Guide to Waxing: Everything You Need to Know
Waxing is a beloved and effective way to ditch unwanted body hair, leaving your skin smooth and silky. Unlike shaving, which merely cuts the hair at the surface, waxing pulls hair from the root, which means you can enjoy that smooth-skin feeling for much longer. For many, it’s the go-to method, not just because it can slow down hair growth over time, but also because it helps dodge the hassles of stubble and ingrown hairs.
But, just like any beauty treatment, aftercare is key. Keep reading to find out how to pamper your skin after a wax!
Table of contents
What is waxing?
Waxing is a semi-permanent hair removal technique. Warm or cold wax is applied in the direction of hair growth and then swiftly removed against the grain. This yanks the hair right out by the roots, giving you smoother skin for longer compared to other hair removal methods like shaving. The aim is to strip away unwanted hair from various body parts, slow down hair regrowth, and keep your skin looking neat and tidy.
Different types of waxing treatments
There’s a variety of waxing options depending on the body part you’re targeting and the technique used. Here are some popular choices:
- Brazilian wax: This intimate waxing style removes all hair from the pubic area, including the labia and backside, though you can opt to leave a little strip or triangle at the front.
- Bikini wax: This targets the sides of the bikini line to ensure smooth skin when you’re rocking swimwear.
- Full body wax: As the name suggests, this treatment involves removing hair from the entire body, including the arms, legs, back, abdomen, and face.
- Facial wax: Specifically aimed at removing unwanted facial hair like the upper lip, cheeks, and eyebrows.
- Underarm wax: Gets rid of underarm hair for a smooth finish.
- Leg wax: Can be either half-leg (from the ankle to the knee) or full-leg (from the ankle to the thigh).
No matter which type of waxing treatment you choose, it is important to go to an experienced and well-trained esthetician to ensure a safe and effective treatment.
How to prep your skin for waxing?
For the best results and to minimize potential side effects, proper skin preparation is crucial. Here’s what you can do:
1) Clean the skin: Start by cleansing the area to be waxed to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. This ensures the wax sticks properly to the hairs.
2) Exfoliate: Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, which can prevent ingrown hairs and lead to smoother waxing. It's best done 24-48 hours before your waxing appointment.
3) Avoid sunbathing: If you’re waxing a sun-exposed area, steer clear of direct sunlight for at least 24 hours before the treatment to avoid sensitizing the skin.
4) Let the hair grow: Hair needs to be about ¼ to ½ inch long for effective waxing, which typically means letting it grow out for 2-3 weeks before your session.
The importance of clean and exfoliated skin
Keeping your skin clean and exfoliated ensures that the wax adheres to the hairs and not the skin, which can reduce pain and irritation. Additionally, exfoliation lessens the risk of ingrown hairs post-wax, as it helps keep the follicles clear and unblocked.
Product recommendations before waxing
1) Gentle cleansers: Use a gentle cleansing gel or soap to clean the skin and prep it for waxing.
2) Exfoliating scrubs: Choose a gentle scrub, especially formulated for the area you’re waxing. For a Brazilian wax, pick a scrub suited for intimate skincare.
3) Exfoliating gloves or brushes: These can be used with your regular shower gel for thorough exfoliation.
4) Moisturizers: After exfoliating, it’s important to moisturize to keep the skin soft and pliable. Opt for a light moisturizer that won’t clog pores.
Step-by-step guide to the waxing process
1) Prepare the skin: Clean and disinfect the area to remove dirt and bacteria.
2) Apply the wax: Choose the right type of wax (warm or cold) based on the area and your preference. Apply a thin layer of wax in the direction of hair growth using a spatel or applicator.
3) Place wax strips: If using a wax that requires strips, place a wax strip over the waxed area and press down firmly.
4) Remove the wax: Hold the skin taut with one hand and quickly pull the wax strip off against the direction of hair growth with the other hand. This should be done swiftly to minimize pain.
5) Clean the skin: After waxing, remove any remaining wax with a post-wax oil or lotion.
6) Soothe the skin: Apply a soothing lotion or gel, like Australian Bodycare's After Wax Lotion, to reduce redness and irritation.
How to make waxing less painful
1) Take a pain reliever: Consider taking a mild pain reliever like paracetamol about 30 minutes before your waxing session to help reduce discomfort.
2) Avoid caffeine: Caffeine can make your skin more sensitive, so try to skip it a few hours before getting waxed.
3) Wax after your menstrual cycle: Your skin tends to be more sensitive just before and during your period, so schedule your waxing for a few days after your cycle ends.
4) Use a numbing cream: You can buy creams that slightly numb the skin before waxing. Just remember, they shouldn't be applied to large areas.
Safety Measures and Hygiene Practices During Waxing
1) Always use fresh wax: Never reuse wax as it can spread bacteria.
2) Avoid waxing on irritated or damaged skin: This includes sunburns, scratches, or areas with active acne.
3) Test the wax temperature: Always check the temperature of hot wax on a small area of your skin before full application to avoid burns.
4) Use disposable tools: If you're waxing at home, make sure to use disposable tools or thoroughly clean them before and after use.
5) Ensure good ventilation: If you’re using a hot wax heater, make sure the room is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling fumes.
The Importance of Skin Care After Waxing
Post-wax, your skin can often feel sensitive and irritated. Taking proper care of your skin afterward is crucial to prevent issues like ingrown hairs, redness, and itching. Proper aftercare can also extend the smooth results of your waxing treatment and ensure your skin stays healthy and hydrated.
Post-Wax Care with After Wax Lotion
Australian Bodycare is known for its products containing tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic ingredient that helps soothe and protect the skin. Our After Wax Lotion is specially designed to provide instant relief after waxing.
How it Helps Soothe the Skin
The After Wax Lotion contains ingredients that work together to calm the skin, reduce redness, and prevent irritation. The tea tree oil in the lotion offers antiseptic properties, protecting against bacteria and infections.
Benefits of Using the Lotion
- Soothing properties: Helps reduce redness and irritation post-wax.
- Antiseptic benefits: Guards the skin against bacteria and aids in healing.
- Moisturizing: Keeps the skin hydrated and prevents dryness and flaking.
- Prevention of ingrown hairs: Regular use of the lotion can help prevent ingrown hairs by keeping the follicles clear.
When to Use After Wax Lotion?
For best results, apply After Wax Lotion immediately after the waxing session. Apply a generous amount of lotion to the waxed area and gently massage it into the skin. Use the lotion daily to keep the skin hydrated and to prevent ingrown hairs.
Conclusion
Waxing is a great way to achieve smooth, hair-free skin, but like any beauty procedure, proper preparation and aftercare are key to getting the best results. By following the recommended steps and advice, you can ensure that your skin remains healthy, hydrated, and free from irritations after waxing.
Post-care is particularly important to prevent ingrown hairs and reduce redness and itching. Australian Bodycare's After Wax Lotion is an excellent choice for those looking for an effective post-waxing solution. With its soothing and antiseptic properties, this lotion helps to protect and care for the skin while prolonging the smooth results of the waxing treatment.
FAQ
Can I take a bath immediately after waxing?
It's generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before taking a hot bath after waxing. This is because the pores are open post-treatment, and hot water can cause further irritation. However, you can take a cool to lukewarm shower but avoid scrubbing the waxed area.
How often should I get waxed?
The frequency of waxing sessions varies from person to person, depending on the speed and thickness of hair growth. Generally, it's recommended to get waxed every 3 to 6 weeks for the best results.
Are there any skin types that should not get waxed?
People with very sensitive skin, those on certain medications, or those with specific skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema should consult a dermatologist or skin care specialist before waxing. It's also important to avoid waxing on areas with sunburn, wounds, scratches, or active acne.
How does Australian Bodycare's After Wax Lotion differ from other products on the market?
Australian Bodycare's After Wax Lotion is unique as it contains tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic ingredient that helps soothe and protect the skin after waxing. This ingredient helps reduce redness, irritation, and protects against bacteria. Additionally, the lotion is formulated to provide intense hydration, helping to prevent dryness and flaking after waxing.
How Long Does Waxing Last?
The duration of a waxing session varies from person to person, but generally, you can expect the results to last between 3 to 6 weeks. Since waxing removes hair from the root, it takes longer for the hair to grow back compared to other hair removal methods like shaving.
How Fast Does Hair Grow?
Hair growth rate varies based on individual genetic factors, the area of the body, and other external factors. Typically, head hair grows about 0.5 inches per month, while body hair grows slower, usually around 0.1 inches per month. However, it's important to note that hair growth speed can significantly differ from person to person.
How Much Does a Waxing Cost?
The cost of a waxing session can vary depending on several factors, including the area being treated, the salon's location, the esthetician's experience, and the specific type of wax used. It's always a good idea to check prices at various salons or spas in your area to get an idea of the average costs.
How long should Hair be for waxing?
For waxing to be most effective, the hair should be between ¼ to ½ inch long. This length provides enough grip for the wax to remove hair from the root. For most people, this means letting the hair grow for about 2-3 weeks before the waxing session.
What Should You Avoid After Waxing?
After a waxing session, it's crucial to avoid the following to prevent irritation and promote healing:
- Avoid direct sunlight or tanning beds for at least 48 hours.
- Avoid hot baths or saunas for 24 hours.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing on the waxed area.
- Avoid strenuous physical exercise that causes sweating for 24 hours.
- Avoid scrubbing or exfoliating the waxed area for at least 48 hours.
- Avoid using perfumed products or makeup on the waxed area for 24 hours.
