Note: Hair inhibitors work particularly well
with waxing. As wax pulls the hair out from the roots, hair inhibitors
can have a maximum effect in disabling the hair follicle and slowing
down and preventing future hair growth.
Click here
to learn more about hair inhibitors and waxing
To avoid the skin appearing darker after waxing,
be careful not to expose the treated area to the sun for 48 hours
after treatment. Alternatively use a good sun blocker cream on newly
treated areas.
Be sure to test a small area of skin first to make
sure there is no acute sensitivity or allergic reaction to the process.
Hair should be at least 1/8 inch long. If it isn't
wait until it reaches this length.
Be sure to wash the skin thoroughly and dry it well
beforehand to remove any lotions or oils which may prevent the wax
from adhering closely to the skin.
Heat the wax carefully so as not to overheat and
thus burn the skin when applying. Test on a small area first. The
consistency should be soft rather than runny.
If pain and discomfort is a main concern use a pain
reducing gel or cream available from pharmacists. These solutions
should be applied 30 to 60 minutes before waxing so the skin is
numbed beforehand.
Click
here for a pain control available online
Apply a thin layer of wax in the direction of the
hair growth, preferably holding the spatula or tongue depresser
at a 45 degree angle as you spread the wax.
When applying the cotton strip over the wax, rub
in the same direction as the hair growth leaving about 1/3 of the
strip free to allow for a firm grip for a fast back pulling action.
Pull the skin taut before pulling the cotton strip
away.
Pull back with a rapid movement close to the skin.
Do not pull up or out, rather pull back.
One fast, smooth, pull back is much more effective
than a series of light pulls which only increase the pain and leave
patchy areas.
For facial hair use wax at a lower temperature than
the rest of the body. Use one hand to hold the skin taught. Spread
the wax very thinly. Only treat small areas at a time.
Clean the skin with a warm moist towel afterwards
to remove excess wax.
Avoid showering and making the hair wet prior to
hair waxing. Hair absorbs the water making it soft and less likely
to adhere well to the wax. Tough hair is easier to pull off.
Avoid wearing tight clothing over freshly waxed
areas to minimize the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs.
After 24-48 hours exfoliate the skin (with a Loofa
sponge for example) to prevent the dead skin from accumulating in
areas that can become ingrown such as the bikini line, upper thighs,
underarms and calves.
If acne is a problem, wait until the skin has healed
before hair waxing to avoid further irritating this sensitive condition.
Waxing: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
How does hair waxing work?
A wax combination is spread thinly over the skin.
A cloth strip is pressed on the top and then ripped off with a quick
movement removing the wax along with the hair and dead skin cells
leaving the skin smooth.
What's the difference between hot waxes and cold
waxes?
Good hot waxes melt just above body temperature
so they can be easily spread thinly over the skin. As they harden
they trap the hair in the wax so it is removed by the roots when
the wax is ripped off.
Cold waxes are available in precoated strips which
can be pressed directly onto the skin. The hair sticks to the wax
and is then removed with the quick pull back action. (Cold waxing
is also known as Persian waxing)
What is the effect on the skin?
As dead skin cells are removed in this process the
skin can feel quite smooth afterwards. The hair waxing action does
cause the skin to sting and many find a soothing skin healing cream
to be helpful afterwards.
Some persons find the skin reacts with redness and
bumps which disappear after a few hours.
Are there any health precautions to keep in mind
with hair waxing?
Some physicians do not recommend hair waxing for
persons suffering from diabetes or who have varicose veins or poor
circulation as they are more susceptible to infection.
Users of Retin-A, Renova, Differin or Accutane are
advised not to use hair waxing on the face as these medications
tend to weaken the skin and tearing of the skin may occur when the
wax is removed.
Hair waxing should not be done on areas of skin
affected by warts, pimples, moles or rashes or on skin that is irritated,
chapped or suffering from sunburn. Never apply wax to peeling, broken
skin or varicose veins.
Never apply wax to the nipples when removing hair
from the breast area.
On what body areas can hair waxing be used?
It is wise to test a small area first but generally
waxing can be used on most parts of the body. The exceptions are
the male genitals, nipples, inside the ears and nose, eyelashes.
Some find it works well on legs and arms but a little
too painful for the bikini line.
How long before hair reappears?
Generally between 3 and 8 weeks. Less hair regrows
and it is generally finer. Eventually some hair never regrows.
What is Brazilian hair waxing?
Brazilian hair waxing refers to hair removal around
the anus, perineum and vagina. Prices at beauty salons may range
anywhere from $25 to $100 or more.
After underwear is removed a beautician asks the
client to lie down and raise the legs. Talc may be sprinkled all
over the bottom, anus and vagina areas. Hot wax is then spread over
all these areas and then ripped off with cotton strips.
The pain of course can be quite acute and it may
continue for some time afterwards. Many though feel it is worth
it for the results.
See
our page on Brazilian Waxing for more information
Waxing Resources
Folica
specializes in all types of wax and sugaring supplies, warmers and
equipment.
Here is their product list:
