I hear the familiar chirp of the shop’s door chime. “Do you sell wax?” I am asked. “Are you looking for hair wax for styling or wax for hair removal?” (I always clarify…you never know.). “For hair removal, I want to do my own waxing.”. A phrase I hear just as often as I hear “I thought the hair color I put on my hair 3 weeks ago grows out that color.”. Yes, I hear it often. I do. Seriously.

So, I ask the question I always ask in this situation, “Have you waxed by yourself before?”. More often than not, the answer is “No, but it looks easy enough.”. Well my lovelies, looks can be deceiving. Yes, waxing is easier and quicker than shaving…if you know what you are doing. The wax must  be the correct consistency, the proper temperature and must be applied properly – not too thick or thin of a layer, and you must rip the strip in the proper direction. Also, depending on the area of the body, the proper wax must be used or Mr. Miyagi’s “wax on, wax off” will have a whole new meaning.

Waxing your legs is one thing. If you decide to wax your own brows, BE SURE you know what you are doing. One slip of the strip and you may begin to hear “live long and prosper” while strolling down the lane way. If you are attempting facial waxing, be sure to hold the skin taut or excess facial hair won’t be your only issue. The same goes for underarm waxing. This is not a one person job, at least not on your first 20 attempts. Unless you want to walk around with your arms sticking out like Randy in his snowsuit in a Christmas Story, have a helper. Oh, and if you prefer the look and feel of a Brazilian wax and you think it’s no big deal, first, god be with you. Second, get someone to slap you and go to a Salon. Seriously, it is an intimate procedure and if the wrong wax is used, there will be blood. There is a reason why homes have “no wax floors”. The only person besides you and your aesthetician that needs to see that is your gynecologist.

Oh, and one more thing. If you attempt to wax at home, and you get ingrown hairs, I don’t need to see them. I know what they are and what they look like. I really, I mean, I really do not need to see anymore bikini lines riddled with red bumps while I am standing at the front counter.

“Wax on, wax off”. Oh Mr. Miyagi, you made it sound so simple.