Waxing

Waxing is a form of semi-permanent hair removal which removes the hair from the root. Wax is applied to the skin and clings to the hairs. When the wax is removed, the hairs are stuck to the wax, leaving your skin smooth. Hair regrowth becomes softer and results last longer than other forms of hair removal 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 growth cycle.

 

Some frequently asked questions about waxing:

 

Will it make my hair grow back thicker?

 

Absolutely not. Waxing does not cause you to grow more hair follicles. In fact, if you become a regular waxer, you will notice that your hair will become quite sparse and not as course.

Will it make my hair grow back darker?

Waxing will not change the pigment of your hair.

 

Is it painful?

 

The amount of discomfort experienced when waxing depends on the individual and your level of sensitivity. A tingling sensation can be felt immediately after waxing, this is the tiny nerve endings in your hair follicles reacting to the removal of the hair, and this will pass in seconds. After regular waxing the discomfort lessens because the hair follicle becomes weaker.

 

However if you are new to waxing you may experience more discomfort but as they say, no pain, no gain!

 

Follow these helpful tips to lessen the discomfort.

 

• Take an over the counter pain-relief tablet an hour before waxing

• Exfoliating the day before you plan to wax as this will ease the pain by eliminating dead skin cells

• If female, avoid waxing within a week before your period, this is when you’re extra-sensitive to pain

• Avoid caffeine, salt and alcohol as they make your skin extra sensitive

• Press on your skin firmly after removing the wax

• Mind over matter! Don’t psych yourself out about the pain. Take deep breaths and realise that it’s nothing to worry about. The discomfort experienced is very short and will be quickly forgotten as you enjoy your long lasting smooth skin

 

Will my skin become red and irritated?

 

Some people show no signs of irritation, others look as if they have contracted a horrible skin disease. Again, it depends on your sensitivity and if the root of your hair is particularly large. It is normal to turn red and for the skin to develop small, red bumps everywhere. This is only temporary and usually only lasts for 24 hours.

 

How long does my hair have to be?

 

Many places say 3 mm but I prefer 5 mm for better, longer lasting results.

 

If I haven't been waxed before, could someone just do a test patch?

 

If you are timid about waxing, ask the salon if they could do a small patch on your lower leg. It will give you an idea if you will be red, bumpy and sensitive and you'll understand what kind of pain is involved. Also, you'll be able to tell if you have an allergic reaction, which in my experience has never happened.

 

What is the difference between Hard Wax and Strip Wax?

 

Hard Wax is a peel off wax applied thickly on the skin and removed with your fingertips. It is used for waxing sensitive & delicate areas such as eyebrows, upper lip, facial waxing, underarms, bikini line & Brazilian waxing.Strip Wax is applied thinly and removed with a waxing strip; this is great for larger areas of skin such as the legs, arms, back, chest and some facial waxing.

 

How do I prepare my skin before waxing?

 

Hair growth needs to be at least 3mm from the skin's surface so the wax can adhere to the hair. Longer hair should be trimmed to 5mm before waxing. Area to be treated must be clean, dry and free from any oils and creams. If your wax isn’t picking up all the hairs it may be because there are too many dead skin cells that the wax is sticking to rather than the hair. Exfoliating the skin will also help remove dead skin cells which the wax can stick to rather than the hairs, so removal of these dead skin cells will let the wax adhere to the hair properly.