Waxing 101: What You’ve Wanted to Know About Waxing

Hair removal methods are abundant these days and one of the most popular treatment types is wax hair removal. But if the only thing that’s held you back from getting a wax is not knowing enough about the topic, we’ll guide you through the process. Additionally, we’ll give you the answers to everything you need to know about waxing.

Ready to get started?

What is waxing?

When it comes to shaving, we’ve got all the knowledge, right? (Probably more than we’d like to know). It might not come as a surprise that some of us may even know our fair share of information about methods like laser hair removal. But there’s an air of mystery when it comes to waxing.

Like other hair removal methods, the goal of waxing is to remove unwanted body hair. This method is considered to be semi-permanent, removing the hair by its root. This is done through the use of a sticky wax. So, whether you’re choosing to smooth out your legs, or target smaller areas like the armpits or even the brows, the waxing process will look the same.

Now that we know a little bit more about what waxing is about, let’s talk about the big question. In other words, the “ouch” factor.

Does waxing hurt?

This is the golden question. But unfortunately, this one doesn’t actually have that straightforward of an answer. Here’s why: Although waxing will surely cause more discomfort than shaving, it’s hard to say how much a wax will actually hurt. There’s a pain factor, so like tattoos, there’s no telling how one will affect you.

Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, so what hurts for one person may not even affect the next. What we can say is to expect a sting. Anyone who has gotten a wax can tell you, the sensation subsides quickly. Additionally, if you decide to go routinely, future sessions typically become less painful.

Where does waxing hurt the most?

Like we’ve mentioned before, pain is relative. But that doesn’t mean that certain areas of the body won’t make you wince a little more than others. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect the most sensitive areas of the body to also be the most painful ones.

Zones such as the underarms, bikini line, and pubic area usually tend to invoke more pain than say, the upper lip or the stomach.

What’s the appropriate hair length for waxing?

For the most optimal results, you’ll want to keep your hair between 1/4 an inch to 1/2 an inch for your waxing appointment. To help you remember, keep in mind that a grain of rice measures roughly around 1/4 an inch.

What’s the reason why it’s important to keep your hair between this range when going for a wax? It’s not because it hurts less, unfortunately. The real answer has a bit more to do with science. A short length helps guarantee complete removal of the hair. At the same time, it ensures that the wax gets a good grip on the hair.

Is it normal to have irritation after waxing?

Experiencing irritation, redness, or a mild rash after waxing is nothing to fear. These types of side effects are not uncommon when hair is removed by its root. Irritation most commonly occurs directly after a wax, especially if you have particularly sensitive skin. But, this will usually subside within a day. If you want to reduce irritation and skin sensitivity, here’s what you can do: Apply a cold compress to the affected area following your wax. Additionally, wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid unnecessary friction and rubbing.

Will I get ingrown hair after waxing?

Although it is possible to get ingrown hair after waxing, there are certainly a few tips that can help prevent this. The key trick is regular exfoliation. This will not only eliminate dead skin cells, but help prevent ingrown hairs. (Clogged pores too)!

Just keep this in mind when you exfoliate. You’ll want to wait at least 24 to 48 hours after your wax before doing so. This gives skin time to heal properly. Other things you’ll also want to steer clear of in the two days after your wax appointment is direct sun exposure, excessive heat, products with fragrances, exercise, and tight clothing. Again, your skin has to heal.

So, now we know about waxing, and what aftercare is going to look like. Now let’s talk about what to think about going into the wax.

How should I prepare for a wax?

Apart from growing your hair out to the proper length for waxing, there are a few more things you’ll want to do before hitting up your local waxing salon.

–   A day or two before your wax, gently exfoliate your skin.

–   Forgo taking a bath or shower immediately before your treatment. This is because wet skin is difficult to wax, therefore increasing the “ouch” factor. But make sure the area you’re waxing is clean when you arrive for your wax.

–  Check-in with your doctor about any current medications. Certain medications may cause hypersensitivity during a wax. This can leave your skin prone to injury.

So, are your fears about getting a wax dissipated? Or will you just stick to shaving? Whatever you choose, we know you’ll look great.

How long does waxing last?

First things first, to get smooth, hair-free skin you’ll want to consider getting waxed systematically. By doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy the effects for even up to 3 weeks. This will also reduce the number and thickness of hairs that regrow, making them less visible.

What kind of wax should you choose?

Yes, there is more than one type of wax! If you’re planning on waxing your bikini area (like a Brazilian wax) or your armpits, you’re going to want to use hard wax. This type of wax is specially dedicated to the sensitive parts of our body. Its biggest advantage is that it sticks only to the hair. This means less pain during the session and less irritation of the skin.

If you’re going to wax larger parts of your body, legs, arms, or the abdomen, you should opt for soft wax. Here you use special strips, which are different from the ones you’ve probably seen in one-time kits.

When getting waxed isn’t recommended

There are some contraindications for getting a wax, among them are:

• diabetes,
• psoriasis,
• viral hepatitis,
• poor blood clotting,
• inflammation on the skin,
• varicose veins,
• epilepsy,
• having a fresh tan,
• if you’re using creams with acids

Your beauticians recommendations after getting waxed

The day after the treatment, wash the waxed parts of your body with lukewarm water. Don’t use shower gel or lotion, only moisturize the body with olive or coconut oil. For two to three days after the appointment don’t go to the pool or jacuzzi, and don’t bathe in salt water. Avoiding excessive physical activities is also a good idea. Finally, remember to protect the waxed areas of your body from sunlight.

How to make waxing last longer

First of all, it’s best if you give up other methods of hair removal, like shaving intimate places with a razor or using depilatory creams. These methods actually work to your disadvantage, as they cut the regrowing hair at the root, and therefore deprive it of the thinnest part. This results in the stronger and thicker part of the hair coming out above the skin surface, which strengthens the hair again.

It’s also important to regularly moisturize and exfoliate your skin. This will help prevent excessive skin irritation in the future.

One final way you can prepare for a waxing session at a beauty salon is finding the best beauty salon near you! Visit Booksy to find a beauty salon offering waxing services and easily book an appointment!