work!

Tips after the jump …

Waxing

• Coughing Works – Keep pain at bay by coughing when your aesthetician rips off the strip.  I don’t know why it works (though I’m guessing the brain can only process one thing at a time, and respiratory issues like coughing win out over pain), but it’s foolproof.  You’ll still sting afterwards, but it’s nowhere near as bad.
• Know When To Brace Yourself – Believe it or not, hair removal on your lower abdomen and pubis is infinitely more painful than around the vaginal opening.  If you’ve gotten through that, you can tell yourself to relax (it’ll make the rest of the appointment easier).

Shaving

• A Razor Burn Remedy – If you’ve found yourself with a leg (or underarm, or – even worse – bikini line) full of painful bumps, reach into your cabinet: tea.  All it takes is a couple of minutes for the tannic acid in tea to soothe and comfort the area.
• Nicks And Cuts - We’ve all tried in vain to stop a nick or cut from bleeding.  If you’re in a hurry and can’t do the toilet paper trick, try rubbing some Chapstick or Blistex on – the wax will act as an immediate, invisible clot.

Depilatory

• Face Forward – A lot of women like waxing or threading their upper lip/cheek/chin area, but I find that both options make me break out.  Instead, I reach for a depliatory.  While it seems harsher (and certainly has a stronger smell), it’s actually perfect for people whose skin can’t handle the harshness of waxing or threading (just do NOT use it on your brows).

Tags: Beauty, depilatory, Hair removal tips, shaving, Waxing

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