Waxing is the longest lasting temporary hair removal technique available. When wax is warm, it enters the follicle, allowing the hair to be pulled out from the root. Hair grows back in 3 to 6 weeks. The disadvantage to waxing is that it can be painful for those with sensitive skin. And hair must grow back by ¼ inch before waxing again.
What should you expect when waxing for the first time?
First, a special preconditioning lotion for waxing is applied. Then wax is applied onto the skin and covered with strips of cloth. The wax hardens around each strand of hair, the cloth is quickly pulled off. Your skin should be pulled taut in the opposite direction that the strip will be removed.
The best antidote to the pain of waxing is to try to relax. When you are tense, the follicle closes and the wax doesn't reach the toot of the hair. Immediately after waxing, gentle pressure is applied to the area; icing the area also can help ease the pain. The more often you get a wax treatment, the more accustomed you'll grow to the experience.
Bikini Area Hair Removal
Waxing is one of the best ways to remove hair from the bikini area. Though temporary, this method gives a clean, smooth surface and the longest lasting results (so less maintenance is required) Hair grows back finer because waxing pulls the hair out below the surface of the skin. Plus, waxing does not irritate the skin and nerve endings as shaving and depilatories do, so red bumps and irritations are kept to a minimum.
How Waxing Changes Your Hair
Waxing really does make your hair grow in lighter over time. Because the wax gets into the hair follicle and pulls the hair form the root, it grows back less thick than when the hair shaft is shaved.
How does 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 pre-coated 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 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?
Some physicians do not recommend 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 waxing on the face as these medications tend to weaken the skin and tearing of the skin may occur when the wax is removed.
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.
How long before hair reappears?
Generally between 3 and 8 weeks. Less hair regrows and it is generally finer. Eventually some hair never regrows.