You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever about 30 minutes before your appointment to help lessen pain. S having: While it's not a particularly long-lasting method, shaving is typically pain-free and you can do it in the comfort of your own home. To avoid dreaded razor burn and sidestep simple shaving mistakes, Los Angeles dermatologist Christine Choi Kim, M.D. recommends waiting until your skin is hydrated from the shower or bath, then shaving. Soften first with shaving cream, foam or oil to guard skin and improve glide, rinse the razor's blades often to unclog and replace them about every two weeks for maximum safety and efficacy, the GH Beauty Lab recommends.

It’s also best to limit your alcohol and caffeine consumption the day you intend to get waxed. The diuretic effect of these substances can make your pores tighten and make waxing more painful.

Bikini line, body, legs or face – we’ve rounded up the best waxing strips to achieve enviable, salon-worthy hair removal at home

Naranjo recommends holding off on exfoliation in the day or so after waxing, but after that, regular exfoliation between waxing is a must. In addition to exfoliation preventing ingrown hairs, board-certified dermatologist Marie Hayag has told Allure, "Exfoliating also helps skin look healthy and encourages hair to point up, growing in the correct direction." Skip the deodorant — or at least apply less than usual — to avoid clogging your pores the day of your appointment. Before every use, TEST YOUR SKIN REACTION by applying and removing the product to a small part of the area you wish to treat, following the directions for use. If after 24 HOURS there is no adverse reaction, continue to use.

However, more serious side effects like bleeding, burns, and infections can happen. A little bit of bleeding is common for first-timers and isn’t usually something to worry about. Just keep the area clean to prevent infection. Size of strips: Wax strips come in different sizes to accommodate other body areas. Consider the area size you want to wax and choose the appropriate strips. Not sure where to start on your waxing adventure? Here are a few kits and products for a smooth first-time experience:

Bikini and Underarm Cold Wax Strips for Sensitive Skin 60 Strips

Some waxing products use hot wax, but pre-made waxing strips are most often cold. However, most suggest warming the strips up in your hands for around 20 seconds before application to increase grip and effectiveness. Always read the instructions carefully before trying any new wax strips, even if you consider yourself a seasoned pro. Tips for using waxing strips If you have not waxed before we recommend starting by removing hair from the legs. Only when you have experience then progress to the sensitive areas of underarm and bikini line. Skin sensitivity: If you have sensitive skin, look for wax strips that are designed for sensitive skin or contain natural ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or lavender to help soothe the skin. These side effects are usually temporary and fade within a few hours. In some cases, they may last 1 to 2 days.

If you do get a burn, make sure to apply ice for at least a few minutes and steer clear of deodorant. If your technician isn’t as experienced, or if you wax at home, there’s a chance you might end up with some burning. This happens if you accidentally wax off the top layer of your skin. You may experience redness, itching, and bumps after a waxing session. These side effects tend to calm down within a few hours or a couple of days, and some folks are more sensitive than others.

Customers loved the consistency of the wax for effective hair removal without being too messy and were impressed at how well the strips gripped and removed even the smallest of hairs. They were thrilled with the long-lasting results, too (the brand promises up to 28 days of smoothness), but wished there were more aftercare wipes included in the box. However, Veet suggests that if you run out of wipes, you can use baby oil to clean up any wax residue.