Soft, flawless, and smooth skin is every woman’s dream, and unwanted hair is a major obstacle to achieving that skin. Hair grows naturally on the body. Fortunately, there are ways to remove unwanted hair, such as shaving, tweezing, laser hair removal, and waxing, but these methods aren’t for everyone.
What is waxing?
Waxing is a semi-permanent method of removing hair from the root. During the hair removal procedure, a sticky substance called wax is applied to the skin to adhere to the hairs. This process allows the hairs to come out, including the roots, when the wax is removed. Waxing is not permanent. However, you can enjoy smooth, hairless skin for up to 3-8 weeks before the hairs start to grow back. Regular waxing can slow hair growth and eventually eliminate it.
Is waxing safe?
Waxing is safe, but people who have skin problems, such as sunburn, should heal them first before waxing. People with skin allergies, irritation or breakage should consult a dermatologist to find out if hair removal is safe. During waxing, the pulling out of hair creates small wounds under the skin that can cause redness and itching of the skin. In general, skin that undergoes waxing is at significant risk of bacterial exposure that can cause infection. Appropriate care helps to avoid this risk.
What types of wax can be used during a hair removal procedure?
A specific skin area requires a type of wax that will ensure the effectiveness of the hair removal procedure and avoid unwanted results.
Soft wax:
This type of wax is applied to large areas of the body, such as arms and legs. A fine hot wax is applied with a spatula, then the wax is removed with a strip of cloth. Soft wax removes hairs which are barely visible to naked eye, but can only be used once on the same spot, because soft wax is sticky and adheres more, it can remove the layer of dead skin that may cause irritation and redness.
Hard wax:
Hard wax is the type of wax used for smaller, sensitive areas of skin, such as the upper lip and bikini line. Hard wax is applied while hot. During the procedure, hot wax is applied directly to the skin and given time to harden. Hard wax is less sticky and less messy than soft wax. As it is not very sticky, hard wax can be applied twice to the same area to ensure complete hair removal. In hard wax, the hair follicles and pores open when applied, which makes it easier to pull out the hair and can also alleviate pain.
How to reduce pain during waxing?
Fortunately, there are a few tricks that can make hair removal less painful. Sandrine Azoulay, creator of the Epiloderm method, shared her professional advice.
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Do not epilate during your period:
At the beginning of the cycle – and a few days before – the hormonal turbulence is so important that it can increase the sensitivity of the skin. We therefore avoid tearing the hairs with wax during menstruation and just before their arrival.
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Do not wait too long between 2 waxings:
It is best not to wait too long between 2 waxings. The longer the hairs, the more painful it is to remove them. In addition, it is best to remove them when they measure 5-6 mm. According to Sandrine Azoulay, this is the ideal length for waxing.
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Avoid stimulants before waxing:
Alcohol, coffee and tea contain stimulants which can increase skin sensitivity. We therefore avoid consuming these stimulants before the session.
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Soothe the area with a cold compress or lotion following waxing to reduce any inflammation:
Indeed, even if the hair is dead, the follicle on which it grows is very much alive. When you epilate a hair, you also remove part of the follicle, which can cause some irritation. This is why it is important to soothe the area with a cold compress or lotion following waxing. Opt for an alcohol-free lotion such as Biafine or a lotion rich in Aloe Vera. Put it in a fridge. Once you have finished waxing, massage the waxed area with the lotion to reduce inflammation and limit pore dilation.
