Pretty Darned Quick
Well, not
exactly waning. Waning means gradually
decreasing and when you wax, the results are anything but gradual. This method of temporary hair removal has
been used for years and years, and remains one of the best and longest lasting
methods of addressing unwanted hair.
Results can last for up to six weeks – but it comes at a price. The warm
wax enters the hair follicle and when it cools and is pulled off, the root of
the hair comes out. It could hurt.
Long Term Effects
Hair waxing
is considered to be very efficient since hair grows back thinner and finer
after each procedure. Using wax that is
hot enough and allowing it to cool sufficiently is the key to successful epilation. Waxing has a reputation of being a very
painful way to rid oneself of unwanted hair; however it has been shown that
relaxing and using the special pain-reducing gels now available for this
purpose are effective ways to deal with the discomfort. Having said that, those with very sensitive
skin might want to think about using other methods available to remove hair.
Warm Waxing and Cold Waxing
Waxing
comes in two temperatures – warm and cold.
Warm waxing is considered to be the most effective method and the one
generally used in salons and spas. Cold
waxing is more of a home method and cold wax is available at the local drug
store. Strips of wax are patted onto the
skin and then pulled off, taking hair with them.
The procedure
for warm waxing is more involved and requires some advanced preparation. A generous application of preconditioning
lotion should be applied before the hot wax is put onto the body. Check to ensure the wax is hot, but not so
hot that burns are incurred. Once the
hot wax is on the body, strips of cloth are laid on top and the wax and strips
are allowed to cool and harden together.
After the wax is cool, the strips are taken off in the opposite
direction of hair growth. The idea that
it only lasts a minute is a good one to hold in your thinking. However, if total relaxation techniques are
employed, the pain level is reduced significantly. Body tension can also inhibit the flow of the
wax down into the pores, and the follicles may not be properly penetrated. So, just relax – it will be over in a few
minutes.
Some Considerations and Cautions
If red
marks are left behind, they will usually disappear in a day. Using a light cream on the area that was
waxed helps to sooth the skin. If you’re
doing a waxing at home, it is important to follow the directions exactly. Being creative could lead to some undesirable
effects. Don’t wax sunburned skin –
allow it to heal properly before doing the procedure. The wax used in spas and salons is gentler
than what is available in the store and it is designed to sooth the skin with
added components of essential oils, vitamins and extracts to encourage
healing.
