Honey is not only a delicious and healthy sweetener, but also a natural and effective way to remove unwanted facial hair. Honey can be used to make a homemade wax that can pluck the hair from the roots, leaving your skin smooth and hair-free. In this post, we will answer some of the most common questions about honey waxing and how to do it yourself at home.
Does Waxing With Honey Have Permanent Results?
Waxing with honey can remove the hair from the follicle, which means it can last longer than shaving or depilatory creams. However, waxing with honey does not have permanent results, as the hair will eventually grow back. The frequency of waxing with honey depends on your hair growth cycle, which can vary from person to person. Generally, waxing with honey can last for two to six weeks, depending on the area and the thickness of the hair.
Where Does Waxing With Honey Work Best?
Waxing with honey can work on any part of the body, but it is especially suitable for the face, as it is gentle and natural. Waxing with honey can remove the fine and peach fuzz hair on the upper lip, chin, cheeks, eyebrows, and forehead. Waxing with honey can also help to exfoliate and moisturize the skin, as honey has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties.
How To DIY Honey Wax
Making your own honey wax is easy and inexpensive. You only need a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen: honey, sugar, and lemon juice. Here are the steps to make and use your own honey wax:
- Mix 1/4 cup of honey, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl or a saucepan.
- Heat the mixture until it becomes smooth and golden, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to overheat or burn the mixture, as it can cause skin irritation or injury.
- Let the mixture cool down slightly until it is warm but not hot. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for extra fragrance and benefits.
- Apply a thin layer of the mixture on the area you want to wax, using a spatula or a popsicle stick. Spread it in the direction of the hair growth.
- Place a strip of cotton cloth or paper over the mixture and press it firmly.
- Pull the strip off quickly in the opposite direction of the hair growth, holding the skin taut with your other hand.
- Repeat the process until you have removed all the unwanted hair.
- Rinse the area with water and apply a moisturizer or aloe vera gel to soothe the skin.
Safety Considerations
Waxing with honey is generally safe and gentle, but there are some precautions you should take to avoid any complications or discomfort. Here are some safety tips to follow:
- Do a patch test before using the honey wax on a large or sensitive area. Apply a small amount of the mixture on your inner arm or behind your ear and wait for 24 hours. If you experience any redness, itching, swelling, or irritation, do not use the honey wax on your face or body.
- Do not wax on broken, inflamed, or infected skin, as it can worsen the condition and cause pain or scarring.
- Do not wax on moles, warts, or skin tags, as it can damage or remove them unintentionally.
- Do not wax on sunburned, tanned, or recently exfoliated skin, as it can cause skin sensitivity or hyperpigmentation.
- Do not wax if you have diabetes, poor blood circulation, or a history of skin allergies or reactions, as it can increase the risk of infection or complications. Consult your doctor before waxing if you have any medical conditions or concerns.
- Do not wax if you are using any medications or products that can affect your skin, such as retinoids, steroids, or antibiotics, as it can cause skin damage or adverse reactions. Wait for at least a week after stopping the use of such medications or products before waxing.
- Do not wax before or during your menstrual cycle, as it can make your skin more sensitive and prone to pain or bleeding.
- Do not wax more than once a month, as it can cause skin irritation or ingrown hairs.
- Do not expose the waxed area to direct sunlight, heat, or sweat for at least 24 hours, as it can cause skin inflammation or infection. Wear sunscreen and loose clothing to protect the waxed area.
Natural Hair Removal Alternatives
If you are not comfortable with waxing or want to try other natural methods of hair removal, here are some alternatives you can consider:
- Sugaring. This is similar to waxing, but uses a mixture of sugar, water, and lemon juice instead of honey. Sugaring is said to be less painful and sticky than waxing, and can also remove the hair from the root4.
- Turmeric. This is a spice that can help to lighten and inhibit the hair growth on the face. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can also benefit the skin. To use turmeric for hair removal, mix it with water, milk, or yogurt to make a paste. Apply it on the area you want to treat and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, scrub it off gently with a wet cloth or rinse it with water.
- Papaya. This is a fruit that can help to break down the hair follicles and reduce the hair growth on the face. Papaya contains an enzyme called papain that can also exfoliate and brighten the skin. To use papaya for hair removal, mash a ripe papaya and mix it with turmeric powder to make a paste. Apply it on the area you want to treat and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, wash it off with water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about honey waxing and how to use it for hair removal:
- Q: Can I use any type of honey to make honey wax?
- A: Yes, you can use any type of honey to make honey wax, such as raw, organic, or processed honey. However, different types of honey may have different consistencies and properties, so you may need to adjust the amount of sugar or lemon juice accordingly.
- Q: Can I reuse the honey wax?
- A: No, you should not reuse the honey wax, as it can harbor bacteria and cause infection or irritation. You should discard any leftover honey wax after each use and make a fresh batch when needed.
- Q: How can I prevent or treat ingrown hairs after waxing with honey?
- A: Ingrown hairs are hairs that grow back into the skin instead of out of the follicle, causing bumps, inflammation, or infection. To prevent or treat ingrown hairs after waxing with honey, you can follow these tips:
- Exfoliate the waxed area gently with a scrub or a loofah once or twice a week to remove the dead skin cells and unclog the pores.
- Moisturize the waxed area daily with a lotion or oil to keep the skin soft and hydrated.
- Apply a topical cream or gel that contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide to the waxed area to reduce the inflammation and prevent the infection.
- Avoid picking, scratching, or squeezing the ingrown hairs, as it can worsen the condition and cause scarring or pigmentation.
- Consult your doctor if the ingrown hairs are severe, persistent, or painful, as they may require medical treatment.
Conclusion
Honey waxing is a simple and effective way to use honey for hair removal. It can help to remove the unwanted facial hair from the root, leaving the skin smooth and hair-free. You can easily make your own honey wax at home, using honey, sugar, and lemon juice. You can also customize your honey wax by adding your favorite essential oil. You can use your honey wax on any part of your face, such as the upper lip, chin, cheeks, eyebrows, or forehead. However, you should also be aware of the possible side effects or risks of honey waxing, such as allergic reactions, skin irritation, or ingrown hairs, and take precautions to avoid them. Honey waxing is a natural and inexpensive way to enhance your beauty, and you can try it today and see the results for yourself.