How to Wax Your Back
Tired of being called Sasquatch? You can de-fur yourself with a little help from a friend.
Up next in Waxing & Shaving Tips (11 videos)
Pluck, wax, or shave your way to smooth skin with the help of these Howcast videos.
You Will Need
- A very, very good friend
- A topical analgesic
- A home waxing kit with a waxing stick and muslin strips
- A lotion containing salicylic acid
- Some tolerance of pain
Steps
-
Never wax immediately after sunbathing or tanning at a salon. UV exposure harms the skin and waxing can result in bruises and excess pain.
-
Step 1
Meet the hair requirements
Make sure the hair is dry and at least a quarter-inch long, so it can adhere to the wax
-
Step 2
Apply analgesic
Have your friend apply a topical analgesic to your back to desensitize your skin, lessening the sting.
-
Make sure the analgesic has completely dried before applying the wax.
-
Step 3
Heat the wax
Heat the wax according to label instructions. The temperature should be warm, but shouldn't burn you.
-
Step 4
Apply wax evenly
Have your friend use a waxing stick to apply the wax to a small section of your back. They should spread the wax in the direction of your back's hair growth.
-
Step 5
Press muslin strip to the wax
Have your friend press a muslin strip into the section while the wax is still hot, leaving a half-inch of the muslin strip free to grasp when removing hair. They should stroke the strip two or three times in the direction of hair growth.
-
Step 6
Pull strip in opposite direction
Have quickly peel the strip back in one swift motion in the opposite direction of hair growth.
-
Pull the strip close to skin as possible. Don't pull straight up, which is more painful and not as effective at removing hair.
-
Step 7
Continue waxing in small sections
Your friend should continue to wax the hair in small sections until it's all gone.
-
Step 8
Use lotion with salicylic acid last
Apply a lotion containing salicylic acid to avoid ingrown hairs. Now take your friend to lunch to show them your appreciation, while you show off your sleek back!
-
Actor Steve Carell's body wax scene in The 40 Year Old Virgin was real, and filmed in one take.
