Body Wax for Smooth, Silky Skin

How do you use body wax at home?

Waxing at home is easy once you have the technique. Always follow the directions on your pack — the steps below are the general method:

1. Let hair grow to about 5 mm and exfoliate gently the day before.
2. Start with clean, dry skin — no oil, lotion or deodorant on the area.
3. Do a patch test on a small area 24 hours before your first full wax.
4. Spread a thin layer of wax in the direction of hair growth.
5. Press a strip on firmly, hold the skin taut, and pull quickly against the direction of growth, keeping the strip close to the skin.
6. Remove any residue and soothe the skin.

Waxing vs shaving: which is better?

Shaving cuts hair at the surface, so stubble returns in a day or two. Waxing pulls hair from the root: results last weeks, regrowth feels softer, and with regular waxing many people find hair grows back finer.

Waxing does sting for a moment and needs a few millimetres of growth between sessions. Shaving is painless and quick, but needs doing far more often.

Aftercare: what to do after waxing

For the first 24 hours, give your skin a break:

• Avoid hot showers, saunas, swimming and direct sun.
• Skip fragranced products, deodorant on waxed underarms, and tight clothing.
• Don't exfoliate for two to three days, then exfoliate gently to prevent ingrown hairs.
• Once any redness settles, moisturise daily with a body lotion such as Velvet Touch Body Lotion.

Who should avoid waxing?

Don't wax broken, sunburnt or irritated skin, or over moles, warts or varicose veins. If you use retinoids or exfoliating acids, have diabetes or a skin condition, check with a doctor first.

For a fuller walkthrough, read our guide on how to use body wax at home.