Removing one’s facial and body hair is no joke. It requires a clear regimen and knowledge to keep it away from burns, and achieve a smooth and flawless finish. The desire to remove it may be through the media, culture, belief, and people around us. But, despite the reasons for it, there are several methods to achieve that hairless skin.
Among the different methods of removing body hair is waxing. Waxing is a process of removing hair from the root, using a hot or cold wax. It involves spreading a thin amount of wax on the skin, and pulling against the direction of the hair growth, leaving you with a smooth and hairless skin. But how is it different from other hair removals?
Unlike others, waxing removes hair from the roots to the tip. The new hair won’t grow back in three to six weeks, allowing a person to remain hairless for a longer period of time. Since the growth of the hair is slower, it will result in smoother skin.
Waxing also helps you avoid getting razor cuts and burns. It has so many benefits that it’s actually the most convenient, quick, and long-lasting hair removal method. It’s no wonder that both men and women book sessions to get their hair waxed.
Hair Length for Waxing
Yes, we know you want to remove your body hair. But, trying to tell if they’re long enough can be a bit tricky. The hair may seem long or short depending on each person, but what is the general rule to the right length of hair for waxing, anyway?
Having the right hair length is important to avoid hurting and damaging your skin. If the hair is not long enough, the wax wouldn’t stick properly on the skin and be pulled out from the roots. Pulling the top of the hair will only cause damage to your skin, so it is best to know the right length of hair for waxing.
The right length of hair for waxing should be at least ¼ inch to ½ inch. However, not all hairs have to be the required length since they may grow slower than the rest.
You may also try grasping the hair between your fingers to measure if it is long enough. But the best length is ¼ to ½ inch.
If your hair is shorter than the recommended length, you won’t be able to pull all the hair. If it’s longer, you may not be able to remove the small hairs. Plus, waxing with longer hair can be pretty painful. Hence, it’s advisable to wax at the prescribed length.
Bikini Waxing
Bikini waxing is the removal of pubic hair around the bikini line. It’s different from the Brazilian Wax because the latter removes all the hair in the pubic area. The bikini wax removes your hair at the front and a bit down below, just so it won’t extend beyond your panties. Hence, it’s a great option for first timers.
Getting that bikini wax is surely exciting but we have to warn you, the first time can be pretty painful. Since this area is the most painful and sensitive in your body, it’s better to prep your skin before going to the waxing salon.
Before booking your appointment, you should check the length of your hair first. The hair needs to be ¼ inch to ½ inch for it to be waxed. Any shorter or longer than this can cause you pain and skin damage.
Also, you should exfoliate before your waxing appointment to remove dead skin and trapped hair. Avoid booking your appointment during your menstrual cycle because your skin is too sensitive at this time. You may also take ibuprofen an hour before your appointment to reduce pain and inflammation.
As for the type of bikini wax you’d be getting, there are several styles you can choose from:
Bikini Line Touch Up
This removes the hair around the edges. This is best for first time waxers because the area outside of the panty line will be removed instead of the whole pubic area.
Full Bikini Line
The full bikini line is just like the Bikini Line Touch Up, but it’s much neater at the top and sides of your pubic area. Most call it the standard bikini line.
French Wax
If you want to go bare but not too bare, the French Wax is best for you. A French Wax involves removing hair around the front and the sides, but not the middle. The shape of the hair in the middle is usually a landing strip, but you can ask whatever style you want.
Whatever style you may choose, always prep your skin, and talk to the specialist who would be working on you to voice out your concerns and set expectations.
Leg Waxing
We watched those tv commercials and magazines featuring long-legged models with their sunkissed hairless skin. Waxing your legs is an awesome and long-lasting way to achieve this.
Leg waxing is a method of removing hair on the legs using wax and strips. To prepare your skin on your waxing appointment, exfoliate your legs a day or two before your waxing appointment. Take a shower on the day of your appointment, and avoid using deodorants, creams or self-tanning products.
If your legs have stubbles, you may opt to wait until it grows longer. This allows your hair to grow evenly and thinly after waxing.
As for aftercare, avoid touching or scratching the area. Do not apply products on the legs, and avoid wearing tight-fitted pants.
Underarm Waxing
Underarm waxing is probably the most popular waxing method because of its simple process and number of benefits. Anyone can do it, that there are tons of products in the market selling a variety of hot and cold wax for underarms. There are even waxing strips readily available for a person to use.
When preparing your underarms for your waxing appointment, exfoliate the area to open the pores. You can take pain relievers or a numbing cream to lessen the pain.
Take note that the armpit hair should be 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters before getting it waxed. The longer the hair, the more painful it would be.
When taking care of your underarms after the waxing appointment, keep the area dry for four to six hours, and apply antibacterial cream after waxing. This would protect the underarms from bacteria and prevent any infections.
Things to Consider Before Waxing
Hair Length
Determining if your hair is long or short enough for your waxing appointment is important. It would help you avoid getting burns, damaging your skin, and irritating it. It would also help in your hair growth cycle. Since the growth cycle differs in each area, waxing your hair will help even out the hair growth.
The desired hair length should be ¼ inch to ½ inch before waxing. If it is shorter, the hair won’t come out with the wax.
Meanwhile, if the hair is longer, it would be more painful to wax. It would also increase the chances of the hair breaking off, resulting in ingrown hairs.
Frequency of Waxing Schedule
Sticking to a waxing schedule should help you get the most of your waxing appointment.
For your underarms and bikini, it’s best to have it waxed every two weeks. This will allow the hair to regrow at the desired length.
For your legs and bikini line, schedule a waxing appointment every three to four weeks to allow time for the hair to regrow.
Time of the Month (Period)
Do not wax when it’s your time of the month. Your skin is extra sensitive, and waxing will make it more painful.
Avoiding Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs are our nemesis after waxing. They result from hairs broken off when waxing and forced back into the skin. This leaves a painful red bump on your skin that can be infected. To avoid having these ingrown hairs, here are tips and tricks for you to follow.
Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliate your skin before waxing to release the trapped hairs. Doing so would help your wax grip on all of the hairs and remove it.
Wax Every Two to Three Weeks
We can’t stop reiterating how you have to wait for your hair to grow. It may seem uncomfortable seeing them long, but trust us. It’s better to wait at the prescribed hair length than waxing it short.
When you wax too often, your hairs are shorter, which leads them to being easily ripped and broken when waxed. This will cause ingrown hair, so do try to schedule your waxing appointments.
Wear Loose Clothing
After getting waxed, wear loose clothing to let your skin breathe. Your skin will be tender and red from the waxing treatment, so it’s best to avoid irritating it. Tight clothes can also encourage the hair to grow back into the skin, causing ingrown hairs.
Conclusion
Achieving a hairless and smooth skin can be achieved through different hair removal methods. But, waxing proves to be the most popular and efficient among the rest. Although it comes with pain, the results will tell you every bit was worth it.
Waxing will surely give you the desired smooth skin you’ve been longing to achieve. Just be sure to take the necessary preparations and aftercare for better results.