Body 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 body 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. Is there anything I need to know to prepare my skin for 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?
To be perfectly honest, there will be some pain and discomfort during the first waxing visit. However, each appointment after that will become easier, due to the simple fact that there is less hair to remove each time. Pain threshold is different for each person, so it is hard to estimate the degree of discomfort that any one person will experience. It is certainly not extremely painful, but your level of pain tolerance will be something that you and your esthetician can and should discuss before beginning the waxing procedure. Avoid waxing during times that your skin is stressed for whatever reason. One such time is during your period, which has been shown to be a time that your skin is more sensitive.
Q. Will I have to take my panties off when I get a bikini 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?
Treat your skin to a little rest and relaxation for about 48 hours after the waxing. As before the waxing, avoid the sun for at least 24 hours, and definitely stay our of any tanning bed for 48 hours or more. Just like before waxing, stay away from any lotions, powders, perfumes, and especially any product that contains scents and/or alcohol. They both will set up a real burning sting on your delicate skin.
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. - 16004
Q. Do I have to let my hair grow out a little so the body 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. Is there anything I need to know to prepare my skin for 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?
To be perfectly honest, there will be some pain and discomfort during the first waxing visit. However, each appointment after that will become easier, due to the simple fact that there is less hair to remove each time. Pain threshold is different for each person, so it is hard to estimate the degree of discomfort that any one person will experience. It is certainly not extremely painful, but your level of pain tolerance will be something that you and your esthetician can and should discuss before beginning the waxing procedure. Avoid waxing during times that your skin is stressed for whatever reason. One such time is during your period, which has been shown to be a time that your skin is more sensitive.
Q. Will I have to take my panties off when I get a bikini 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?
Treat your skin to a little rest and relaxation for about 48 hours after the waxing. As before the waxing, avoid the sun for at least 24 hours, and definitely stay our of any tanning bed for 48 hours or more. Just like before waxing, stay away from any lotions, powders, perfumes, and especially any product that contains scents and/or alcohol. They both will set up a real burning sting on your delicate skin.
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. - 16004
About the Author:
Charlotte Field is a Skin Care Specialist offering Facials in Pensacola, Florida. She specializes in Anti-aging, Relaxation and Results. And, yes, she offers waxing in a safe, comfortable setting. Learn more about her services at FacialsbyCharlotte.com.
