Is Waxing A Good Option For Hair Removal?

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(1/8^th) 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.