If you are a regular wax guest of ours or coming to us for the first time, there are many questions that go through peoples minds. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about waxing.
Q: What’s the difference between waxing and shaving?
A: When you shave you are cutting the hair at skin level which causes the root of the hair to become stronger and courser. Things like Nair work the same as shaving. With waxing you’re pulling the hair from the root so that hair has to completely re-grow. Each time you wax the hair becomes thinner and softer which is why waxing becomes less painful. As soon as you shave again that hair becomes course again, this is why to get the best results with waxing you should not shave in between.
Q: How do you prevent in-growns?
A: The best way to prevent in-growns is to exfoliate. I feel like a scrub such as Aveda’s body polish works best. It’s something that’s not to rough but helps make sure the hair, when growing back, doesn’t get stuck under any dead surface cells. Every other day, not every day is recommended. Every day can cause irritation which can actually sometimes cause ingrowns. If you do happen to get one tea tree is your life savor. Within a day you will start to see it disappear and feel relief.
Q: How often do I need to keep up with waxing?
A: This depends on the person and area they are waxing. With facial waxing I usually recommend coming back within 4 weeks. Some might need to do 3. You don’t want to come back sooner then that because the hairs won’t all be long enough to be picked up so you’ll notice some growing back faster shortly after your wax. With body waxing I say 5 weeks. Some may be able to get away with 4. Again that is when all the hair will be at the right length so you’ll get the best result which will stay cleaner the longest.
Q: What is the difference between soft and hard wax?
A: Soft wax works by applying the warm wax and then applying a strip and pulling the strip off. This form of waxing works great for finer thinner hair and larger body parts like legs and arms. This wax does exfoliate the skin a little which is why it is not recommended for people with high sensitivity. It isn’t at all harmful it just isn’t best for everyone. In that case the hard wax comes in handy. The hard wax works but applying the thicker warm wax and letting it dry. Once it is dry, which doesn’t take too long, you pull the wax itself off. As the wax is drying is contracts around the hair and that’s how it is pulled off. It doesn’t exfoliate at all and is less irritating. Like I said this wax works best for people with sensitivities and areas that hair is coarser like bikini’s and brazilian.
Q: How long does the hair have to be in order to wax?
A: When coming in for a wax your hair should be no less than about the length of a grain of rice. If it is shorter the wax will not pick it up as well. This will cause for more tweezing and a less pleasant experience.
Reasons why some people are extra sensitive:
There are multiple reasons why people can be sensitive with waxing. Starting with more of the obvious, sun exposure. If you have been in the sun or go tanning right before a wax your skin is already irritated and should not get waxed. Something women might not realize that you actually become more sensitive if you are close to your cycle. It is not something that should cause you to not wax, you just might notice its a little more uncomfortable than usual. Some medications can cause sensitivity which will prevent you from being able to wax. Make sure you notify your esthetician of any medications you are currently on to make sure it’s not one that would interfere.
What to do and what not to do before and after a wax:
Like I said earlier do not tan 24hours before or after a wax. Try not to put lotions or oils on prior to so it doesn’t interfere with the wax. With body waxing it is recommended to exfoliate 24 hours before waxing, it should not be any sooner to the wax to prevent from added sensitivity. After a wax you should start exfoliating after about 5 days. Then, like I noted earlier, you should continue every other day. After a body wax do not exercise or go in a steam room, or do anything that will increase circulation. You should also not go swimming right after because the clourine can be irritating as well.
If you have any further questions please feel free to call us at anytime!
