Body waxing has, with good reason, been steadily gaining popularity as a safe and affordable form of hair removal. Even though it's relatively simple, if you've never tried it before it can be a little scary for a first-timer. The worst part is always the unknown. What should you expect? Here are some of the most common questions that I've been asked about what to expect from a personal waxing service -- and the answers apply, whether you're considering waxing your legs, your eyebrows, or your bikini area.
Q. Do I have to let my hair grow out a little so the wax can work?
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?
You must have no sun exposure for the 48 hours prior to waxing. About 2 or 3 days before you come in for the waxing, lightly exfoliate the area to be waxed, using any exfoliator that you would typically use on your body. Don't over-scrub, just as you would gently exfoliate your face. On the day of your waxing, be sure you thoroughly cleanse the area being waxed, but do not exfoliate, and do not apply any oils, lotions, powders, perfumes, etc.
Q. How much discomfort or pain will the actual waxing procedure cause me?
Honestly, the actual waxing process may cause a bit of discomfort or may sting a bit. People all have levels of pain that they can handle. Keep in mind that the first waxing will be the most uncomfortable as there is more hair to remove. Each time you visit your esthetician for the next waxing in your schedule, you will experience less discomfort. It's hard to judge how much pain or discomfort is involved, but there wouldn't be so many women choosing this method of hair removal if it was unbearable. One thing to know is that your skin is most sensitive during your period, so avoid scheduling a waxing during your period, or, for that matter, any time your skin is under any stress.
Q. Will I have to take my panties off when I get a bikini wax?
Your esthetician will have a disposable panty for you if you choose to be covered during your bikini line wax. Of course, estheticians are professionals and will treat you with respect. Before you begin the bikini waxing, discuss any confusion or discomfort you may be experiencing about the actual waxing procedure with your esthetician. You should agree beforehand on the bikini line you wish to wax so there are no mistakes made during the waxing to cause you and your esthetician discomfort. However, if at any time during the waxing you should become uncomfortable, you will want to stop the waxing and discuss your feelings with your esthetician. Don't be afraid to seek out a different esthetician if you feel that you are not receiving professional treatment at all times.
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. How soon after waxing will I start to see the hair poking through again?
It all depends on how fast your hair grows and if you are just starting your waxing routine. Some people may not be able to go longer than 2 weeks, while others can go as long as 6 weeks. However, the longer you have been on a regular waxing schedule, the longer each waxing will last. Hair grows in cycles which means it's appearing at different intervals. Each time you wax, you are only removing the hair that's made an appearance thus far; there are more hairs waiting underneath that will show up in the next few days. Because of that, it may take up to 3 waxing sessions to have all your hair growing in different intervals finally removed. So, your legs will probably not be smooth for about 3 waxing appointments. After that, you'll notice that you will be able to go longer between waxings without seeing hair.
So, is waxing the answer for you? You may not be sold yet, but ask yourself the next time you have to wear jeans instead of shorts or a skirt if you wouldn't be a little more relaxed knowing that you don't have to regret not shaving your legs... again. See if, when you're at the beach or pool, it wouldn't be a whole lot nicer to concentrate on the sun and fun without tucking the stray hairs back into your swimsuit bottom, hoping no one sees you. If you can rid yourself of your razor, and all the problems they cause, would you consider waxing? I think it's time to give your esthetician a call and make an appointment to chat a bit about the benefits of waxing. - 16083
Q. Do I have to let my hair grow out a little so the wax can work?
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?
You must have no sun exposure for the 48 hours prior to waxing. About 2 or 3 days before you come in for the waxing, lightly exfoliate the area to be waxed, using any exfoliator that you would typically use on your body. Don't over-scrub, just as you would gently exfoliate your face. On the day of your waxing, be sure you thoroughly cleanse the area being waxed, but do not exfoliate, and do not apply any oils, lotions, powders, perfumes, etc.
Q. How much discomfort or pain will the actual waxing procedure cause me?
Honestly, the actual waxing process may cause a bit of discomfort or may sting a bit. People all have levels of pain that they can handle. Keep in mind that the first waxing will be the most uncomfortable as there is more hair to remove. Each time you visit your esthetician for the next waxing in your schedule, you will experience less discomfort. It's hard to judge how much pain or discomfort is involved, but there wouldn't be so many women choosing this method of hair removal if it was unbearable. One thing to know is that your skin is most sensitive during your period, so avoid scheduling a waxing during your period, or, for that matter, any time your skin is under any stress.
Q. Will I have to take my panties off when I get a bikini wax?
Your esthetician will have a disposable panty for you if you choose to be covered during your bikini line wax. Of course, estheticians are professionals and will treat you with respect. Before you begin the bikini waxing, discuss any confusion or discomfort you may be experiencing about the actual waxing procedure with your esthetician. You should agree beforehand on the bikini line you wish to wax so there are no mistakes made during the waxing to cause you and your esthetician discomfort. However, if at any time during the waxing you should become uncomfortable, you will want to stop the waxing and discuss your feelings with your esthetician. Don't be afraid to seek out a different esthetician if you feel that you are not receiving professional treatment at all times.
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. How soon after waxing will I start to see the hair poking through again?
It all depends on how fast your hair grows and if you are just starting your waxing routine. Some people may not be able to go longer than 2 weeks, while others can go as long as 6 weeks. However, the longer you have been on a regular waxing schedule, the longer each waxing will last. Hair grows in cycles which means it's appearing at different intervals. Each time you wax, you are only removing the hair that's made an appearance thus far; there are more hairs waiting underneath that will show up in the next few days. Because of that, it may take up to 3 waxing sessions to have all your hair growing in different intervals finally removed. So, your legs will probably not be smooth for about 3 waxing appointments. After that, you'll notice that you will be able to go longer between waxings without seeing hair.
So, is waxing the answer for you? You may not be sold yet, but ask yourself the next time you have to wear jeans instead of shorts or a skirt if you wouldn't be a little more relaxed knowing that you don't have to regret not shaving your legs... again. See if, when you're at the beach or pool, it wouldn't be a whole lot nicer to concentrate on the sun and fun without tucking the stray hairs back into your swimsuit bottom, hoping no one sees you. If you can rid yourself of your razor, and all the problems they cause, would you consider waxing? I think it's time to give your esthetician a call and make an appointment to chat a bit about the benefits of waxing. - 16083
About the Author:
Charlotte Field is a Skin Care Specialist in Pensacola, Florida specializing in Anti-aging, Relaxation and Results. Learn more about her services at FacialsbyCharlotte.com.
