Waxing...Ouch- pain for beauty
Waxing is a method of semi-permanent hair removal which removes the hair from the root cause. It hurts. It removes hair with its roots, not just at the skin surface as with shaving. New hairs will not grow back in the previously waxed area for two to eight weeks. Almost any area of the body can be waxed. There are many types of waxing suitable for removing unwanted hair. If waxing is done regularly for several years, permanent hair reduction may be achieved.
 |
Types of waxing: Some must be performed by a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician. The different types of waxing that can be performed are: |
Most parts of the body can be waxed! Areas individuals should never wax include inside the ears and nose as well as eyelashes, eyelids, the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet. These areas are of particular concern due to sensitive skin that can be severely damaged if waxed. But, then again, who is extra hairy in these parts? Oh hang on l know some men that have hairy ears, yuck! Areas of the body that should only be waxed by a licensed professional include the genitals and the nipples.
Method: Waxing is accomplished by spreading a wax combination thinly over the skin. A cloth or paper strip is then pressed on the top and ripped off with a quick movement against the direction of hair growth. This removes the wax along with the hair The wax then hardens when it cools, thus allowing the easy removal by a therapist without the aid of cloths. This waxing method is very beneficial to people who have sensitive skin.
There are two main types of wax:
- Warm
- Cold
 |
During a warm waxing treatment, wax is warmed to allow it to be spread easily over the skin in the direction of hair growth. Wax is then spread over the skin. The hair becomes embedded in the wax, which cools and firms up grasping the hair. The wax is then quickly pulled off in the opposite direction of the hair growth, pulling the hairs out of the follicles. Cold waxes are available usually attached to strips. The cold wax is patted onto the skin. Wax that is still left on the skin must be peeled or scratched off. Caution must be used when heating wax so as not to burn the skin. Both types of wax leave your skin feeling very smooth. You should not have to shave or wax again until several days or even weeks later. The one drawback to waxing is that you have to wait till the hairs grow out and can be grabbed by the wax. If this is not a problem for you, then waxing is safe and easy when done as directed and will ensure that you don't have to maintain your hair removal almost daily, like with waxing or depilatories. |
Bikini waxing: Bikini waxing refers to the removal of unwanted hair at the top of the leg, below the navel, and in the bikini area, otherwise known as the bikini line, a euphemistic term generally understood to describe any pubic hair that is visible beyond the boundaries of a typical bikini swimsuit, as the name suggests. The mere words 'bikini waxing' usually strikes fear in the hearts of many women. Just the thought of the hair in one of the most sensitive regions of their body being ripped from the root is enough to make most run. But bikini waxing does not have to be as painful as everyone thinks. Other methods of hair removal, such as shaving, sugaring or using chemical depilatories creams are often used in place of waxing.
Bikini waxing can be classified into three types:
American waxing refers to a removal of hair exposed at the top of the thighs and just under the navel when wearing a regular bikini bottom. It is also known as a basic bikini wax.
French waxing leaves a vertical strip in front (a landing strip), two to three finger-widths in length just above the vulva. It is also known as a partial Brazilian wax Hair of the perianal area and labia may be removed. Removal of hair from these areas is also known as the Playboy wax or G-waxing.
Brazilian waxing refers to a removal of almost everything, front to back except for a thin strip of hair on the pubis. An extreme form of bikini waxing. Basic bikini wax just removes the pubic hair that might poke out the sides of your swimsuit. The Brazilian wax, on the other hand, removes all hair from the pubic area, including the labia and the buttocks. So that your are ready for those "specail" days!
Done properly, the pain will be minimal, and the redness should subside in a few hours. Waxes that completely remove the pubic hair are known as a full Brazilian wax, full Bikini wax, Hollywood wax or the Sphinx. While mainly associated with females, genital waxing also has a male clientele. Brazilian bikini waxes have been 'all the rage' since the late 90's, but they're certainly not new the US. Brazilian waxing was introduced to New York in 1987 by seven Brazilian-born sisters.
Brazilians are more readily available at spas and more upscale types of places. Brazilian waxes are more expensive, but it's because they last longer and the results are wonderful. Go ahead, give it a try! The first time it does hurt, but then you get used to it. Your man will love you for it. And who knows, maybe you will too!
Skin Waxing Tips:
- Take an aspirin an hour before waxing to temporarily reduce pain and sensitivity.
- Allow 3-4 weeks between waxing and/or shaving. A quarter of an inch outgrowth is required for bikini, legs and underarms.
- If your hair is long it is best to trim so that the waxing is more comfortable.
- Do not use peels (glycolic, AHA, etc.) or dermabrasion on the waxing area up to 24 hours prior to receiving a skin wax.
- Do not drink alcohol heavily or sunbathe up to 24 hours prior to receiving a skin wax.
- Aloe Vera or Hydrocordisone cream can be used as a topical application if skin in the waxed area becomes irritated.
- Keep the waxed area clean, but do not use harsh cleansers or creams for 24-48 hours post wax.
- Be sure to wash the skin thoroughly and dry it well beforehand to remove any lotions or oils which may prevent the wax from adhering closely to the skin.
- No hot tubs, hot showers or baths, sunbathing or tanning for 24-48 hours post wax.
- Do not exfoliate the skin for 2-3 days post wax, then exfoliate regularly to help prevent ingrown hairs.
- Avoid shaving between waxes.
(Sources: aurel.com, beauty.about.com, articlealley.com)
