Do you ever wonder if waxing is ultimately the best for your skin? Are you tired of shaving every week just to find razor bumps and burns on your skin? Well, waxing may just be the answer for you.
Waxing swiftly pulls hair from the root through repetitive tugs. Shaving is more of a trim, only removing hair from the surface of the skin and leaving the root intact.
When going to a professional, they will either use hard or soft wax and cloth or paper strips to gently remove the hair. The purpose of the wax is to remove the hair from the root, making the hair appear thinner over time. Waxing can be done anywhere on your body and the pain is only moderate, depending on the area. The results of waxing last up to 3-4 weeks, while shaving can last up to 3 days.
Process of Wax
Waxing involves a warm mixture that’s applied to the skin and removed quickly once it cools. There are two different types of wax: soft and hard wax.
Soft wax requires strips to remove and is made with rosin, oils, and other additives. The wax is applied, and the strip is placed on top to remove the hair against the direction of growth.
Hard waxes firm up on their own and are made from beeswax, resin, and oils. Unlike soft waxes, hard waxes remove hair without strips.
Which Area Does Wax Work Best On?
This depends on your preference, but some find shaving easier to perform on a day to day basis for the underarms, legs and bikini area.
However, if you are looking for long term effects, waxing is best for the underarms, legs and bikini area.
For the bikini area, waxing is more precise and can result in less razor bumps because of the delicate skin area.
Benefits of Waxing
One of the main benefits of waxing is that it lightly exfoliates your skin. Because the wax adheres to the top layer of skin, it can remove dead skin cells to reveal a softer underlying layer.
Your skin will be less prone to inflammation. With this, you will have less of that annoying itch and prickliness that comes with shaving.
A big benefit of waxing is that you don’t have to worry about the knicks and cuts! A professional will gently remove your unwanted hair with wax, leaving your skin feeling silky smooth. Waxing will also give you less of a chance of those stubborn ingrown hairs.
How Often to Wax?
Waxing can only be done when the hair is between 1/4- to 1/2-inch long. This means you should usually wax once every 3 to 4 weeks. Shaving can be done as often as necessary, but keep in mind that more frequent shaving may cause irritation in sensitive skin.
What To Do Before Your Waxing Appointment
Before a waxing appointment, grow your hair out to at least 1/4-inch long. If it’s longer than 1/2 inch, you might have to trim it.
The day before, make sure you don’t exfoliate, tan, or dry out your skin with swimming. The day of, avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol and wearing lotions or creams.
To decrease pain, take an over-the-counter pain medication 30 minutes before your appointment.
The Bottom Line
After your waxing appointment, you can return to exfoliating 24 hours after waxing. Keep the area moisturized in order to prevent itching and irritation.
If you are still uncertain if waxing is the best choice for your skin, consult your aesthetician. It is important to know what choice is best for your skin and will not cause irritation.