Determining whether something hurts or not is hugely influenced by individual thresholds, and is relative to each person. Some people have commented that waxing is mildly irritating to the skin, while others have said that it can be classified as downright painful. However, where you rate the discomfort of waxing can be influenced by a number of things, including;
- If this is your first waxing session
- Where on the body is being waxed?
- Your skin sensitivity and skin condition
- If you are a woman, where you are in your menstrual cycle
- The skill of the esthetician
Is this your first session?
Due to the method of hair removal itself (i.e.; Pulling hair out by the root), one can expect that there will be some resistance from the skin and hair follicles, which will undoubtedly cause discomfort for the person being waxed. If you are having your first-ever waxing treatment, the chances of it being painful are higher as your hair is still firmly anchored into the follicles. Although far from pleasant, the more consistently you wax, the lower the rate of discomfort as your hair regrows weaker, and less anchored in the follicle.
Where are you getting waxed?
The body area that is being waxed also impacts the level of discomfort experienced. It should not be surprising that removing hair from your underarms or groin will almost certainly be more uncomfortable than a leg wax; this is both due to the coarseness of the hair itself (pubic hair is often coarser than other body hair) as well as the blood flow and sensitivity receptors in that area. Even some seasoned and committed waxing clients find bikini waxes uncomfortable or painful, even after having had them regularly for a long period of time. Most people comment that leg waxes become less sensitive over time as you become used to the sensation, and as hair follicles weaken.
Do you have sensitive skin or a skin condition?
If you are taking medications or have especially sensitive skin, you may find waxing more uncomfortable than others. While most salons recommend that you do not pursue waxing if you are currently on any acne medication or skin treatment if you have undergone such treatment in the past you may have some residual sensitivity or skin weakness.
In addition to this, if your skin is sensitive due to conditions such as sunburn, bruises, cuts, or other irritations, it is highly recommended that for your own comfort levels and the health of your skin, that you do not wax until they have cleared.
Are you menstruating?
Some women have commented that in the immediate lead up to their periods, they have both lowered pain thresholds, as well as increased sensitivity. For that reason, it is recommended that you wait until a few days after your period to book your appointment, as that is when your body’s resilience against pain is at its highest.
The skill of your esthetician
If you are having waxing performed at a salon that does not employ proper training techniques, or you are attempting to wax at home, you may find waxing more painful than if you have it done at a well-established salon. This is because practiced estheticians have a better understanding of the correct temperature to heat the wax, and the correct methodology for its removal, with minimal discomfort to you. While having a skilled esthetician does not mean your wax will be completely pain-free, having someone poorly trained to wax your skin is a surefire way to guarantee discomfort.