One of the chores some women endure in the name of beauty is waxing. Just the word strikes dread in most women. We want to get rid of unladylike hair, but who really likes the idea of having it ripped from their brow bone, legs or other more delicate areas? Despite the fact that many of us routinely wax many parts of our bodies, it's not always something we like to talk about.
One of the chores some women endure in the name of beauty is waxing. Just the word strikes dread in most women. We want to get rid of unladylike hair, but who really likes the idea of having it ripped from their brow bone, legs or other more delicate areas? Despite the fact that many of us routinely wax many parts of our bodies, it's not always something we like to talk about.
In my opinion, information is power. If you want to embark on the “waxing” journey but what to know all the facts, look no further. We have everything you need to know.
Is waxing safe?
If you have your waxing done at a professional salon, waxing is definitely a safe way to have unwanted body hair removed. But when you're checking out salons, make sure their therapists are following these safe waxing practices-
- Salons should sterilize the waxing paddle for each client. If they're not sterilizing the paddle for each client, there's a risk you'll get an infection in the waxed area.
- Therapists should be wearing gloves for the procedure.
- Each technician should be properly trained as a waxing specialist.
- The therapist should change the paper or sheets on the waxing table between each client.
Does it hurt?
There is no doubt that waxing is an uncomfortable procedure. It hurts. But some areas of your body are more sensitive than others. Waxing your eyebrows or your bikini line should hurt more than less sensitive areas like your legs. It is different for each woman. The more you get waxed the weaker the hair follicles become, thus less painful over time.
How long should the hair be?
Your hair should be at least a quarter of an inch long (about the length of a grain of rice), to allow the wax to grip around the hair. If it is your first time waxing, you should refrain from shaving for at least two weeks before your appointment.
Will they use warm wax/hot wax? What is the difference?
Warm wax is spread over an area after which a paper strip is pressed over it to adhere to both the wax and hairs and then pulled off removing the hairs in that area from the root. It is ideal for legs, forearms and the facial but can be used anywhere.
Hot wax is heated to a slightly higher temperature, hot wax is a much thicker wax made up of plastics too to allow it to set hard. It is applied to the skin, allowed to cool and set, and then pulled directly off without the use of a paper strip. It is used for sensitive skin as it doesn’t stick to the skin as much as warm wax. It is used mostly for intimate waxing and for sensitive areas like underarms or chin. But again it can be used on any part of the body.
What is a Brazilian?
As opposed to a bikini wax, which just removes hair around your bikini line, a Brazilian wax will remove almost all, if not all, of the hair on your pubic region. While some salons have you bear all to the therapist, others will provide you with a small paper thong to cover up your bits. If you endure a Brazilian wax, you'll either be left with a small strip of hair down there or nothing at all (Hollywood).
Feeling embarrassed?
Don't worry about feeling embarrassed in front of the therapist who is doing your waxing-They are trained professionals who do this kind of thing every single day. Most therapists recognize that you might feel awkward about the whole situation and will talk you through it to put you at ease, particularly if it's your first bikini or Brazilian wax experience.
The pain and the awkwardness won't last long. In most salons, you'll be out in less than 30 minutes.
Written by Laura Doyle staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.lovelifeandlittleones.com.