I’m not embarrassed to admit that there are parts of my body I want to wax for vanity’s sake. Like my *cough* chin, *cough* upper lip, *cough* and bikini area.
See? Not embarrassed at all! Many women prefer to remain hair-free and silky smooth during the summer months. That’s why waxing is so popular; the results last longer than shaving, but not as painful (that’s what I’ve been told) as laser hair removal.
Waxing keeps skin smooth for a couple weeks instead of just a day or two like shaving. It’s a hair removal system that literally rips the hair out from the root. There are two common ways to wax.
In strip waxing, a thin layer of wax is applied to the area using a little stick, then firmly presses a little piece of cloth or special paper on top of the wax. The cloth or paper is quickly ripped off in the opposite direction of hair growth, removing both the wax and the hair.
When using hard wax, warm wax is spread rather thickly over the skin without any paper or cloth strips applied over it. The wax hardens as it cools, allowing the wax to be ripped straight off the skin. Sounds painful right? But guess what – this method is actually better for sensitive skin.
So here is what you need to before scheduling your first appointment at a salon if you have never tried waxing before.
A professional salon will ask you to fill out a questionnaire about any allergies, health conditions, or medications you’re taking…these things help the esthetician (AKA the waxer) know whether or not you’re a candidate for waxing.The esthetician should place new, clean sheets or paper down for each new client. Also keep in mind that an application stick should only be used one time…no double dipping. For sanitary reasons, the esthetician should wear gloves.
But you don’t have to go to a high-end salon to get a good wax! If you choose to wax at home, it is done in the same way (apply layer of wax, firmly press strip if provided in kit, quickly rip in opposite direction of hair’s growth) as in the salon. There are so many different waxing products out there – I say go with one that you can heat up in hot water instead of the microwave. Nuking it in the microwave will deliver uneven heat or even burn the wax, so find one that you can immerse in hot water to melt it. Ask for a recommendation from an esthetician if you aren’t sure.
Do you wax? Do you wax at home? I’d love to hear your tips for successful waxing!
