This is for those of you who have been
curious about waxing but had too many unanswered questions. There are many myths floating around about
waxing, so we want make sure you have all of the facts before taking the leap!
First, let’s start with the good stuff.
Why would waxing be a better option that shaving?
- Hair grows back more
slowly and softer after waxing compared to shaving because the entire root is
removed from the follicle.
- Depending on where
you’ve been waxed, it can take 2 to 8 weeks for your hair to grow back (perfect
for a weekend getaway with no shaving!).
- Over time, hair
regrowth will become sparser and less course.
- For many, the
most meaningful benefit of waxing is the time it saves.
- Not having to deal with hair removal on a
daily basis is a relief for many women.
Now that you’ve heard the pros, what
are the cons?
- Depending on where
you are waxed, it can be “stingy” or painful.
- You have to grow your
hair to about an eighth(1/8th) of an inch before there is enough to
be waxed.
- You may get ingrown
hairs in certain areas (however there are ways to minimize this)
- If you opt for the
DIY home waxing kit it can get messy and complicated
Waxing Myths & Facts & Tips
It is interesting how many myths there
are about waxing! The first myth is that
your hair will grow back thicker and blacker.
This is not the case, if it were; many people would be waxing so that
they could encourage thicker hair growth!
In fact, over time with regular waxing, the hair actually grows back
finer and less coarse. Also, waxing will
not change the pigment of your hair.
If you’re
using a sunless tanner and wax over the area, it will remove the sunless
tanner. If you’re naturally tanned from
the sun, you may see some lightening after waxing as it does exfoliate your
skin and remove some of the very top layer of skin. It will not give you hyperpigmentation unless
you over expose your skin to the sun immediately after waxing. In fact you could burn so it’s recommended
that you remain out of the sun and apply sunscreen for a few days after waxing.
It is
possible you may get in-grown hairs after waxing. After the hair root is removed by waxing, your
skin naturally thickens and grows over the tiny hole. It is the skin growth that can cause the
ingrown hair. This can be minimized by
gently exfoliating the area to keep the skin from growing too thick. Use
a gentle scrub in that area about 3 days after waxing. Continue to exfoliate 1 to 2 times a week
thereafter. Remember - gentle!
Tea tree and lavender essential oil can
be used after waxing to prevent infection and irritation as they are both
antimicrobial and antibacterial. Try to wear loose fitting clothes for a few
days after to give your skin a chance to breathe and reduce moisture. The
bikini, lip and underarms are where we tend to perspire. Perspiration and
moisture cause bacteria to grow. Once that area has been waxed, the follicle is
open to bacteria which can cause a break-out.
Again, the tea tree and lavender essential oil blend will control the
bacteria and thereby prevent a break out. There are also after wax solutions
such as Tend Skin which help to prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps. It is normal if your skin is red and
irritated for up to 24 hours after the wax.
Remember, the entire root of the hair was removed from the follicle and
this can cause sensitivity.
Special Notes on
Bikini or Brazilian Wax
When going in
for a Bikini or Brazilian wax, it is helpful that you not apply lotion or oil
to the area that is being waxed.
Although the waxing specialist will wipe the area down before they wax,
it is still helpful not to have oily substances on your skin that may prevent
the wax from sticking. If it’s been an
extremely long time since your last wax and your hair is very long (more than ½
inch) it is recommended that you trim it before going in for a wax. Waxing very long hair is more painful because
of the pulling action. Also, remember to
use your “old” underwear in case any you accidently come into contact with the
wax. Some spa’s or salons offer disposable
underwear but not all.
Can I wax myself?
Yes, you certainly can, however, for
the first time it is recommended you have it done by a professional. Also, it is not recommended that you try to
wax your own bikini or underarm area.
The angle of pulling the wax off and holding the skin taught at the same
time is tricky and extremely difficult to do on yourself. This could result in painful bruising of the
skin or even removing some of your skin.
If you’re in doubt, rather have a professional show you the right way to
do it before attempting to do it yourself.
If I’m unsure, can I have a patch test?
Absolutely, in fact, that is a very
good idea. Most salons and spas should
be able to offer you a complimentary patch test. This is a great way to get an idea of exactly
what is involved and how your skin will react.
Can I be burned by wax?
We’ve all heard clients say that they
were burned by wax but in actuality that is not the case. Think about when you are burned to the point
that your skin peels off. It’s extremely
painful and if you were indeed burned to this degree during a wax session, you
would certainly know about it at the time and not just see red skin afterwards. What has happened in these cases where
clients think they were burned is that their skin has come off when the wax was
removed. This can occur because of technician
error but it can also just simply happen because at that particular time the
individual’s skin was soft or tender. The
skin grows in cycles and it can simply happen at a particular stage of growth.
The majority of quality waxes made
these days are designed to melt at a lower temperature thereby eliminating the
possibility of burning the skin. So rest
assured you will not be burned by the wax.
Precautions/Contraindications
·
Just prior to
menstruation or during menstruation, you are the most sensitive so you may want
to avoid waxing then.
·
If you are pregnant
this can also cause sensitivity.
·
It is normal for those
who have course hair to possibly have some light bleeding.
·
Accutane and Retin A
users may not wax. Both thin the skin and can cause the skin to lift or remove.
If you have used either recently and would like to wax, you must be off of the
Accutane for at least 6 months and Retin A for 3 to 4 weeks.
·
Do not wax the same
day that you have done heavy exfoliation. This will lift the skin as well.
·
It is not recommended
that you get waxed if you have a recent sun burn. The skin may lift.
We hope you’ve found our blog
helpful and if you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with one of our
waxing experts, please click here.
