More and more people like to keep up their grooming between salon visits, and waxing at home is a popular way to do it. It’s not always easy, though. Waxing takes practice, and doing it on yourself presents a whole other challenge. With the right products and a little time and patience, it’s definitely something you can master. For intimate areas, or whenever you are unsure, we recommend booking with a qualified therapist. You can find your nearest Harley Wax salon or spa here.
What You Will Need
A wax heater: Heaters with temperature control have a thermostat to keep your wax at its optimal working temperature. Overheated wax can cause burns.
Wax: Hot, strip, or film wax, depending on which areas of the body you are waxing. More on this later.
Spatulas: We recommend disposable wooden spatulas that can be discarded after use. It makes cleaning up much simpler and is more hygienic.
Waxing strips: Needed for Strip wax removal.
Pre & Post waxing products: Preparing the skin and hair for waxing, and soothing afterwards, are essential for the best results.
Scissors, if you need to trim very long hair.
Protection for your floor in case of wax spills. Trust us, it happens. A plastic sheet works well.
A mirror can help to see hard-to-reach areas.
Patience. Waxing therapists spend plenty of time in training. Be prepared that it may take a few tries to get it right.
The Harley Waxing Start-Up Kit includes all the products you need to get you started: Hot, film and strip wax samples, spatulas, waxing strips and pre & post product samples. All you need is a heater, and you’re good to go!
Wax won’t be as effective on skin that hasn’t been properly prepared. Natural oils, dead skin cells and impurities build up on our skin and can prevent wax from gripping the hair. Harley Cleanser & Toner cleans and disinfects the skin before waxing to ensure the best possible treatment. Application of Pre-waxing Oil before a hot or film wax session forms a lipid barrier on the skin, allowing wax to grip the hair only, thus minimising pull on the skin. After waxing, the area will feel quite sensitive. Post-waxing products help to calm and heal skin. Harley After Wax Oil removes any wax residue left after strip waxing treatment. Lavender and Tea Tree Oil in the formula soothe and promote skin healing. Aloe Soothing Gel cools and refreshes sensitised skin without leaving an oily residue.
Types Of Wax
Hot wax, Strip Wax or Film Wax? What is the difference, and how do you know when to use which one?
If you’re not a therapist, the different types of wax can seem a bit confusing, but it’s not really that complicated.
Hot wax (aka Hard wax) is for smaller, more sensitive areas like the face, underarms and bikini. It sticks only to hair and doesn’t require a strip for removal.
Strip wax (aka Soft Wax) is for larger areas. It is quick to apply and remove, using wax strips.
Film wax is a new-generation hybrid wax that applies thinly like a strip wax but is removed without a strip like hot wax, and is suitable for use anywhere on the body.
General Advice
We suggest starting your waxing journey with easier areas, like the legs
Check your wax temperature before you start waxing. When it reaches the consistency of honey, test on the inside of your wrist. Be careful not to burn yourself. Too runny = too hot! Strip Wax must be slightly runnier than Hot and Film waxes.
Hair should be ~5mm long. Too short and wax won’t be able to grip properly to remove it. Hair that is too long can get tangled and pull when applying wax, so trimming it will make waxing more comfortable.
Working in smaller sections is easier to control, especially if you’re using hot or film wax.
Do not wax over the same area more than twice. You might remove superficial layers of skin.
When removing wax, pull parallel to the skin, not upwards, to reduce hair breaking instead of pulling out by the root.
One of the most important things is to support the skin while removing wax. Pulling skin taut in the opposite direction will reduce the risk of bruising or removing skin layers.
Immediately apply firm pressure with your hand to the freshly waxed area to lessen the sting.
Waxing Techniques
Each wax type has its own application and removal techniques.
Hot Wax: Use a spatula to apply the wax against the direction of hair growth in a relatively thick layer (~2-3mm). Wait for it to set until no longer tacky, then flick up a tab, and gripping it firmly, quickly remove against the direction of hair growth.
Strip Wax: Using a spatula or wax cartridge, spread strip wax in a super-thin layer, with the direction of hair growth. Then take a waxing strip and firmly rub it onto the wax. Remember to leave a gap at one end to hold onto for removal. While holding skin tight with one hand, remove the strip in a quick motion. The same strip can be used a few times over.
Film Wax: Use a spatula to apply Film Wax in a thin layer in the direction of hair growth. Let it set, then quickly remove against hair growth similar to Hot Wax.
(link YT vid)
What to do before
Do not use any lotions or creams on the day, and make sure skin is clean and dry before starting.
Gently exfoliate one to two days before to get rid of dead skin cells and help lift hair.
If you are concerned about pain, taking Ibuprofen 30 min before waxing should take the edge off.
Women’s skin is more sensitive a week before their period, so it’s best to avoid waxing during this time.
Ensure the area and equipment are clean.
What to do after
Skin will feel sensitive after waxing, so treating it with kindness is important.
Good quality post-waxing products are non-negotiable. Soothing, healing ingredients in their formulations care for tender skin.
Avoid wearing tight clothing and stick to natural, breathable fabrics.
Intense workouts, hot baths or showers, and sun exposure will irritate freshly waxed skin, so rather wait about 48 hrs for skin to normalise.
Start an exfoliating routine 48 hrs after waxing, continuing 2-3 times per week, and remember to moisturise. Following this regimen helps prevent ingrown hair.
Contraindications
Do not wax over:
Sunburn: Sunburned skin is very fragile and will lift when waxed over. Even mild sunburn is a risk. Not to mention, it hurts!
Wounds: Whether open or scabbed over, waxing will be painful and can lead to permanent scarring or even infection.
Rashes: Waxing can worsen rashes and cause unnecessary pain.
Bruises can be painful, and working over them could potentially lead to a blood clot.
Antibiotics can cause skin sensitivity.
Acne medications: Roaccutane or Isotretinoin cause thin, fragile skin.
Diabetes or circulatory problems: Wound healing is impaired, and you may not feel pain that indicates an injury.
Troubleshooting
Hair isn’t being removed properly
Hair is too short or too long. Optimal length is ~5mm. Let it grow out a bit more or trim the length.
Wax was applied too thickly or too thinly. Hot Wax can break if it’s too thin, and Strip Wax that is too thick becomes a sticky mess.
Not enough skin support.
Not removing wax against the direction of hair growth or pulling strips upwards instead of parallel to the skin.
The strip wasn’t smoothed down firmly enough.
Incorrect wax temperature.
Improper skin preparation.
Bruising
Not supporting the skin properly.
Strip wax was applied too thickly.
Too much wax was picked up on the strip. Use a fresh one.
Removing Skin
Wax may be too hot
No pre-waxing oil was applied before using hot or film wax.
Inadequate skin support
Conclusion
With a little practise and a lot of patience, waxing yourself at home is absolutely possible. As long as you know which type of wax to use and how to use it, along with proper preparation and aftercare, it can quickly become a regular part of your self-care routine.
Looking for a salon that uses Harley Wax? Tell us where you are and we’ll connect you with a qualified therapist near you.
