Title: Waxing with chronic pain
Alt: Pink hard wax beads next to a razor on a pink background
Waxing is one of the less painful hair removal methods. With chronic pain, though, even one appointment a month can feel terrible. Fibromyalgia, arthritis, nerve sensitivity, and other conditions transform innocent depilation into horrible flare-ups.
Thankfully, this is where hard wax comes to the rescue. While shaving, soft wax, and sugar paste cause irritation and discomfort, this type of remover works gentler, allowing you to stay smooth even when chronic pain becomes a physical barrier.
In this article, you will find out the main advantages of hard wax and how it makes hair removal an inclusive practice.
Advantages of Hard Wax
When an esthetician uses a soft product on you, it adheres both to the hair and the skin, making it painful when it is pulled off. Hard wax from brands like ItalWax is a perfect option for people with chronic pain, as it doesn’t stick to the skin. It hardens around the hair instead, only pulling out the follicles, which reduces pain.
Soft wax is also often reapplied to the same area on the body, leading to severe irritation. The hard type of material, on the other hand, effectively removes hair in one pass. Additionally, good hard wax beads melt at a lower temperature, allowing for warmth from the product to be gentle enough on sensitive skin.
Your hair will grow slower, softer, and more sparse after each session as long you are consistent with the schedule. You will require fewer visits with time, minimizing the discomfort amid the chronic pain you experience every day.
Preparing for a Waxing Session With Chronic Pain
Not all sessions will go smoothly when you’re hurting almost every day. When possible, though, choose a good pain day for your waxing appointment. Beforehand, take a pain reliever. Either the one you are prescribed or an over-the-counter pill like ibuprofen will minimize your pain if you take it 60 minutes before hair removal. Ask your esthetician to prep your skin with a lidocaine-based numbing gel if you are feeling more sensitive than usual that day.
Avoid drinking coffee or alcohol before the session. Instead, stay hydrated with tons of water to help reduce pain. Breathe deep and relax as much as possible in preparation for the esthetician table.
Stay Comfortable With Post-Wax Care
Once you are done, ask the professional for a soothing and cooling after-wax product to calm your skin. Then, use an aloe vera gel or a fragrance-free moisturizer at home to reduce irritation. For 48 hours after the appointment, avoid:
- hot showers and baths;
- saunas;
- working out;
- tanning and UV exposure;
- tight clothing;
- touching your skin;
- harsh products;
- exfoliating.
After 48 hours, gently exfoliate and moisturize your skin to keep your skin smooth longer and prevent ingrown hairs.
Smooth Even with Chronic Pain
People with chronic pain often stop hair removal altogether, thinking that it’s impossible to make it painless and comfortable. Thankfully, hard wax presents an opportunity to minimize the discomfort tied to staying smooth. If you prepare well and stick to a gentle aftercare routine, you can get hair removal even with chronic pain.