Everything you need to know about waxing
Waxing is the process of hair removal from the root by using a covering of a sticky substance, such as wax, to adhere to body hair, and then removing this covering and pulling out the hair from the follicle. New hair will not grow back in the previously waxed area for four to six weeks, although some people will start to see regrowth in only a week due to some of their hair being on a different human hair growth cycle.
Why do we want to wax ?
It is by far better than other forms of hair removal techniques and you will have smooth and even skin. When waxing, you not only remove unwanted hair you also wax away any dry and dead skin cells in the process!
There are more reasons why we want to wax :
First, you aren’t at risk to any cuts or nicks that can leave you with scars. This is good news, especially for those who have skin that is susceptible to discoloration due to even the slightest cut.
Secondly, there are minimal chemicals involved in the waxing process, so rarely does it cause any skin irritation or allergy.
Third, slow hair growth, new hair will not grow back in the previously waxed area for four to six weeks, although some people will start to see regrowth in only a week due to some of their hair being on a different human hair growth cycle. The more you wax, the thinner and finer the hair would be.
Lastly, Ingrown hair, people who are prone to ingrown hairs will experience less ingrown hairs. This is because the hair would become thinner, making the hair less likely to be stuck.
There are also reasons why we don't want to wax
Firstly, Pain, with any type of waxing, a small amount of pain is inevitable. This occurs when the strips applied to the wax are removed quickly think of pulling a tight bandage off hairy skin. The amount of pain varies based on your overall skin sensitivity, pain tolerance, the amount of hair, and the area being waxed. However, the pain only last for a short while after pulling.
Secondly, Price, it can be quite expensive. At home waxing hair removal kits can cost between $30 and $150. It is even more expensive in the salon, it is about $90 – $150. Those people who can’t afford these expensive price can only shave.
Lastly, Irritation, It can also cause mild redness and irritation or a burn feeling. You may notice that freshly waxed skin is pink or red, and slightly sensitive to the touch. However it only last for at most 2 days and it would disappear.
How to wax properly?
Before Waxing
- Ensure optimal hair length. Make sure your hair is about one-fourth to three-fourths of an inch long. If hair is longer, trim it to a shorter length using safety scissors so that it will be less messy and painful.
- Avoid retinoid creams. Avoid using over-the-counter skin care products containing retinol and prescription retinoids two to five days prior to waxing your face to avoid removing skin along with your hair.
- Reduce discomfort. Since it can be painful for some people, consider ways to reduce discomfort. Taking over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, or applying cold packs to the skin about 30 minutes before waxing, it may help.
- Wash and dry the area. Gently wash the area you’re about to wax to remove dirt, dead skin cells and skin care products. Afterwards, dry your skin thoroughly. Clean, dry skin allows the wax to adhere properly.
- Warm the wax. Follow the directions on the package, and always test the temperature of the wax by applying a small amount to the inside of your wrist. It should be warm, but not hurt or burn.
- Apply the wax. Apply the wax to a small section of your skin with unwanted hair. For the best results, always spread the wax in the direction of hair growth.
- Apply the cloth strip. Once the wax is applied, place the cloth strip over the wax and press down firmly. Leave the cloth on for two to three seconds.
- Remove the cloth strip. To remove, hold your skin taut with one hand and use your other hand to quickly pull off the cloth in the opposite direction of hair growth. If the area is a tricky spot to reach, such as the underarms, consider asking a friend or relative to help you.
- Soothe your skin. After that, soothe your skin by applying cold packs if you have pain, avoiding hot baths and showers, wearing loose clothing and applying moisturizer that won’t clog your pores. Look for moisturizers labeled “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic.”
Tips
- Make sure the hair is at least ¼ inch or longer or the wax won’t grip the hair
- Avoid any hot treatments for 24 hours after waxing including Tan
- Use hard wax instead of strip wax as it hurts less
- if you are afraid of pain, you can eat painkillers 30 – 45 minutes prior to waxing, it will help a little with the pain
- Avoid touching the area that has just been waxed, since bacteria from your fingers can easily be transferred into your hair
