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?
You should let your hair grow out a little so the wax has something to grab on to. If you have at least a 1/4" growth of hair, you should get good results. That would be about a 2 to 3 week growth of hair, more or less depending on how your own hair grows. Some say this is the most uncomfortable part of the process; letting your hair grow and not shaving.
Q. Do I need to do anything in order to get ready for my first body 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. Does waxing hurt?
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. Do I take my panties off if I'm getting a bikini line wax?
Your panties can remain on, if you choose. However, your esthetician will provide you with disposable underwear if you would like to be covered, but don't want your own panties to accidentally come in contact with any wax. Ask your esthetician before you begin what you need to know about a bikini wax and what to expect during the waxing procedure. Before you begin is the time to discuss the actual bikini line you want the waxing to follow on your body. Keep in mind that any time you feel uncomfortable during a bikini wax procedure, you should let your esthetician know that you'll need to stop for a moment. If you feel uncomfortable with the procedure or your esthetician isn't willing to listen to you, you'll want to stop the waxing service and find another, more professional, esthetician.
Q. What about post-waxing skin care?
Avoid exposure to the sun or suntanning for at least 24 hours and do not use a tanning booth for at least 48 hours. You'll want to avoid any scented lotions, perfumes, powders, or basically any skin product that is alcohol based. The reason will become evident if you don't avoid these skin products; it will sting.
Q. How soon after waxing will I start to see the hair poking through again?
How fast does your hair grow and how long have you been on a waxing schedule? Depending on the answer to that question, you may not see a hair peeking through for 6 weeks. Other people will see some hair growth after only 2 weeks. But, don't be discouraged. At first, you may see hairs pop up almost immediately, but the longer you've maintained a waxing schedule, the longer it will be before you see any hair between waxings. The reason is because hair grows in cycles. So, the first waxing will catch the oldest hairs, the second waxing will catch the next bunch, and so on. It takes most people 3 waxing sessions to get a hold of all the hair growing at all the different intervals. With that said, you should expect to see some hair sprouting up willy-nilly for the first 3 sessions, then you should have caught up with your hair growth cycle.
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.
Q. Do I have to let my hair grow out a little so the wax can work?
You should let your hair grow out a little so the wax has something to grab on to. If you have at least a 1/4" growth of hair, you should get good results. That would be about a 2 to 3 week growth of hair, more or less depending on how your own hair grows. Some say this is the most uncomfortable part of the process; letting your hair grow and not shaving.
Q. Do I need to do anything in order to get ready for my first body 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. Does waxing hurt?
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. Do I take my panties off if I'm getting a bikini line wax?
Your panties can remain on, if you choose. However, your esthetician will provide you with disposable underwear if you would like to be covered, but don't want your own panties to accidentally come in contact with any wax. Ask your esthetician before you begin what you need to know about a bikini wax and what to expect during the waxing procedure. Before you begin is the time to discuss the actual bikini line you want the waxing to follow on your body. Keep in mind that any time you feel uncomfortable during a bikini wax procedure, you should let your esthetician know that you'll need to stop for a moment. If you feel uncomfortable with the procedure or your esthetician isn't willing to listen to you, you'll want to stop the waxing service and find another, more professional, esthetician.
Q. What about post-waxing skin care?
Avoid exposure to the sun or suntanning for at least 24 hours and do not use a tanning booth for at least 48 hours. You'll want to avoid any scented lotions, perfumes, powders, or basically any skin product that is alcohol based. The reason will become evident if you don't avoid these skin products; it will sting.
Q. How soon after waxing will I start to see the hair poking through again?
How fast does your hair grow and how long have you been on a waxing schedule? Depending on the answer to that question, you may not see a hair peeking through for 6 weeks. Other people will see some hair growth after only 2 weeks. But, don't be discouraged. At first, you may see hairs pop up almost immediately, but the longer you've maintained a waxing schedule, the longer it will be before you see any hair between waxings. The reason is because hair grows in cycles. So, the first waxing will catch the oldest hairs, the second waxing will catch the next bunch, and so on. It takes most people 3 waxing sessions to get a hold of all the hair growing at all the different intervals. With that said, you should expect to see some hair sprouting up willy-nilly for the first 3 sessions, then you should have caught up with your hair growth cycle.
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.
About the Author:
Charlotte Field is a Skin Care Specialist in Pensacola, Florida specializing in Anti-aging, Relaxation and Results. And, yes, she offers waxing in a safe, comfortable setting. Learn more about her services at FacialsbyCharlotte.com. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service
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