Waxing can be a painful hair removal process, especially for sensitive areas like the bikini line or underarms. Many people wonder if taking a pain reliever beforehand can help minimize discomfort. There are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to take pain medicine prior to waxing. This article will examine the key factors to weigh when making this decision.
What is Waxing?
Waxing is a method of semi-permanent hair removal that involves applying a thick, sticky wax to the skin in the direction of hair growth. A cloth or paper strip is pressed onto the wax, which adheres to the hairs. The strip is then quickly ripped off in the opposite direction of growth, pulling the hair out by the root.
Waxing removes hair from larger sections of skin at once, making it a faster method than tweezing or shaving. It can last up to six weeks before hair starts to regrow. The new hair is often finer and sparser. However, waxing is generally more painful than other hair removal techniques. The level of discomfort depends on an individual’s pain tolerance and the sensitivity of the waxed area.
What Factors Affect Pain Levels During Waxing?
Several variables can influence how much waxing hurts:
- Body part – More sensitive areas like the face, underarms, or bikini line tend to be more painful to wax than legs or arms.
- Hair coarseness – Coarse, thick hair is more painful to remove than fine, thin hair.
- Hair length – Hair should ideally be 1/4 to 1/2 inch long for waxing. Longer hair means more follicles being pulled out at once.
- Skin sensitivity – People with sensitive skin often find waxing more uncomfortable.
- Menstrual cycle – Women may experience increased sensitivity during certain times of their cycle.
- Medications – Some medications like antibiotics can increase skin sensitivity.
- Experience level – Those who wax frequently tend to feel less pain as nerve endings become used to it.
- Technique – Proper waxing technique and using the optimal temperature wax can reduce discomfort.
Understanding what makes waxing more or less tolerable can help determine if pain relief may be beneficial.
Pros of Taking a Pain Reliever Before Waxing
There are some potential advantages to taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen before waxing:
- Less discomfort during the process – Pain relievers help temporarily reduce sensitivity to pain signals.
- Minimizes muscle tension – OTC meds can relax muscles so there is less involuntary twitching and tightening during waxing which can worsen pain.
- Decreases inflammation – Ibuprofen helps control inflammation that causes swelling and tenderness after waxing.
- Prevents overstimulation of nerves – Numbing nerve pathways may prevent waxing from feeling as overwhelming or sharp.
- Reduces risk of breaking blood vessels – Vasoconstriction properties of some OTC meds may prevent broken capillaries from waxing.
For those concerned about their pain tolerance, taking an OTC analgesic can offer multiple physiological benefits during the waxing process itself.
Cons of Taking Pain Medicine Before Waxing
However, there are also some potential drawbacks and risks to keep in mind with pre-waxing pain medication:
- Increased risk of bleeding – Blood thinning medications like ibuprofen can lead to more bleeding if skin gets torn during waxing.
- Skin irritation – Medications can increase susceptibility to irritation, rashes, or infection.
- False sense of security – Numbed discomfort can lead to letting the technician wax in a less than ideal direction.
- Sub-optimal hair removal – Lack of sensitivity could result in hairs not being removed properly from numb skin.
- Delayed healing – Anti-inflammatories may prolong post-wax healing of the skin.
- Adverse interactions – Pain meds can interact with prescriptions or health conditions.
While taking something for the pain may seem appealing, the medication can influence the waxing process in unintended ways. Thus, proper precautions are necessary.
What Kind of Pain Medicine Is Recommended?
If opting to take an OTC pain reliever before waxing, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is the recommended first choice for most people.
Ibuprofen is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that works to reduce inflammation and sensitivity to pain by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. It also has vasoconstrictive properties to prevent blood vessels from dilating and causing swelling.
Other OTC NSAIDs like aspirin or naproxen (Aleve) can also be used prior to waxing. Just be sure to avoid these if you have any bleeding disorders, ulcers, or sensitivity to NSAIDs.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is another option that relieves pain by elevating the body’s pain threshold. However, it does not have the same anti-inflammatory effects as NSAIDs. It should be avoided by those with liver conditions.
Here is a table summarizing some common OTC pain reliever options before waxing:
| Medication | Dosage | Time Before Waxing | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen | 200-400 mg | 30-60 minutes | First choice for most people. Reduces inflammation, constricts blood vessels. |
| Aspirin | 325-650 mg | 3-4 hours | Avoid with bleeding disorders or ulcers. |
| Naproxen | 220-500 mg | 1-2 hours | Lasts longer than ibuprofen but may take longer to kick in. |
| Acetaminophen | 325-650 mg | 30-60 minutes | Does not reduce inflammation. Avoid with liver conditions. |
Always check medication labels for appropriate dosing based on your age, weight, and health status. Only take one type of OTC pain medicine at a time.
How Long Does It Take for Pain Relief Medication to Work?
Most oral OTC pain relievers take 30-90 minutes to take full effect. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are fastest acting, starting to work within 30-45 minutes on average. Aspirin and naproxen can take up to 2 hours to reach maximal pain relief.
This means OTC meds should be taken about 30-90 minutes prior to waxing depending on the type used. It is important to time it so the peak analgesic effects align with when waxing will begin. Taking it too early may lead to the medicine wearing off.
Topical numbing creams and sprays that are applied directly to the skin generally work more quickly, providing localized numbness within 15-30 minutes. However, some estheticians prefer clients do not use topical anesthetics beforehand as they can interfere with the wax adhering properly to skin.
What Dosage of Pain Medication Should I Take?
The therapeutically recommended dosages for common OTC pain medicines are:
- Ibuprofen – 200-400 mg per dose
- Aspirin – 325-650 mg per dose
- Naproxen – 220-440 mg per dose
- Acetaminophen – 325-650 mg per dose
Always follow instructions on the specific product label and do not exceed maximum recommended amounts. Lower doses around 200-300 mg are sufficient for most people to manage waxing discomfort. Higher doses do not necessarily provide greater pain relief but may increase risks of side effects.
Consider your own health history and factors like age, weight, kidney function to determine the ideal dosage. Combining multiple pain relievers or doses is unnecessary for waxing purposes and risks overmedication.
Are There Any Restrictions on Pain Medication Before Waxing?
Certain individuals should avoid taking OTC pain medicine prior to waxing:
- Those with aspirin allergies or NSAID sensitivities
- People taking blood thinners like warfarin
- Those with bleeding disorders like hemophilia
- Anyone taking prescription NSAIDs or steroids
- Those with active ulcers or stomach bleeding
- Individuals with kidney disease or impaired kidney function
- People with liver disease or impaired liver function
- Those taking medications that interact with NSAIDs or acetaminophen
- Anyone prescribed pain medicine for another condition
- People who do not tolerate OTC pain relievers well
When in doubt, consult your doctor about any concerns or restrictions before taking medication prior to waxing.
Should I Avoid Anything Else With Pain Medicine for Waxing?
Avoid combining pain relievers with:
- Alcohol – Can amplify side effects and risks.
- Blood thinners – Increased bleeding risk.
- Steroids – Higher likelihood of skin damage.
- Benzodiazepines like Xanax or Valium – CNS depression.
- Sleep aids or sedatives – Excessive drowsiness.
- Other NSAIDs – Risk of overdose toxicity.
Also avoid sun exposure immediately after waxing if taking ibuprofen or other photosensitizing drugs. Waxed skin is prone to sunburn.
Eat a light meal beforehand and stay hydrated to minimize any stomach upset from medication.
Are There Any Alternatives Besides Oral Medication?
While oral medication can help manage discomfort, there are other alternatives to consider for minimizing waxing pain:
- Numbing spray – Applied 30-60 min before waxing.
- Ice packs – Reduce skin sensitivity right beforehand.
- Topical anesthetics – Creams with lidocaine. Apply 30-60 min prior.
- Warm wax – Heated wax helps ease removal.
- Avoid caffeine – Can heighten pain response.
- Exfoliate first – Removes dead skin cells.
- Avoid exercise after – Prevents irritation.
- Hydrocortisone cream – Soothes inflammation afterward.
- Comfortable environment – Warm room, relaxing music.
Non-drug remedies should be considered first when suitable. However, oral OTC medicine can still benefit those prone to intense waxing discomfort.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, whether or not to take pain medicine before waxing depends on each individual’s preferences and tolerances. Here are some final tips on minimizing discomfort:
- Take OTC medication about 30-90 minutes prior for optimal timing.
- Ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen or acetaminophen can help reduce discomfort.
- Stick to recommended dosages based on your age, weight and health.
- Avoid pain medicine if you have any conflicting medical conditions.
- Consider topical numbing agents or ice packs instead of oral drugs.
- Discuss options and restrictions with your wax technician.
- Never exceed dosage directions or combine medications.
While waxing will likely always involve some level of pain, proper preparation and medicating wisely can make the experience more tolerable. Be sure to weigh the benefits against potential risks when deciding whether or not to take a pain reliever beforehand.