If you want to achieve salon-like hair-free skin with waxing hair removal, understanding the right approach is key. This article demystifies the process, detailing how to prep, wax effectively, and maintain your skin afterward. Get ready to embrace the expertise that’ll make your next waxing session smooth sailing.
What is Waxing and How Does It Work?
To put it simply, waxing is the process of removing hair from the roots. It involves wax made of extracts from tree sap, beeswax, or other natural ingredients, that when applied to the skin, glides smoothly over the hair and clings tightly upon drying. For hot wax, in particular, the heat also helps in opening up the pores for more seamless hair removal.
After applying, the wax is removed with a cloth strip to completely pluck the hair from the follicle. Results are instant! On top of enjoying hair-free skin immediately, you will not be burdened by the thought of waking up the next day with signs of premature regrowth. In that regard, it is a more worthwhile approach to hair removal compared to shaving, which only cuts the hair from the surface of the skin. Plus, you can bid farewell to razor burns, cuts, and chicken skin!
Sounds like a good deal? Definitely!
Long-Term Benefits Of Waxing
Slower hair growth
Various factors can affect new hair growth, and it’s not just attributable to whether you wax too often or not. Your DNA and your diet can play a major role in your hair’s growth cycle. The same goes with hormones – an imbalance could affect the texture and speed by which your hair will grow back.
All that considered, it is believed that frequent waxing can eventually slow down the growth of hair. You may notice longer periods between waxing sessions, and overall fewer hair strands once they grow back. While this is mostly based on personal testaments from our customers rather than actual clinical studies, it is definitely worth trying it out for yourself!
Fine, thin hair
Each time hair is taken out from the follicle, the base progressively weakens. This leads to new hair that is visibly finer and thinner in texture. The more sessions you have, the higher the possibility of seeing these results. In fact, some of our customers claim that new hair growth is barely noticeable at a certain point. Keep up the waxing (without overdoing it of course!), and you may get the same benefits!
Do these long-term results make waxing worth it? We think so! While they may not be permanent, it is still a whole lot better than shaving on the daily.
Waxing Do’s And Don’ts
Now that we’ve cleared the air, we hope this encourages you to continue waxing with these enjoyable benefits in mind! If you decide to opt for it as a long-term solution to hair removal, we’ll leave you with these tips moving forward.
During the first 24 hours:
- Avoid hot showers and steam baths.
- Avoid sunbathing, direct sunlight, and even artificial tanning.
- Don’t wear tight clothing; waxed skin needs air to breathe and recover.
- Avoid using perfumed and oil-based products in and around the area.
- Don’t touch the waxed areas, as exposed follicles are susceptible to infection.
- Avoid products that contain AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) as they might irritate your exposed follicles.
After 24 hours:
- Use a gentle scrub on the area after three days. This will help you carefully exfoliate to get rid of dead skin cells and leftover wax residue.
- Use a good sunscreen and protect your skin from direct sun exposure.
- Use a moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated and smooth.
In-between waxing sessions:
- Don’t schedule a waxing session during your period as your skin is extra sensitive at this time. It could lead to damaged skin, bumps, and wounds. As an added measure, avoid scheduling at least a week before your period is due.
- Don’t shave between waxing sessions. This will extend the ideal period between waxes and could interfere with your overall hair growth cycle. By doing so, hair growth may be quicker versus your previous waxing session. Plus, hair may grow back thicker and more coarse.
DIY Waxing: Is It Safe To Do At Home?
We’d hate to burst your bubble, but DIY waxing is a no-no!
Many at-home waxing kits promise an easy fix to hair removal, with many advocates using it on a daily basis. But what is commonly overlooked are the consequences after. Users tend to skip the healing part, thinking that the process ends after the hairs are pulled out. In a salon or a clinical setting, the aftermath is crucial! We apply an antiseptic cream after the procedure to minimise infection and related risks.
Note to self: Drop the tools, and trust the professionals!
Comparing Waxing to Other Hair Removal Methods
As the applause fades and the lights dim, it’s time to reflect on waxing in the grand theater of hair removal methods. How does it hold up when the curtains are drawn between it, shaving, and the laser’s precise beam?
Waxing vs. Shaving
In the duel of waxing and shaving, each method brings its own weapons to the battle. Waxing offers the promise of a smooth stage for up to four weeks, while shaving requires frequent encores every few days. Waxing requires patience, allowing hair to grow to the right length for its moment in the spotlight, whereas shaving is the impromptu act, ready at a moment’s notice.
With waxing, you’re investing in tickets to a longer show, but with shaving, you’re saving for a performance that’s more accessible and can be enjoyed daily.
Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal
Against the high-tech allure of laser hair removal, waxing stands as a traditional and time-tested hair removal method for dealing with unwanted hair. Laser promises a future of sparse encores, targeting the follicles for a long-lasting reduction in hair regrowth, albeit with a steeper ticket price.
But waxing isn’t without its charm, offering a performance that, while temporary, is more accessible and immediately gratifying.
Waxing Hair Removal FAQs
Does waxing permanently remove hair?
No, waxing does not permanently remove hair, but it will leave your skin hairless and smooth for a longer period than shaving as it removes hair from the root. So, you can enjoy hair-free skin for a good amount of time.
Is it better to shave or wax?
Waxing is the better option as it removes hair from the root, providing longer-lasting results compared to shaving, which only removes hair from the surface. So, if you want longer-lasting hair removal, go for waxing.
How long should my hair be for the most effective waxing session?
Your hair should be about a quarter of an inch long for the most effective waxing session. If it’s longer than half an inch, trim it to three-quarters of an inch, but be cautious not to cut it too short.
Can I wax at home if I have sensitive skin?
Yes, you can wax at home with sensitive skin by using hypoallergenic hard waxes or soothing waxes like Pink Cream Liposoluble Wax or Biosoft’s Rose Stripless Wax, and following up with gentle skincare products.
What can I do to prevent ingrown hairs after waxing?
- Gentle exfoliation, a day or two before the main event, sets the stage
- Post-waxing care keeps the performance smooth
- Moisturize to maintain the skin’s barrier, combining it with regular exfoliation for an ingrown-free finale.
Loose clothing lets the skin breathe, avoiding any post-show irritation, and warm compresses open the curtains for any trapped hairs to make their exit. To remove hair effectively, special serums and creams, designed to prevent ingrown hairs, are the understudies that ensure a flawless run, keeping your skin care routine in the limelight.
When to schedule your next wax?
Timing is everything in the world of waxing—knowing when to take the stage again ensures that each performance is as captivating as the last. The rule of thumb is every two to four weeks, depending on your personal growth patterns and the stage you’re preparing—be it face, legs, or the intimate setting of a Brazilian wax. For facial hair, a quicker return every two to three weeks keeps the spotlight on smoothness, while legs can bask in their hair-free glory for three to four weeks between shows.
Men’s back sessions can be spaced further apart, but remember, regular waxing isn’t just about routine; it’s about refinement, leading to finer hair and less discomfort over time.
The Best Waxing Hair Removal at Christchurch
Here at Lovoir Skin Body & Beauty, we promise the best waxing experience for our beloved Christchurch clients. Our team of aestheticians are experts at guaranteeing hair removal the safe way. If you’re ready to take the leap, check out our waxing treatments to book your next session with us!
Book waxing here
Now if you decide that waxing is not for you and want to explore more permanent methods, you can book a consultation with us and we’ll help you get to the roof of your hair problem – pun intended!
Visit our Beauty Salon & Day Spa at Lovoir The Crossing:
