There are so many ways of removing hair, for example, daily shaving… Yeah, that’s a lot of fun. Or maybe you remember the Epilady? OUCH! Our bodies are covered with hair that grows in different directions. Some may be dark and coarse, while others may be so fine that you can hardly see them and while I know all of you love the feeling of dragging an old razor over your body, there’s a not so secret secret I’m going to tell you. Stop shaving and start waxing.
So, what is waxing anyway?
Waxing is a form of semi-permanent hair removal which removes unwanted hair from the root. Yes, the initial pull is a little tingly but I’ve bet you’ve experienced worse! The reward for that tingle is smooth skin for two to three weeks depending on how your hair grows. Added bonus here folks, if waxing is done regularly for several years, permanent hair reduction may be achieved. Yes, your read that right, permanent.
While there are at home waxing kits available, I do not recommend using them, especially on your delicate areas. Waxing should always be performed by a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist only. And if you do end up with an at home waxing kit, come and see me after you’ve tried it. Let me know how it worked out for you? It’s a messy job people, don't ruin your bathroom!
The story of hard and soft wax
Not all parts are created equal. The soft of your underarm, a man’s back hair? Do those two places sound like they should be treated the same? No they don’t, and no they shouldn’t be. Every part of you is different and so is the type of wax that should be used. There are two types of wax, soft and hard.
Soft wax is best suited for larger body parts like legs and backs. It is applied warm with a spatula and removed using a muslin strip. Hard wax is a little different, it’s a bit thicker than soft wax and as it hardens and cools it grabs only onto the hair and not the skin. Once hardened, it is removed without the use of any strips. Because hard wax attaches exclusively to the hair and not the skin, it reduces any irritation and discomfort you may feel.
In general hard wax is prefered for all of your delicate places like face, underarms, bikini and brazilian. However, it is not uncommon to use soft wax for a bikini or brazilian since the hair can be coarse and be growing in many different directions.
Whether soft or hard, of course there are definitely body parts you should never wax either by yourself or a licensed professional. Um, soles of feet anyone?
What’s the Process?
I gently apply the warm wax onto your skin with a sanitized spatula. If it’s soft wax, a muslin strip is pressed on top and removed against the direction of hair growth. Hard wax is allowed to cool and harden and is removed without the use of muslin strips. People who have sensitive skin find hard wax extremely beneficial.
I’m ready, sign me up!
Whoa nelly, I know you are excited to begin your journey to being hairless in all the places but keep in mind, the hair has to be a certain length before it can be successfully waxed. It needs to be a quarter of an inch long if it is fine hair, and a half an inch long if it is coarse hair. Remember, you can avoid ingrown hairs with regular exfoliation and a scrub that contains salicylic or glycolic acid. Treat existing ingrown hairs with an acid-based solution.
Let’s talk sanitation
This is a golden rule, of utmost importance! There is never ever ever to be any double dipping of sticks. Never. Ever. Ever. If you see that at a salon, walk out immediately! And what’s that saying about dogs not doing what where they what? Let me put it to you straight, remember how I said that hard wax can be good for both your face and a brazilian? There must be separate pots for face and body.
Pros and Cons
There are so many advantages of waxing as opposed to other forms of hair removal. Waxing is an effective method to remove large amounts of hair at one time. Since it's so long lasting, you can finally finish all those annoying tasks that have been hanging over your head with all that new free time you have. But seriously, hair that gets waxed will need to be waxed again between three and five weeks. In addition to that, a regularly scheduled appointment will show less and less hair at each treatment exhibiting regrowth that is softer.
When hair is shaved or removed by a cream, it is removed at the surface and not the root. Generally within a couple of days, the hair can be seen and felt at the surface since it grows back in a rough stubble.
Whether it's full or partial hair removal, there is bound to be some discomfort, but really it depends on your threshold of pain. First time brazilian wax? It stings a little but each time it gets easier and easier and I guarantee you’ll wonder why you waited so long to do it. That goes for you too, boys. In all seriousness though, the level of pain can be affected by the condition of the skin and how coarse the hair is. Obviously, coarser hair on sensitive skin is likely to be more painful!
What's the difference between a Bikini and Brazilian Wax?
A Bikini wax removes the hair outside the panty line and can also include waxing some hair on top to make a more defined triangle.
A Brazilian wax takes it all off. From front to back, and everything in between. You’ve only dreamt about feeling this clean and fresh. Don’t want to go all in? Leave a landing strip or a thumbprint to help them find a way. By the way, a brazilian wax is not just for women, men love how they feel once it’s done.
Let’s hear it for the boys…Male body waxing is a thing, finally. I am so happy to say that more and more men are getting comfortable with it. Back hair? No thanks. No one likes to look at that. A brazilian for men? All the boys and girls say yes please.
I know some of you out there are with it, but for the rest of you men out there, get with the program! Waxing is for all and all love being waxed!
Health and Wellness
Waxing in itself is a safe thing, but there are times when it is not safe to get waxed. Ye Ol Sunburn, definitely don't wax! I don't want anyone even touching me if I have a sunburn let alone wax me! In addition to that, waxing should not be done on areas of skin affected by rashes, moles, warts, pimples, chapped, or irritated skin. Never apply wax to broken or peeling skin or varicose veins.
Some doctors do not recommend waxing for people who suffer from diabetes, who have varicose veins, or poor circulation since they can be more prone to infection. Users of Retin-A, Renova, Differin, Isotretinoin are advised not to have waxing performed as these medications tend to weaken the skin surface that they are used on.
For the ladys, keep in mind that your pain threshold varies depending on where you are in your menstral cycle. Most women experience greater sensitivity to pain the week before your cycle starts. Try to schedule your wax appoint the week after it ends.
Waxing cal also cause allergic reactions in some people so when in doubt, consult your doctor. People with medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney or liver disease, skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, or weakened immune systems are advised to not get wax treatments.
In Conclusion
Waxing is a safe and effective way for you to remove unwanted body hair. Whether you be man or woman, needing an eyebrow or a brazilian, give me a call and we’ll schedule your next appointment!
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