A popular hair removal treatment, waxing can keep skin smooth for weeks. Waxing removes hair from the follicle, making it last longer than shaving. This article includes all you need to know about waxing and maximizing wax intervals.
What is Waxing?
Waxing is a semi-permanent hair removal process that removes hair from the root. A thick and sticky wax is applied to the desired area during a waxing session. A cloth or paper strip is pressed onto the wax, which adheres to the hair. The strip is then quickly ripped against the direction of hair growth, pulling the hair out by the root.
Waxing at home service removes the entire hair follicle, unlike shaving. After waxing, hair grows back slower than with other procedures. Over time, waxing damages the hair follicle, resulting in softer, thinner hair.
Benefits of Waxing
There are several advantages to waxing over other hair removal techniques:
- Longer lasting results: Hair removed by waxing doesn’t grow back for 3-6 weeks, much longer than shaving or depilatories. Less frequent hair removal is needed.
- Smoother skin: Waxing removes hair below the skin line, leaving skin very smooth and soft. Ingrown hairs are less likely.
- Precision: Wax can grab and remove short, coarse hairs that shaving might miss. Analysts can shape and clean up edges for a precise look.
- Waxing weakens hair: Softer, thinner hair regrows. Consistent waxing reduces hair permanently.
- Covers all bases: Wax can safely remove hair from most body parts, even sensitive places like the bikini line, upper lip, and underarms. These are the benefits of waxing that are helpful for your skin.
How Long Does Waxing Last?
Your hair growth cycle determines waxing longevity. Regular waxing removes hair for 3-6 weeks. Due to quicker regeneration, bikini hair may need waxing every 3-4 weeks, and leg and arm hair every 4-6 weeks.
Here’s a breakdown of approximate waxing longevity for different body parts:
- Bikini area – 3-4 weeks
- Underarms – 3-4 weeks
- Legs – 4-6 weeks
- Back – 4-6 weeks
- Chest – 4-6 weeks
- Arms – 4-6 weeks
- Face – 3-4 weeks
Results also depend on your hair type. Thick, coarse hair is more resistant to waxing than fine, thin hair. The first few waxing sessions yield the shortest results as the hair follicles remain strong. However, after repeated waxing sessions, the results last longer each time.
4 Types of Waxing
There are several waxing methods used in professional salons and for at-home waxing. The differences come down to the type of wax used and the technique for removing the hair.
Soft Wax
It is the most common type of wax used in salons. A muslin or cotton strip is pressed onto the wax and then removed to remove hair. Soft wax is good for large legs, arms, and back areas.
Hard Wax
Hard wax is applied warmly and then allowed to cool and harden on the skin. No strip is needed – the hardened wax is pulled off the skin, taking the hair with it. Hard wax doesn’t adhere to the skin, so it’s less painful. It’s ideal for delicate areas like the bikini line, underarms, and face.
Sugaring
Sugaring uses sticky sugar, lemon juice, and water paste. It works similarly to soft wax but doesn’t require heat. The natural ingredients make it a good choice for sensitive skin. Sugaring paste can be tricky to make and apply properly at home.
Paraffin Wax
This type of wax is thinner than others, so it adheres well to short, coarse hairs. Paraffin wax is applied warmly and removed with a muslin or linen strip. It’s ideal for areas with stubborn hairs like the upper lip, chin, and bikini area. Paraffin wax can hold well on curved areas.
Waxing Do’s and Don’ts
To maximize the longevity of waxing results and prevent irritation, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:
Do:
- Exfoliate 2-3 days before waxing to lift hairs and prevent ingrown hairs
- Powder very sweaty areas like the underarms to help wax grip hair
- Keep skin taut while waxing for smooth results
- Apply post-wax balms or aloe gels to soothe the skin
- Wait 24 hours before sun tanning or using hot tubs
Don’t:
- Go out in the sun immediately before or after waxing
- Use harsh scrubs right after waxing while the skin is sensitive
- Take blood thinning medications like aspirin before waxing to avoid bruising
- Put on tight clothes after waxing, especially on softer body parts
- Pick at the skin or pluck hairs right after waxing
Is Waxing Permanent?
Waxing removes hair temporarily, but regrowth will occur. However, with repeated waxing over time, hair tends to grow back thinner and sparser. Some people see up to a 90% long-term reduction in thickness and density after consistent waxing.
While waxing doesn’t permanently destroy the actual hair follicles, it can damage stem cells in the follicles that make hair. Repeated trauma to the follicles during waxing makes new hairs weaker over time. For some people, this adds up to near-permanent hair reduction in frequently waxed areas.
Waxing is less effective than professional permanent hair removal treatments like electrolysis and laser hair removal. But it does provide longer-lasting hair reduction compared to shaving, with the potential for long-term thinning when maintained consistently.
Is Waxing Safe?
Waxing is generally safe for hair removal on most body parts when performed correctly. However, waxing does carry some risks, especially for sensitive areas. Side effects can include
- Redness and irritation
- Swelling and bumps
- Bruising or bleeding
- Ingrown hairs
- Skin removal or burns
- Infection of hair follicles (folliculitis)
To reduce risks, wax only undamaged skin and take care when waxing delicate areas like the bikini line, underarms, and face. See a dermatologist if you experience severe reactions. While waxing legs, arms, and backs are relatively low risk, it’s wise to do a patch test first to check for any skin sensitivity.
Conclusion
Waxing provides smooth, stubble-free skin that can last for weeks. While the process does involve some discomfort, the results are worth it for many people. With proper technique and care, at-home service salon Dubai waxing kits can also give good results for those on a budget. Just be sure to take precautions and care for your skin properly before and after waxing sessions. Over time, waxing can significantly reduce the thickness and density of unwanted hair in many areas for extended smoothness.
