How Can I Make Waxing Hurt Less?

There's no doubt that hair removal, whether under your arms, around your bikini line, or on your legs, can hurt. Shaving is the easiest method, but it doesn't last long and can leave behind painful razor burn. Waxing or sugaring (using a paste made of water, lemon juice, and sugar) lasts weeks longer than shaving but can be painful. Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimize the hurt. (That is, if you choose to remove body hair at all. It's a personal choice.)

To find out, we tapped Sugared + Bronzed founder Courtney Claghorn, whose company specializes in sugaring. It works a lot like waxing but uses a natural paste that doesn't need to get as hot as wax to remove hair (plus, no strips!). These are her top tips to reduce discomfort:

1. Exfoliate: "Gently exfoliating the area the day before can help remove dead skin cells, allowing the sugaring paste to adhere better to the hair and not the skin," Claghorn says. This goes for waxing, too (as do all of these tips). Exfoliating can also help minimize ingrown hairs. We love S+B Exfoliating Scrub.

2. Breathe: Holding your breath, especially during the treatment, can make hair removal hurt worse. "Staying relaxed and using deep breathing techniques can help reduce pain perception," Claghorn says.

3. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: You don't want to be impaired, or jittery thanks to that iced latte, during a treatment.

4. Start Small: "If you’re new to sugaring or waxing, start with a less sensitive area like the legs or arms to get a feel for the process," Claghorn advises. "This can help you build confidence and get used to the sensation before moving on to more sensitive areas."

5. Distract Yourself: If chatting with your waxer helps, they don't mind! Otherwise, "bring along a distraction, like a favorite podcast or playlist, to listen to during your session," Claghorn says.

6. Keep Skin Hydrated: Don't be afraid to lotion up leading up to your appointment, just leave enough time for the moisturizer to sink in and dry. "Well-hydrated skin allows the sugaring paste to glide more smoothly, potentially reducing discomfort," Claghorn explains.

7. Stay Consistent: "If you stay in routine, your hair follicles will gradually weaken and the hair will grow in slower over time and weaker, which is the easiest way to decrease pain," Claghorn says. If you allow too much regrowth (usually more than four weeks), it can hurt more than usual.

Finally, be sure to tell your technician about any skin concerns or sensitivities, and chat with them about aftercare to keep the area irritation-free.