Written by Alicia Lartey
Image by @TinaKunakey
Waxing is one of the oldest forms of hair removal and has since evolved overtime to make the experience easier and more effective. Most people who choose to wax prefer this method to other hair removal methods as it is a lot more affordable than the likes of laser or electrolysis and it is said to create fewer ingrown hairs. Unlike shaving, waxing pulls the hair out from the root and sometimes with the follicle itself (the white bulb you sometimes see at the end of a hair), by pulling the hair out from the root, it will take significantly longer to grow back.
There are a few different types of waxes on the market that you may encounter at your chosen beauty salon.
– Hard wax: this wax is thicker and must be left on the skin to harden before removal. Hard wax is commonly used on the underarm, bikini, and face.
– Soft wax: soft wax is the one most people think of when talking about waxing, a piece of fabric or paper is applied on top of the wax to remove it. Soft wax can provide some exfoliation as it removes the outermost layer of the skin.
– Sugar wax: sugaring has been around for a ridiculously long time, but recently picked up steam in the pandemic. I am a huge fan of sugaring because if you decide to bail, you can simply dissolve the sugar.
– Strip wax: whenever you’re in a pinch strip wax comes in handy! You can find strip wax in most drugstores. Strip wax is not ideal for all areas of the body, I would advise not using it on any sensitive areas.
Every professional waxer will have their own specific preparatory regimes that they require for you to get ready for your appointments to avoid some of the most common waxing mishaps. The main thing to remember when going in for a wax is to make sure all your hairs are at least ¼in long.
What can go wrong with waxing?
Shaving between waxes: this can irritate the area that is due to be waxed, as well as result in uneven hair growth. Shaving tends to be one of the more volatile hair removal methods that usually increases your risk of ingrown hairs, making it harder for the wax to evenly adhere to the skin.
Hair snapping: sometimes when the hair is not at the right length before waxing or the wax is not applied correctly, hairs can snap increasing the risk of ingrown hairs. Once the hair has snapped it is harder to remove it from the root.
Burns: it is a rare occurrence, but it is possible to burn the skin with hot wax, that is why it is always important to take a small amount for a temperature check.
Now we have gone over the key points of waxing, let’s get into what makes a waxing experience a true delight!
5 Tips for having the best waxing experience:
1. Stop using chemical exfoliants 7 days prior to your wax
2. Make sure you communicate with your waxing technician
3. Schedule your waxes in advance so you are not tempted to shave
4. A good wax should include attentiveness to ingrown hairs
5. You should not have to shave after your wax or do at home touch-ups
Make sure you always listen to the aftercare steps from your waxer. Happy waxing adventures!
