What is Waxing?

Waxing is a hair removal method in which a thin layer of wax is applied in the direction of hair growth, and hair is pulled in the opposite direction from the root. It is one of the most effective methods of hair removal and works for every type of body hair. There are various types of wax in the market. Let us know all about waxing…

Types Of Wax

Soft Wax

Soft wax, also known as strip wax, made of resin, beeswax, and oils. It comes in various types, such as honey-based, resin-based, natural or organic, creme-based, and for sensitive skin. Soft wax is relatively easier to apply and works splendidly on fine hair. a cloth or tissue is used to pull out hair opposite to the direction in which the wax was applied. It is mainly used for large areas such as arms, legs, chest, belly, and back. Strip wax proves cost-effective and efficient.

Hard Wax

Hard wax, also referred to as stripless wax, involves applying a thick layer of wax directly on the skin, allowing it to cool down until the wax hardens. Then after cooling, the wax is ripped off, removing all hair in one go. Hard wax is suitable for coarse or short hair and is less painful compared to other methods. Hardwax shows great results in the bikini area, underarms, and face. It is less messy as there is no use of strips. It is also suitable for sensitive skin types.

Sugar Wax

Sugar wax, or sugaring wax, is made from all-natural ingredients, including honey, lemon, and sugar. To prepare, all three ingredients are heated until they achieve a sticky wax-like consistency. Sugar wax can be used without waxing strips and is a less messy alternative, as the water-soluble sugaring wax is easy to clean. Its composition of all-natural ingredients and absence of harsh chemicals makes it ideal for sensitive skin.

Cold Wax

Cold wax comes pre-applied on wax strips and doesn't require any heat to remove hair. It is very convenient to use at home. To use cold wax strips, press the sticky side of the strip against your skin and peel it off. They are portable and mess-free, but they are not suitable for certain skin and hair types.

Why should you choose to wax?

Long-Lasting Results

In waxing, hair is pulled from the very follicle; hence, it takes time for hair to grow back again. Usually, it takes 2-3 weeks for hair to come back. However, it depends on person to person and hair growth. You get a longer time window between your wax sittings as compared to shaving, where hair comes back after 2-3 days.

Smooth and Soft Skin

Waxing also works as a great exfoliator. Pulling out hair also pulls away dead skin and gives your skin a smooth texture. Over time, waxing will provide you with a smoother skin texture, unlike shaving, which leaves stubbles and ingrown hairs.

Reduced Hair Growth

With regular waxing, hair becomes finer and sparser. This is because as we remove the hair repeatedly from the follicle, it eventually stops growing. Ultimately, you can see a reduction in your hair growth pattern.

Improved Hyperpigmentation

You can see significant improvement in the pigmentation of the skin. This is because waxing evens skin tone. Wax products that contain ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, chamomile, and tea tree work wonders for pigmentation.

Minimal Maintenance

Waxing is better than other hair removal methods in terms of maintenance. It is more convenient as it requires less maintenance, whereas you need to shave every other day to keep hair from growing. Waxed hair takes longer to come back, so you don't need to worry about hair.

Which Body Areas Can You Wax?

• Face : It includes eyebrows, upper lips, forehead, cheeks and chin.
• Body : Body waxing includes arms, legs, chest, belly, back etc.
• Sensitive Areas : Some people prefer to get intimate areas like bikini line, buttocks, or genitals waxed.
• Other Areas : You can get your toes, feet, and fingers waxed as well.

Preparing Your Skin Before Waxing

Preparing your skin before waxing is very essential for a smooth and comfortable waxing experience. Here are some tips you ought to know for the best waxing experience:

Length Of The Hair

Make sure your hair is between 6-12 mm long. If it is too short, waxing will not work, as it cannot pull out short hair. Let your hair grow properly for a week before you book your waxing appointment.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating or scrubbing helps remove dead skin cells, gives smooth, radiant skin, as well as prevents ingrown hair. Gently exfoliate using a mild scrubber or exfoliator. Do not scrub too much, as it can cause extra irritation and make your waxing experience a horrible nightmarish experience.

Cleanse

It is crucial to cleanse and prepare your skin before waxing by ensuring it is free of moisture.. The presence of moisture or any substance on the skin does not give desired waxing results. You can use any talcum powder to remove excess sweat and moisture.

Warm Shower

Taking warm shower before your waxing appointment can be beneficial. This helps to soften hair and open pores and make the hair removal process easier and less painful.

Trim Your Hair

If the length of your hair is too long (more than ½ inch), then you should consider trimming your hair to avoid excess pain. You can use scissors or an electric trimmer to trim your hair. Do not trim them all the way; make sure the length of your hair is between ¼ inch and ½ inch.

How To Avoid Any Discomfort

Pain Relief

Can you tolerate waxing pain? If not, taking some pain relief medication beforehand can really help. You can try popping an ibuprofen or using a numbing cream to help ease the pain.

Avoid Harmful Products

Certain products can harm your skin severely, so it is best to avoid them if your skin is sensitive or allergic. A patch test before applying wax is a must to ensure that your skin can tolerate the product and the temperature of the wax.

Avoid Tight Clothes

Don't wear clothes that are too tight. To allow your skin to breathe you should wear light cotton clothing. This can help prevent skin irritation and discomfort, especially in hot and humid weather.

Sun Exposure

Direct sunlight on your waxed skin can cause irritation, redness and inflammation. Ultraviolet light is extremely harmful and can cause hyperpigmentation. Therefore it is best to avoid sun for 24-48 hours after your waxing session.

Consult Esthetician

Consult your esthetician about your skin, preferences, allergies (if any), concerns, or any other queries. Communicating with your esthetician will make your experience comfortable and better.

Relax And Breathe

Do not panic before your waxing appointment however, it can happen. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and take deep breaths to overcome your anxiety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, waxing is an efficient hair removal method. With the availability of different types of wax you can choose to get waxed wherever you like on your body. The wax that you should use depends on various factors like sensitive or normal skin, fine or coarse hair, area of waxing, budget, etc. Waxing is commonly used for its long-lasting results and smooth skin. People favour waxing for its long-lasting results and how it leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft. Other than that, waxing has a lot of different advantages. Preparing your skin before waxing is crucial. Exfoliating, cleaning, and trimming (if needed) beforehand can make your waxing experience a whole lot better. Furthermoreo minimize discomfort, you can take pain relief medications and consult your esthetician about everything you need to know. Moreover with proper care and preparation, waxing will give you smooth, radiant skin and a boost in confidence. Embrace your waxing journey and enjoy the benefits of hair-free skin!

FAQs

Question: Can waxing remove tan?

Answer: Yes, waxing works as an exfoliator for your skin. It removes dead skin cells and, therefore, improves your skin tan.

Question: Is waxing without strips possible?

Answer: Yes, if you don't have wax strips you can cut strips out of muslin or cotton cloth and use them as usual. Other than this, you can choose hardwax for waxing, which doesn't require strips.

Question: Waxing vs shaving: which one is better?

Answer: Waxing is undoubtedly better than shaving as it removes hair from the very follicle, and it takes time for hair to grow back. On the otherhand shaving cuts the hair at skin length and hair comes back in a day or two. Waxing gives you a smoother skin whereas shaving causes rough looking stubble to grow back in just one day.

Question: Waxing vs epilating: which one is better?

Answer: Waxing and epilating, both hair removal processes, take out your hair from the root. However, epilating is time-consuming and painfull as compared to waxing. Thus waxing is better than epilating.

Question: Can waxing remove hair permanently?

Answer: Waxing doesn't remove hair permanently, but over time, waxing significantly reduces hair growth, and hair becomes finer. Waxing results can be permanent for those people who have very less hair growth.

Question: Is waxing suitable for men?

Answer: Yes, absolutely, waxing is suitable for everyone. Men mostly have hard and coarse hair, which waxing can remove efficiently. Further, waxing also promotes smooth skin and improves skin tan.

Question: Is face waxing safe?

Answer: Yes, face waxing is completely safe. Face waxing if done with precision and using suitable wax according to your skin, gives amazing results.

Question: Is waxing good for the the skin?

Answer: Waxing is good for your skin because it not only removes your hair but also gives your skin a smooth texture. It also improves tanning, reduces hair growth, and gives finer hair.

Question: How painful is waxing?

Answer: Waxing pain can range from very little to intense. It depends on various factors like your pain tolerance level, skin sensitivity and the area that is waxed.

Question: Does waxing have side effects?

Answer: Waxing can cause skin irritation, redness or small bumps. It usually lasts a day or two.