Estheticians agree that personal waxing is fast becoming the most sought-after method of any hair removal system. And why not? Other hair removal systems can be expensive, ineffective, and complicated with possible dangerous side effects. If you have not experienced personal body waxing, and think you may want to give it a try, you'll have a few questions to ask before you embark on a commitment like this. The worst part of beginning a waxing routine is not knowing what to expect. I have put together a brief question and answer forum with the most commonly asked questions listed below. The answers apply to all parts of the body, although some may be a bit more sensitive than others.
Q. What length does the hair on my body have to be to get a successful body wax?
For the best results, we normally like about a 2 to 3 weeks of hair growth or approximately 1/4". I know this may be uncomfortable, but the waxing process depends on enough hair to attach to in order to see good results.
Q. Is there anything I need to know to prepare my body for waxing?
About 2 to 3 days before your waxing appointment, you need to keep in mind two things. Stay out of the sun and exfoliate. Do not do any sunbathing or have any sun exposure for 48 hours before your appointment. Also, two or three days before your scheduled waxing, you need to gently scrub the area to be waxed with an exfoliator. Be sure it's a mild exfoliator and you do not scrub too much. Then, on the day of the waxing, just cleanse your body as usual, without exfoliating, and rinse thoroughly, avoiding body products like lotions, deodorant, perfume, powders, and oils. These products must be avoided as they can cause discomfort and irritation to the skin during or after the waxing process.
Q. Does waxing hurt?
Well, we have to be honest here. Everyone has a different tolerance for pain, but the first time will hurt more than any other time. As you wax more regularly, you are removing less hair each time, and less hair means less discomfort. If pain or discomfort is a real concern for you, be sure to have a conversation with your esthetician before your waxing begins so that you can bring your concerns out in the open and receive some support. Please keep in mind that women should avoid waxing during their periods - the skin is most sensitive during this time. Avoid waxing any time your skin is under stress of any kind.
Q. If I'm having a bikini wax, can I leave my panties on?
Your panties can remain on, if you choose. However, your esthetician will provide you with disposable underwear if you would like to be covered, but don't want your own panties to accidentally come in contact with any wax. Ask your esthetician before you begin what you need to know about a bikini wax and what to expect during the waxing procedure. Before you begin is the time to discuss the actual bikini line you want the waxing to follow on your body. Keep in mind that any time you feel uncomfortable during a bikini wax procedure, you should let your esthetician know that you'll need to stop for a moment. If you feel uncomfortable with the procedure or your esthetician isn't willing to listen to you, you'll want to stop the waxing service and find another, more professional, esthetician.
Q. Is there anything special I need to do to take care of my skin after waxing?
After each waxing appointment, give your skin a break. Stay out of the sun for at least 24 hours and do not climb into a tanning bed for at least 48 hours or more. Your skin is a bit stressed and will not like any alcohol based products, perfumes, lotions, powders, or oils. As a matter of fact, your skin will let you know in no uncertain terms that it wishes to be babied a little. Most any product you normally put on your skin will burn if you try to use it on your freshly waxed skin, so avoid these products for about a day or two.
Q. Once I get into a routine, how long can I go between waxings without seeing hair?
How fast does your hair grow and how long have you been on a waxing schedule? Depending on the answer to that question, you may not see a hair peeking through for 6 weeks. Other people will see some hair growth after only 2 weeks. But, don't be discouraged. At first, you may see hairs pop up almost immediately, but the longer you've maintained a waxing schedule, the longer it will be before you see any hair between waxings. The reason is because hair grows in cycles. So, the first waxing will catch the oldest hairs, the second waxing will catch the next bunch, and so on. It takes most people 3 waxing sessions to get a hold of all the hair growing at all the different intervals. With that said, you should expect to see some hair sprouting up willy-nilly for the first 3 sessions, then you should have caught up with your hair growth cycle.
If you haven't decided yet whether you should try waxing, you may want to ask yourself a few questions. When's the last time you threw on a skirt or pair of shorts without worrying about the last time you shaved? Are you constantly sneaking a peek at your bikini bottoms trying to see if there's anything peeking back at you? You may consider waxing as a way to finally relax and quit worrying and wondering whether or not anyone will notice you haven't shaved. Getting rid of that razor, and razor burns, and cuts, is reason enough to call your esthetician and discuss the possibilities of waxing. - 15343
Q. What length does the hair on my body have to be to get a successful body wax?
For the best results, we normally like about a 2 to 3 weeks of hair growth or approximately 1/4". I know this may be uncomfortable, but the waxing process depends on enough hair to attach to in order to see good results.
Q. Is there anything I need to know to prepare my body for waxing?
About 2 to 3 days before your waxing appointment, you need to keep in mind two things. Stay out of the sun and exfoliate. Do not do any sunbathing or have any sun exposure for 48 hours before your appointment. Also, two or three days before your scheduled waxing, you need to gently scrub the area to be waxed with an exfoliator. Be sure it's a mild exfoliator and you do not scrub too much. Then, on the day of the waxing, just cleanse your body as usual, without exfoliating, and rinse thoroughly, avoiding body products like lotions, deodorant, perfume, powders, and oils. These products must be avoided as they can cause discomfort and irritation to the skin during or after the waxing process.
Q. Does waxing hurt?
Well, we have to be honest here. Everyone has a different tolerance for pain, but the first time will hurt more than any other time. As you wax more regularly, you are removing less hair each time, and less hair means less discomfort. If pain or discomfort is a real concern for you, be sure to have a conversation with your esthetician before your waxing begins so that you can bring your concerns out in the open and receive some support. Please keep in mind that women should avoid waxing during their periods - the skin is most sensitive during this time. Avoid waxing any time your skin is under stress of any kind.
Q. If I'm having a bikini wax, can I leave my panties on?
Your panties can remain on, if you choose. However, your esthetician will provide you with disposable underwear if you would like to be covered, but don't want your own panties to accidentally come in contact with any wax. Ask your esthetician before you begin what you need to know about a bikini wax and what to expect during the waxing procedure. Before you begin is the time to discuss the actual bikini line you want the waxing to follow on your body. Keep in mind that any time you feel uncomfortable during a bikini wax procedure, you should let your esthetician know that you'll need to stop for a moment. If you feel uncomfortable with the procedure or your esthetician isn't willing to listen to you, you'll want to stop the waxing service and find another, more professional, esthetician.
Q. Is there anything special I need to do to take care of my skin after waxing?
After each waxing appointment, give your skin a break. Stay out of the sun for at least 24 hours and do not climb into a tanning bed for at least 48 hours or more. Your skin is a bit stressed and will not like any alcohol based products, perfumes, lotions, powders, or oils. As a matter of fact, your skin will let you know in no uncertain terms that it wishes to be babied a little. Most any product you normally put on your skin will burn if you try to use it on your freshly waxed skin, so avoid these products for about a day or two.
Q. Once I get into a routine, how long can I go between waxings without seeing hair?
How fast does your hair grow and how long have you been on a waxing schedule? Depending on the answer to that question, you may not see a hair peeking through for 6 weeks. Other people will see some hair growth after only 2 weeks. But, don't be discouraged. At first, you may see hairs pop up almost immediately, but the longer you've maintained a waxing schedule, the longer it will be before you see any hair between waxings. The reason is because hair grows in cycles. So, the first waxing will catch the oldest hairs, the second waxing will catch the next bunch, and so on. It takes most people 3 waxing sessions to get a hold of all the hair growing at all the different intervals. With that said, you should expect to see some hair sprouting up willy-nilly for the first 3 sessions, then you should have caught up with your hair growth cycle.
If you haven't decided yet whether you should try waxing, you may want to ask yourself a few questions. When's the last time you threw on a skirt or pair of shorts without worrying about the last time you shaved? Are you constantly sneaking a peek at your bikini bottoms trying to see if there's anything peeking back at you? You may consider waxing as a way to finally relax and quit worrying and wondering whether or not anyone will notice you haven't shaved. Getting rid of that razor, and razor burns, and cuts, is reason enough to call your esthetician and discuss the possibilities of waxing. - 15343
About the Author:
Charlotte Field is a Skin Care Specialist offering Facials in Pensacola, Florida. She specializes in Anti-aging, Relaxation and Results. And, yes, she offers waxing in a safe, comfortable setting. Learn more about her services at FacialsbyCharlotte.com.
