When you prepare your skin for hair removal, the method itself goes more smoothly and the skin recovers faster. Most redness, bumps and ingrown hairs are not caused by the razor, the wax or the epilator alone. They come from dry skin, hair that is too short or too long, products that should have been paused, or skin that was not clean.
Steps that apply to every method
1. Start with clean skin
Wash the area with a gentle cleanser and warm water. Clean skin lowers the chance of bacteria entering open follicles.
2. Exfoliate gently beforehand
Removing dead skin cells frees hairs that are lying flat or trapped, and helps to prevent ingrown hairs.
- Use a soft washcloth, a mild scrub or an exfoliating mitt with light pressure.
- For waxing and epilating, exfoliate the day before, not on the day.
- For shaving, you can exfoliate lightly just before.
See How to Exfoliate Your Body: Methods and Precautions.
3. Check your skin
Postpone hair removal if the area is sunburnt, cut, grazed, infected, or has a rash or active eczema.
4. Think about the products you use
Retinoids and exfoliating acids make skin thinner and more sensitive.
- Before waxing: stop using retinoid creams and strong exfoliating acids on the area for several days. If you take or have recently taken isotretinoin for acne, do not wax. Ask your doctor when it is safe.
- Before any method: skip acids and scrubs on the day.
See How to Fit Hair Removal into Your Skincare Routine.
Preparation by method
| Method | Hair length | Skin | Extra tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaving | Any; trim very long hair first | Wet and softened for a few minutes | Use shaving gel or cream; sharp blade |
| Waxing | About 6 mm (a quarter of an inch), like a grain of rice; trim if much longer | Clean, completely dry, free of oil and lotion | A light dusting of powder helps wax to grip hair, not skin |
| Epilating | About 2 to 5 mm | Dry for dry devices; in warm water for wet-and-dry devices | Hold skin taut; a warm shower first eases discomfort |
| Hair removal cream | Any | Clean and dry | Patch test 24 hours before, every time you use a new product |
| Laser or IPL | Shaved the day before; no waxing or plucking for weeks beforehand | Clean; no tan or self-tanner | Follow the clinic's or device's instructions exactly |
Shaving preparation in detail
- Soak the area in warm water for a few minutes. The end of a shower is ideal.
- Apply shaving gel or cream, and leave it for a minute.
- Use a clean, sharp razor.
See How to Shave Your Legs with Less Irritation.
Waxing preparation in detail
- Let hair grow to the right length. Too short, and the wax cannot grip. Too long, and it hurts more.
- Exfoliate the day before.
- On the day, wash and dry the skin. Do not apply lotion or oil.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol just beforehand if you find they make you more sensitive.
- Wear loose clothing to the appointment.
- If you wax at home, test the temperature of the wax on your inner wrist first.
Some people take a simple pain reliever beforehand. Check with a pharmacist if you are unsure what is suitable for you.
Epilating preparation in detail
- Exfoliate the day before.
- Take a warm shower or bath to relax the skin.
- Dry thoroughly, unless you are using a wet-and-dry device in the shower.
- Epilate in the evening, so that redness can settle overnight.
See How to Use an Epilator: A Beginner's Guide.
Timing tips
- Hormones. Many people find hair removal more painful just before and during a period.
- Events. Wax or epilate two or three days before a special occasion or vacation, so that redness has gone.
- Sun. Do not remove hair just before a day in strong sun. Fresh skin burns and marks more easily.
- Exercise. Avoid heavy sweating and tight clothing straight afterwards.
What not to do beforehand
- Dry shave.
- Apply perfumed lotion or deodorant just before waxing or epilating.
- Tan, or use self-tanner before laser or IPL.
- Use a dull or rusty blade.
- Rush.
After preparation comes aftercare
Good aftercare completes the job. Rinse with cool water, apply a fragrance-free moisturizer and avoid heat and friction for a day. See Waxing Aftercare: What to Do After Hair Removal for waxing, and Razor Burn vs Ingrown Hairs: Signs and Care if you tend to get bumps. For choosing a method, see Shaving vs Waxing vs Epilating: Key Differences.
Related on ArniSun
- Shaving vs Waxing vs Epilating: Key Differences
- How to Exfoliate Your Body: Methods and Precautions
- Razor Burn vs Ingrown Hairs: Signs and Care
- How to Fit Hair Removal into Your Skincare Routine
- Waxing Aftercare: What to Do After Hair Removal
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Should I exfoliate before hair removal?
Yes, gently. Exfoliate the day before waxing or epilating, and lightly just before shaving, to free trapped hairs and reduce ingrown hairs.
How long should hair be for waxing?
About 6 mm, or a quarter of an inch, roughly the length of a grain of rice. Shorter hair may not be gripped by the wax.
Can I wax if I use retinol?
Stop applying retinoids to the area for several days first, because they thin the outer layer of skin and waxing can lift it. Ask your doctor if you use prescription retinoids or isotretinoin.