Hot wax removes hair by entangling and gripping the hair shaft so that it can be pulled free from the skin, root and all. Most waxing services take place in spas and salons, but home waxing kits make it possible for everyone to wax in the comfort of their own home. While some skill is required for eyebrow shaping, most waxing procedures require little skill, making it possible for almost anyone to take care of their waxing needs at home.
Preparation
Read the entire instruction manual for your particular wax kit. Assemble all of the supplies, and heat the wax. Wax heated to the proper temperature appears fluid, but does not run excessively or scald when placed on the skin. Use all of the preparatory creams included in your kit, as instructed. Prepping the skin is just as important as technique.
Technique
Smooth wax on in the direction of the hair growth. Place a waxing strip onto the wax immediately after application and press down lightly. Lift the outer corner of the strip, and hold it firmly between your thumb and forefinger. Pull the strip straight back, against the hair growth and parallel to the skin. Removal of the strip should be quick and fluid, like removing a band-aid.
Tips
Waxing works best on hair that is ¼ inch in length or longer, according to TeensHealth, a website by the Nemours Foundation. Allow enough time to pass between waxing sessions and after shaving for the hair to reach the proper length. Waxing too-short hairs results in patchy removal and a lot of tweezing.
Apply cooling gel to waxed areas immediately after the procedure to reduce redness and puffiness. If your skin remains red longer than an hour after waxing, apply a little bit of concealer to the offending areas to cover up the redness.
Warnings
Waxing is safe, but injury can occur due to operator error. Never overlap wax applications or wax the same area twice in the same session. Doing so will remove layers of skin, which may result in infection, scabbing and scarring. Waxing after tanning may also result in bruising and scabbing of the skin, according to All Women’s Talk. The website also recommends waiting several hours after waxing before immersing yourself in bacteria-laden pools, hot tubs and saunas. You should also avoid waxing if you have overly sensitive skin, a skin disorder, severe acne or skin allergies.
Results
Waxing results in smooth skin for three to six weeks, according to TeensHealth. When hair does grow back, it looks softer and finer. People who wax frequently notice decreased hair growth and hair density in waxed areas.
References
- "Milady's Standard Textbook of Cosmetology"; Milady, Diane Carol Bailey and Margrit Attenburg; 2008
- TeensHealth: Getting Rid of Hair
- All Women’s Talk: 5 At-Home Waxing Tips from the Pros
Member Comments