How to Deal with Waxing Pain

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

You love the look and feel of your smooth skin after waxing, right? It's just the pain that you could do without. Still, if you wax regularly, you've probably decided that it beats shaving every day. While we can't completely eliminate the sensation that comes from ripping hair out of your skin with hot wax, here are some tips that will make the experience as painless as possible.

1

Go to a pro instead of waxing yourself.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid12436411-v4-728px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you try to wax yourself, you're more likely to make mistakes that could result in a more painful experience. Nervousness and hesitation also cause the whole process to be way more painful than it needs to be. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/aid12436411-v4-728px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you book your appointment, ask the esthetician what kind of wax they use. Hard wax is less painful and more efficient than soft wax, which needs to be removed with paper strips. [2]
    • Soft wax is the kind you'll usually get for at-home kits, which is another reason waxing will be less painful if you go to a pro.
    3. Advertisement
2

Time your appointment when your pain threshold is highest.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/aid12436411-v4-728px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your pain threshold is at its highest between 3 and 5 p.m. and at its lowest first thing in the morning. That means the same procedure will hurt less if you get it done in the afternoon. [3]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/aid12436411-v4-728px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your pain threshold is lower during your period and often for a day or two before and after. This is especially true if you're getting waxed along the "bikini line." To keep your waxing as pain-free as possible, avoid that time of the month. [4]
    3. Advertisement
3

Let your hair grow out at least 1 ⁄ 8  in (0.32 cm).

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/aid12436411-v4-728px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Don't try to wax until your hair is at least 1 ⁄ 8  in (0.32 cm) to give the wax enough hair to grip onto and pull out cleanly. But don't wait too long! If your hair is more than 1 ⁄ 4  in (0.64 cm) long, it'll sting more and you won't get a smooth finish. [5]
    • Most pros recommend you get waxed every 4-6 weeks. Hair does grow at different rates, but once you've had a couple of appointments you'll have a good feel for how often you need to schedule them.
4

Exfoliate and moisturize your skin.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/aid12436411-v4-728px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Body scrubs remove dead skin cells that have built upon the surface of your skin. This helps the wax grip the hair more cleanly for a less painful experience. [6]
    • If your skin is dry on the day of your appointment, massage in a moisturizer in the morning before your appointment in the afternoon. Let it air dry for a few minutes to give it a chance to really soak into your skin.
    • Exfoliating and moisturizing also helps prevent ingrown hairs after waxing, which can be painful in and of themselves. [7]
    2. Advertisement
5

Drink plenty of water to stay well-hydrated.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-7-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-7-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-7-Version-4.jpg\/aid12436411-v4-728px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-7-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Staying well-hydrated is essential for healthy skin in general, but it's even more important on the day of your waxing appointment if you want to minimize pain. Drink lots of water the day of your appointment and steer clear of other beverages that have a dehydrating effect. [8]
    • Caffeine and other stimulants also make your skin more sensitive, which can increase the pain from waxing—so skip your coffee the day of your waxing appointment. [9]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/aid12436411-v4-728px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You might think a drink or two will help numb the pain, but alcohol actually has the opposite effect. Drinking dehydrates you, which makes your skin more sensitive. [10]
    3. Advertisement
6

Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-9-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-9-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-9-Version-4.jpg\/aid12436411-v4-728px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-9-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the inflammation that causes most of the pain from waxing, but an OTC anti-inflammatory will combat that. [11] Just be sure to take it early enough for it to start working before you get waxed. [12]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-10.jpg\/aid12436411-v4-728px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Anesthetic creams are also available OTC at your local pharmacy. Rub the cream onto your skin like you would any lotion and allow your skin to absorb it. [13]
    • These creams don't work for everybody, so you might still feel some pain. But if you have a really hard time dealing with the pain from waxing, it's worth a shot.
    3. Advertisement
7

Practice deep breathing techniques.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-11.jpg\/aid12436411-v4-728px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Deep breaths before and during your waxing will relax you, which helps decrease pain. Pay attention to your breath, inhaling slowly, then pausing and exhaling at the same rate. [14]
8

Do what you can to distract yourself.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-12.jpg\/aid12436411-v4-728px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Estheticians often have music or television available to help you take your mind off the waxing. If they don't, ask if you can put something on your smartphone to distract you. [15]
    • If you watch the esthetician waxing you, you'll likely anticipate the pain, which will make it hurt more.
    2. Advertisement
9

Avoid heating up your skin after waxing.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-13.jpg\/aid12436411-v4-728px-Deal-with-Waxing-Pain-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The sweat and heat from a workout can inflame your skin, which can lead to a rash or chafing right after a wax. Your skin will also be more sensitive, so you don't want to subject it to friction or heat. [16]
    • Steam or a hot shower or bath are also likely to inflame your skin post-wax, so wait a day or 2 on those.

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Does waxing cause health problems?
    Indy Chabra, MD, PhD
    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Dr. Indy Chabra is a Board Certified Dermatologist and a Board Certified Mohs Micrographic Surgeon. He is the Founding Member of DMC Dermatology & Mohs based in Tucson, Arizona. With over 15 years of experience, he provides medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care for adult and pediatric patients. Dr. Chabra earned a BS in Chemistry and Biological Sciences and an AB in Economics from Stanford University. He also received his MD and PhD in Microbiology and Genetics from Stony Brook University. He completed his Dermatology residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh. While at UPMC, Dr. Chabra received extensive training in complex Medical Dermatology, hair and nail conditions, Pediatric Dermatology, Cosmetic Dermatology, and Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery. Dr. Chabra is a Fellow of the American Society for Mohs Surgery, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and a Fellow of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Chabra also provides in-patient Dermatology consults at Tucson Medical Center.
    Indy Chabra, MD, PhD
    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Expert Answer
    Not necessarily. Although a broken down skin is more prone to getting infected by bacteria, herpes and, less commonly, yeast, these are very severe cases and most people shouldn't get that with waxing.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Tell your esthetician if you have a hard time dealing with waxing pain—they'll do everything they can to make the process as comfortable as possible.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      DIY Brazilian Wax at Home: Sugar Wax & Hard Wax
      How to
      Wax Your Penis and Scrotum at Home
      How to
      Wax Your Bikini Area at Home
      How to
      Apply Wax Strips
      How to
      Make Hair Removal Wax at Home
      How to
      Wax Ear Hairs
      3 Quick and Easy Ways to Melt Hard Bean Wax
      How to
      Wax
      How to
      Prevent Ingrown Hairs on Your Bikini Line After Waxing
      How to
      Wax Your Armpits
      How to
      Treat Wax Burns
      Should You Trim Your Hair Before a Bikini Wax? What to Know Before You Get Your First Wax
      How to
      Clean a Waxing Pot for Hair Removal
      How to
      Prepare Your Skin for Waxing
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.treatwell.co.uk/treatment-files/8-ways-to-minimise-waxing-pain-we-wish-wed-known-about-before/
      2. ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-to-make-hair-removal-less-painful
      3. ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-to-make-hair-removal-less-painful
      4. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12705527/
      5. ↑ https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/skincare/news/a35246/how-to-make-waxing-painless/
      6. ↑ https://www.treatwell.co.uk/treatment-files/how-to-prepare-for-your-first-waxing-appointment-back-at-the-salon/
      7. ↑ https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/skincare/news/a35246/how-to-make-waxing-painless/
      8. ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-to-make-hair-removal-less-painful
      9. ↑ https://www.treatwell.co.uk/treatment-files/8-ways-to-minimise-waxing-pain-we-wish-wed-known-about-before/
      1. ↑ https://www.treatwell.co.uk/treatment-files/8-ways-to-minimise-waxing-pain-we-wish-wed-known-about-before/
      2. ↑ Indy Chabra, MD, PhD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 10 March 2022.
      3. ↑ https://www.self.com/story/bikini-wax-tips
      4. ↑ https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/skincare/news/a35246/how-to-make-waxing-painless/
      5. ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-to-make-hair-removal-less-painful
      6. ↑ https://www.self.com/story/how-to-take-the-pain-out-of-wa
      7. ↑ https://www.treatwell.co.uk/treatment-files/waxing-mistakes/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 38,687 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement