Waxing can be a straightforward treatment. But for someone who may have never experienced a wax treatment before, here is everything you need to know.
How Long Or Short Does My Hair Need To Be For Waxing?
The hairs on your body should be at least ¼-inch to ½-inch in order to get the best results. If your hair is coarse then it is advised that your hair is as close to ½-inch as possible. Especially for the first few waxes. Once the hair becomes finer you can wax it at a shorter length.
If your hair is longer, it is best to shave first and book your waxing appointment 2-3 weeks later. The average human’s hair grows in stages, so you may need 2-3 appointments in order to achieve full smoothness.
It is also important and advised to avoid shaving between your appointments as this can lead to irritation and interrupt the regrowth process.
How Often Should I Get My Wax Treatments?
It is advised that you book your waxing appointments every 4-5 weeks. If waxing is done regularly your skin is likely to be less sensitive. Over time your hair follicles will have less grip and are more likely to pull away from the skin more easily.
What Should I Do Before My Waxing Appointment?
Do not take a shower or bath before your treatment. If you soak your hair, you will more than likely soften the hairs and the skin that surrounds it, this will make your treatment less effective and can lead to skin irritation after your wax.
– Make sure your hair is at an appropriate length to be waxed.
– ALWAYS make sure that the area that is being waxed is clean.
There are some medications that can make the skin more sensitive. It is advised that if you take these medications you don’t book a waxing appointment. For example: Topical Exfoliants such as Retin-A, Renova and Hydroquinone.
Oral Acne medications such as Accutane, blood thinners and Topical/Oral Cortisone. It may be best to check with your doctor about whether you can book a waxing appointment if you take these or similar medications.
What Can I Expect After My Waxing Treatment?
It is normal after a waxing treatment to experience redness and minor irritation for the first few days. As the hairs grow out you may experience some itchiness. If you follow a proper after-wax care routine you can easily relieve yourself of some of these symptoms fairly quickly.
Ingrown Hairs?
It is possible to get a few ingrown hairs after a wax treatment. Waxing removes the entire hair, including the roots from the follicle. Your skin will naturally harden and become thicker over the area that has been waxed. One important thing to remember is to keep this area clean and exfoliated.
After you have had your waxing treatment, try to wear loose fitting clothes for a few days. This gives your skin a chance to breathe and by doing so, it will also reduce moisture. The Bikini, Lips and Underarms are where we tend to perspire and release moisture most. Moisture can cause bacteria to grow, which can lead to infections.
Once the area has been waxed, the follicle is wide and open, and this is where the bacteria tends to creep in. The best advice is to also prevent yourself from doing any heavy exercise, at least for a few days after your treatment. Heavy exercising can cause perspiration and chaffing, both of which can irritate the skin around the area that has been treated. It is best to avoid exercising for 24-48 hours after your treatment.
How Do I Prevent Ingrown Hairs?
For at least 20-48 hours, try to avoid using products on the waxed areas. For example:
– Exfoliating products
– Direct sun exposure/sun beds
– Creams that may irritate the skin such as deodorant
– Tight clothing
– Excessive heat from hot tubs/saunas > warm showers are okay
– Exercise as it may cause chaffing and sweating
– Touching the waxed area as this can lead to irritation
You can also try using an unscented shower gel and a loofah to help keep the skin soft and exfoliated. This is a great way to prevent any ingrown hairs. You may also be advised to apply an SPF 30 or greater sunscreen to any exposed treatment areas.
This is because waxing will exfoliate as well as remove your hairs. Your skin will be more prone to sunburn in the days following your treatment.
Is Shaving Advised Between Waxing Appointments?
Generally it is not advised that you shave between your appointments. By doing so, it can interrupt your hair growth resulting in more hair at your next appointment. As before, just keep the skin around the treatment area exfoliated and clean and let your body do the rest of the work.
What Types Of Waxing Treatments Are Available?
There are many different types of waxing treatments out there. Usually waxing treatments are broken down into 3 categories. They consist of:
Facial Waxing:
– Eyebrow wax
– Lip wax
– Chin wax
Body Waxing:
– Back wax
– Underarm wax
– Forearm wax
– Half leg wax
– Full leg wax
Male Waxing:
– Back wax
– Chest wax
