Wax Hair Removal
Treats
Unwanted hair
Region
Whole body
Lasts
3-6 weeks
There are two different types: soft wax and hard wax. Although both do a good job of removing hair from the follicle, hard wax is better for smaller, more sensitive areas like your bikini line. Soft wax, on the other hand, is a better option for larger areas like your legs.
Soft wax adheres to your skin as well as to the hair. This means that the outermost top layer of your skin also comes off when the wax is pulled off.
Usually this makes the process more painful than waxing with hard wax.
Unlike hard wax that comes off on its own, soft wax requires a waxing strip to remove the wax and hair from your skin. This may leave your skin red and irritated afterward. Because both the top layer of your skin and hair follicle are removed. Soft wax works best on large areas like your back, legs, and arms.
When it comes to sensitive spots hard wax is the way to go. That’s because hard wax adheres to the hairs rather than to the skin, which gives it an advantage in the hair removal process. In theory since hard wax only sticks to the hair, basically you can treat and retreat areas to make sure all of the hairs are removed without damaging the skin.
Hard wax is thicker than soft wax and works by hardening on your skin — hence, the name. Once it hardens, you can remove it with your hands, so there’s no need for waxing strips. This makes the process a lot less painful. According to experts, hard wax is best suited for use on your bikini line, underarms, and face.
What to expect?
Before treatment
Refrain from taking a shower or bath immediately before the treatment. Soaking the hair will soften it, allowing it to break more easily and making waxing less effective. Make sure the hair is the appropriate length for waxing. Make sure that the area(s) to be waxed are clean.
Don't exfoliate 24 hours to 48 hours prior to waxing to avoid irritation. (Though we absolutely encourage you to exfoliate a few times weekly in between wax appointments to keep skin soft.) Don't coat your body with lotions, potions, creams or any of the sort the day of your wax.
During treatment
The waxing starts in the front and moves toward the back. You may be asked to help hold areas on the body that the wax pro cannot reach. Be sure to let your waxer know if you want a landing strip or everything off. When the wax has cooled, she will pull the strip off, in the opposite direction of your hair growth.
After treatment
For the first few days after waxing, your skin will likely be sensitive and vulnerable to irritation. Try to avoid the sun, swimming, saunas, baths, and any exercise that involves friction or makes you sweat.
Because waxing treatments exfoliate your skin, avoid using additional exfoliants immediately after a session. After the first few days, however, exfoliation can help avoid ingrown hairs and is encouraged. Finally, choose delicate post-wax products and routines: no spray tans, harsh skin care ingredients, or strong fragrances for a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Laser Removal Treatments
What is Wax Hair Removal?
Waxing removes the entire hair, root and all, from the follicle. Your skin naturally hardens and thickens over the area that was waxed so it is important to keep that area gently exfoliated.
What are possible side effects of Wax Hair Removal ?
-
Ingrown hairs after waxing. Ingrown hairs also are a side effect of shaving and depilating
-
Pimples after waxing. One of the side effects of waxing is that it will leave your pores open
-
Redness and irritation
-
Infection after waxing
-
Allergic reactions
How can I prevent ingrown hairs?
-
use of exfoliating products (Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) products, loofahs, scrubs, etc.)
-
direct sun exposure and tanning beds
-
creams with fragrance or ingredients that may irritate
-
deodorant: it results in irritation and clogging of open follicles
-
wearing tight clothing: results in irritation and inflammation
-
excessive heat, such as that from hot tubs and saunas. Warm showers are okay.
-
exercise, if it may cause chaffing or sweating
-
touching the freshly waxed area: this encourages irritation
-
After 24-48 hours, regular exfoliation with a shower gel and loofah or exfoliating glove will help keep skin soft and prevent ingrown hairs.
-
Apply an SPF 30 or greater sunscreen to any exposed treatment areas. Since waxing exfoliates as well as removing hair, your skin will be more prone to sunburn in the days following your treatment.
What should I expect?
Everyone's skin reacts differently to waxing treatments, but you can expect to have temporary redness and minor irritation for a day or two. Slight itchiness may be experienced as the hair grows out. Proper post-wax care will alleviate these symptoms quickly.
Will waxing make my hair grow back thicker/stronger/darker?
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 coarse.
When hair is shaved, it is cut off at the thick part of the hair, which is why you can feel stubble the next day. A properly waxed hair is removed from the root, and when the hair starts to grow back it is a new hair, very fine at the tip, so no stubble.
The only things known to stimulate hair growth are hormones: natural or artificial.
How long, or short, should my hair be for waxing?
Can I shave between waxing appointments?
The hair should be at least 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch for best results. If you have coarse hair it should be closer to 1/2-inch for the first few waxes. Once the hair becomes finer it can be waxed at a shorter length. If your hair is longer, I recommend shaving the area and booking your waxing appointment for two to three weeks later.
It may take up to three waxing treatments to achieve smooth skin due to the fact that hair grows in stages and all of your hair is never at the same stage. It is very important to avoid shaving between waxing appointments, as this will interrupt the process and stimulate the hair growth again. So if you’re going on holiday and want to be hair free while you’re away you need to plan your waxing treatments now, for the best results.
No. Please do not shave between waxing appointments! It disrupts the hair growth cycle resulting in more hair at your next appointment.