Thinking About Getting A Wax?
If you’ve never had a professional wax before, it can be intimidating. There are many benefits to waxing, but it’s important you fully research the details so you can show up to your appointment adequately prepared. In this article, we have compiled a list of services, pre-care and post-care, what to expect, and how to avoid a bad experience. We hope it helps you on your hair-free journey!
Curious about waxing hair removal services near you? We specialize in upper lip waxing and eyebrow waxing. Contact us for more information!
Why Wax?
Waxing is a great alternative to shaving or using depilatory creams. It’s fast, easy, affordable and the benefits are numerous. Unlike shaving, waxing causes the individual hair to grow back at a slower rate and its texture is much finer than before.
Typically, we must shave every two days to maintain a smooth feel, but with waxing, your hair can stay gone for up to 6 weeks. Waxing is also easily accessible because most salons offer waxing services. If you’re feeling brave, you can also do it yourself right in your own home.
Different Types of Wax
Warm Soft Wax is a cream or resin-based wax that is used for strip waxing. It’s warmed and applied in a thin, smooth layer over the skin. Then a cloth strip is placed on the wax, pressed down with a hand, and swiftly removed. Warm, spreadable wax is typically used in body waxing. It is not recommended to place the wax on the same area more than once in a session because it will cause painful irritation and skin damage.
Warm Hard Wax is a strip-free waxing option. The wax is applied and left there until it cools. As it cools, it hardens yet its still slightly flexible. Once it’s completely cooled, it can be pulled off, acting as the strip itself.
Cold Soft Wax is put directly onto the skin by spreading on a thin layer. It can also come in a premade strip form. You don’t have to worry about the possibility of getting burned because it’s already cool to the touch. Because it is cool, it tends to be firmer than heated wax. It’s considered more user-friendly but has a reputation for not removing as many hairs effectively as hot wax.
Pre-Made Wax Strips come prepackaged and assembled with cool wax already spread in thin layers on strips. This is another beginner user-friendly option because there is no burn risk and it’s not as messy as applying melted, hot wax yourself. The strips can also be used more than once.
Sugar wax is one of the oldest known hair removal methods. It’s a yummy mix of sugar and hot water, so technically it’s not wax. It achieves the same hairless result, though. Some people claim sugar waxing is less painful and less harsh on the skin, but everyone’s skin tolerance is different. It’s a good option if you have hypersensitive skin.
Fruit wax is another strip-free method. It’s made up of fruit enzymes. This is another gentler option for my sensitive-skinned people out there. It also requires less aftercare because the fruit wax is full of vitamins and antioxidants that nourish the skin. This results in fewer adverse reactions when the process is over.
Chocolate wax (not edible) is made up of cocoa, almond oil, vitamin E, and other minerals that are easy on the skin. It’s considered one of the less painful types of personal grooming methods and makes for a nourishing and hydrating hair removal experience.
Benefits of Waxing
There are many benefits to waxing that far outweigh shaving with a razor or using depilatory creams. After a proper waxing, you can expect less regrowth. The hair that does return will be much finer. If you wax frequently, the hair will eventually not come back at all.
Waxing also acts as an amazing exfoliant. The hot wax pulls away any buildup and dead skin cells, revealing a smooth, radiant layer underneath. You can also say goodbye to razor rash, razor bumps, cuts, nicks, and ingrown hairs. Throw that razor away because waxing is where it’s at!
Salon Waxing
It’s always best to get your waxing done by a professional, especially if you’re new to it. If you’re feeling nervous about a stranger seeing your annoying hair growth, don’t be. These are waxing experts, and no one is judging you.
When you book your session, be clear about exactly what you want and clearly express that to your professional waxer. Most salons offer brow shaping and waxing of the upper lip. Don’t be surprised if they ask for your assistance during the session. Sometimes it takes more than one hand to pull the skin tight enough to remove the hot wax optimally.
At-Home Waxing
Waxing at home can be more convenient and affordable, but it’s also very risky if you are not confident in your abilities. If you are feeling brave, try a patch out on your arm or leg first and then make a good judgment call as to whether you will continue on your own or head to the salon.
Pre Wax Care
There are many precautions you need to take before you head to your first waxing session. Never wax skin that is sunburned, broken out, or currently healing from a separate issue. Don’t take any blood thinners or drink alcohol 24 hours beforehand.
Make sure the hair on the area is long enough for the wax to be able to adhere to the hair and pull it out. It’s a waste of a session to roll up in there with barely visible stubble. Make sure your skin is clean and dry before getting waxed, so this means no lotion, makeup, or lingering sweat from your workout.
Post Wax Care
It’s important to remember that after your waxing, your skin is very sensitive for the next 24-48 hours, so you need to be vigilant about aftercare. Wear loose clothing until the soreness goes away. You don’t want unnecessary chafing on your freshly waxed skin. The day after your wax, you can apply natural options to soothe your skin, such as chamomile, green tea, or vitamin E. Warm showers are fine but avoid submersing yourself in standing water such as baths and hot tubs.
Avoid the ocean, lakes, and rivers because that water is not sanitary and could cause a skin infection. Don’t use any harsh soaps, body washes, fragrances, lotions, makeup, exfoliants, or spray tan products for at least two days. If in doubt, do a patch test to see if your freshly waxed skin will have a reaction.
In Conclusion
We hope you found this article helpful. Now you know the various services, types of wax available to you, commonly waxed body parts, and correct pre-care and aftercare to have a stress-free waxing session. We want your first waxing experience to be a successful one.
Are you ready to try out a waxing hair removal service? Contact us today!