Waxing has become one of the most requested services at salons across the country. Why? Compared to other hair removal methods, waxing is more affordable and very safe. If you have never experience waxing before, you are going to have some questions about what to expect. The following is a sample of questions most often asked before a schedule of body waxing is begun. The information applies whether you're planning to have your bikini, your back, face, or legs waxed.
Q. How long do I have to let my hair get so the wax works well?
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. What do I need to know about getting my skin ready for waxing?
About 2 to 3 days before your waxing appointment, you need to keep in mind two things. Stay out of the sun and exfoliate. Do not do any sunbathing or have any sun exposure for 48 hours before your appointment. Also, two or three days before your scheduled waxing, you need to gently scrub the area to be waxed with an exfoliator. Be sure it's a mild exfoliator and you do not scrub too much. Then, on the day of the waxing, just cleanse your body as usual, without exfoliating, and rinse thoroughly, avoiding body products like lotions, deodorant, perfume, powders, and oils. These products must be avoided as they can cause discomfort and irritation to the skin during or after the waxing process.
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?
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?
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.
If you haven't decided yet whether you should try waxing, you may want to ask yourself a few questions. When's the last time you threw on a skirt or pair of shorts without worrying about the last time you shaved? Are you constantly sneaking a peek at your bikini bottoms trying to see if there's anything peeking back at you? You may consider waxing as a way to finally relax and quit worrying and wondering whether or not anyone will notice you haven't shaved. Getting rid of that razor, and razor burns, and cuts, is reason enough to call your esthetician and discuss the possibilities of waxing. - 15634
Q. How long do I have to let my hair get so the wax works well?
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. What do I need to know about getting my skin ready for waxing?
About 2 to 3 days before your waxing appointment, you need to keep in mind two things. Stay out of the sun and exfoliate. Do not do any sunbathing or have any sun exposure for 48 hours before your appointment. Also, two or three days before your scheduled waxing, you need to gently scrub the area to be waxed with an exfoliator. Be sure it's a mild exfoliator and you do not scrub too much. Then, on the day of the waxing, just cleanse your body as usual, without exfoliating, and rinse thoroughly, avoiding body products like lotions, deodorant, perfume, powders, and oils. These products must be avoided as they can cause discomfort and irritation to the skin during or after the waxing process.
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?
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?
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.
If you haven't decided yet whether you should try waxing, you may want to ask yourself a few questions. When's the last time you threw on a skirt or pair of shorts without worrying about the last time you shaved? Are you constantly sneaking a peek at your bikini bottoms trying to see if there's anything peeking back at you? You may consider waxing as a way to finally relax and quit worrying and wondering whether or not anyone will notice you haven't shaved. Getting rid of that razor, and razor burns, and cuts, is reason enough to call your esthetician and discuss the possibilities of waxing. - 15634
About the Author:
Charlotte Field is a Professional Esthetician offering Facials and Skin Care in Pensacola, Florida. She specializes in Anti-aging, Relaxation and Results. And, yes, she offers body hair waxing in a comfortable setting. Learn more about her services at FacialsbyCharlotte.com.
