You may not be able to control where and how fast your body hairs grow, but you have options on how to get rid of them for that perfect summer body! At one point or the other, you might have heard people debate over which is better between waxing or shaving.
Well, this article is not going to do a comparison of both, rather, we would talk in detail about what waxing is and all you need to know about it. Read along!
What is Waxing?
Waxing is simply a more extensive way of removing hair from the skin follicles. A sticky patch (wax) is applied directly on the skin, which when pulled off, peels off hairs from the root. This process has been in existence as way back as the 3000 BC with the Egyptian women.
Benefits of Waxing
Asides the fact that it helps you get rid of the unwanted hairs on your skin, you may wonder why you should choose waxing over shaving. Let’s talk about some of the benefits of waxing!
Smooth and Silkier Skin
Since waxing removes the hair from the root, you would have a very much smooth and silk skin. One that would be free from after-shave bumps or roughness.
Finer and Sparce Hair
The hair follicles get thinner and weaker when you consistently wax. Hence, the hair produced from these follicles are not only thinner but also scanty which makes it feel like you do not even have hairs.
Slower Hair Regrowth
Though the regrowth of hair differs from person to person, it usually takes 2-4 weeks, with waxing, you do not need to worry about new hairs on your skin for at least 5-6 weeks. Overtime, waxing reduces the ability of the follicles to produce hair because they get weakened after each time you wax. Eventually, the overall turn-out of hair is reduced.
Gentle Skin Exfoliation
The skin reproduces new cells every 25-30 days and as such, older cells on the skin need to be removed. Through waxing, you not only get your skin rid of the hair, but the skin is also mildly exfoliated. Leaving your skin feeling fresher, cleaner, and smoother!
Zero Cuts or Itch
There are no sharps or razors used in waxing so there’s no need to be scared about having cuts during the process. Also, with waxing you do not experience anything like itches if the right products are used!
Faster and Efficient
Waxing is a very fast procedure. All it takes is placing the wax on the desired surface and then pulling off.
Is Waxing Better Than Shaving?
The list of waxing benefits could go on and on but let’s pause and compare it to shaving too.
First let’s differentiate between shaving and waxing using a table.
| Shaving | Waxing | |
| Process | Use of razors to remove superficial hairs | Use of wax to remove hairs from the follicles |
| Durability of results | 4-7 days | 5-6 weeks |
| Comfort in process | No pain | Painful |
| Skin Type | Suitable for all skin types | Not suitable for all skin types |
| Possible Side Effects | Itching, Cuts, Folliculitis | Inflammation, infection |
| Hair Length | Suitable for any length | ½ to ¼ inches |
| Covering areas | Lager areas | Can reach corners and smaller areas |
| Cost | Cheaper | More expensive |
Both waxing and shaving have their pros and cons. However, the choice between waxing and shaving still boils down to your preference.
Nonetheless, waxing is a great option if you’re going to consider the results it has on the skin.
Is It Safe to Wax At Home?
Of course, nobody must get an extra hand or an instruction manual to shave but it’s quite different with waxing. Hence, the question, is it safe to do waxing at home?
Waxing can be done at home easily and successfully if the instructions are followed properly and as much as possible, that infection control techniques are maintained.
As a matter of fact, a kit can be used for more than one session, which makes it more cost effective to wax at home. And just like with every other thing, the more you wax by yourself, the better you are at doing it.
Nonetheless, the risks following waxing include rashes, infection, possibly in-growth hair, if not done properly. The chances of these happening are reduced when waxing is done by a professional and the right materials/products are used.
On this note, it is highly recommended that you have your waxing done by wax specialist when you ring in the best home salon.
Dos and Don’ts of Waxing
Whether you’re going to be doing it yourself or you would be going to a spa for it, it is important that you know the rules that apply to waxing. So that you can tell when the aesthetician is doing it correctly or not and you can also guide yourself while you’re at it.
Do’s of waxing
Be Prepared
Well, you need as much mental preparation as you need to physically prepare. Being prepared helps to relief the tension a little bit and make the process less painful. Make sure your hair is at least 2mm long.
Exfoliate
Before or after waxing, it is important to exfoliate your skin. Exfoliation before waxing helps to reduce the dead skin cells allowing the wax to have easy access to the hair follicles. It also helps to reduce the bacterial load on the skin, hence reducing the risk for infection.
Take a Warm Bath Before and Moisturize After
Having a warm bath prior to waxing helps to open the pores and makes them more open for the wax to pick the hairs from.
After waxing, it is important to use a water-based moisturizer to keep the waxed areas hydrated, smooth and moisturized.
Don’ts of waxing
- Book an appointment when you’re on your period
- Have a hot shower 24 hours post waxing
- Go to the pool or the gym
- Use perfumes or scented creams/moisturizers on the area on the first couple days
- Wear constrictive clothing after the first few days
Different Types of Waxes for Hair
There are different types of wax available today and these different types can be suitable for one part of the body than the other.
This section would briefly discuss the types of waxes and the best ways to use them. Stay tuned!
Hard Wax
Though the name sounds tough, hard wax is preferably used for soft and sensitive skin areas. Because it is hard, it must be heated before use. It attaches to the hairs rather than on the skin, hence, it is less painful.
Best use: underarms, upper lips, bikini/brazilian waxing
Soft Wax
Soft wax is lighter in texture and can be applied on larger areas of the body with a spatula. It is also known as a strip wax. After applying it on the skin, a strip of cloth is pressed on it gently and then removed in the direction of the hair growth.
Best use: arms, legs waxing
Fruit wax
Like you might have guessed, fruit wax must be from fruits! They do contain enzymes from fruits. They are like hard waxes, therefore, less painful, with additional antioxidants.
Best use: Face or sensitive skin
When Should One Start Waxing?
There is no gold-standard age for anyone to start waxing. Once you feel there is a need for you to get rid of the hair and you can withstand the process, you’re good to go.
Most times, however, the youngest people who are found at the waxing spa are usually in their early teens, between 13-15 years.
Is Bleeding Normal After Waxing?
It’s very normal to see a few stains of blood after waxing. This could go on for the first few hours. And as such, you should put on comfortable clothing, avoid exercises or contact with the sun as these may further prolong the inflammatory process.
Conclusion
Getting to know about something before you give it a try sort of boosts your confidence and prepares you beforehand. Having learnt in detail all you need to know about waxing, why not give it a try now? Book your appointment with Nooora Beauty Concierge – Dubai’s no.1 Home salon brand.