Apparently the average cost of an eyebrow wax in America is $15. Obviously that price is higher here in NYC, and with waxing needed every two weeks, well, the costs add up (especially if, like me, you go for the lip wax at the same time). I haven’t given up the trips to the spa completely, I just prefer to cut my costs down to a third by waxing my own eyebrows twice for every one visit to the salon.
Some at home waxing tips I’ve picked up along the way:
- Stock up on quality home-waxing supplies: microwave wax (I like GiGi strip-free wax, which is only $9.30 for 8 oz. or roughly 6 months worth of waxing), popsicle sticks as applicators (get them at a craft store or thoroughly wash the remainder of your firecracker pop), baby powder to apply to the skin before the wax, baby oil to clean up any spilled wax, a soothing aloe-based lotion (like Hawaiian Tropic’s After-Sun Lotion) to apply after the wax comes off, and tweezers to clean up the strays.
- Next time you go for a salon wax, pay attention to what your waxer is doing. Ask questions. Ask her to let you watch in a mirror while she’s doing her thing.
- When it’s time to wax yourself, follow the lines and the area that your waxers shaped for you–they know what they’re doing.
- Don’t overdo it. You can always go over the area with tweezers to pluck out strays, but you can’t un-wax an area if you go too close to the brow. Be conservative, especially when you’re just starting out.
- When it’s time to wax, first wash you face thoroughly. A good time to wax is post-shower, when your pours are open from the steam–hairs will come out easier if the skin is relaxed.
- Apply a dusting of baby powder to the area you intend to wax, then apply your wax per the instructions that come with it.
- You’ll probably want to do underneath the brow, above the brow, and in between the brows. Again, be conservative and keep your distance a little bit–wax spreads out and can easily get closer than you want it to.
- Do not wax the same area twice–that’s how you end up with a burned brow.
- Apply wax with the hair, pull against the hair.
- Give yourself some time before rushing out in public–you’ll be red for about half an hour to an hour. This is harder to do if you’re already in public at a salon, so this could be considered another benefit of at-home waxing. Lotions made for soothing sun-exposed skin work well post-waxing.
At home waxing pros: it’s easier than you think, you can save a lot of money and trips to the spa, and you don’t have to talk to strangers about your mustache. At home waxing con: if you’re not careful, you could totally fuck up your brows. So, in short, be careful and be prepared when trying at-home waxing for the first time.
If you’re ready to try, or if you’re an old pro, please leave your feedback or any additional tips in the comments section below.
