Body waxing is a well-liked hair removal technique that provides smooth, hair-free skin for weeks at a time. Whether you are an experienced wax user or thinking about using it for the first time, knowing the different types of waxing, techniques, and post-care will improve your experience and results.
In this extensive guide to body waxing, we will dive into aspects of body waxing such as its benefits, tips to prepare, techniques, and post-wax care.
What is Body Waxing
Body waxing is when a sticky substance (wax) is placed on the skin and removed to remove unwanted hair from the root. Body waxing is semi-permanent as hair takes longer to grow back than shaving.
Waxing can be done on various sites of the body, including legs (and toes), arms, underarms, bikini areas, and even the face.
Benefits of Body Waxing
Longer Lasting: One of the main benefits of waxing vs shaving is that it removes hair from the root allowing for a smoother surface for several weeks. With hair growth and cycles, a person can expect hair removal to last anywhere from three to six weeks.
Less Coarse Hair Growth: Waxing consistently over time leads to less coarse hair growth. Most customers state that hair growth is softer than shaving which means the surface feels smoother.
Exfoliated Skin: Waxing removes hair, but also exfoliates skin by removing dead skin cells. You may see more even skin texture and brightening after waxing in a separate section.
Less Ingrown Hairs: Ingrown hairs can happen when waxing, but less frequently than shaving. Ingrown hairs can be minimized with proper waxing technique and post-care instructions.
Convenient: Waxing can be performed at home or in a professional service making it convenient for many people. A professional service can make it more comfortable and may even improve the results.
Types of Waxing
Soft Wax (Strip Wax):
Description: Soft wax is applied in a thin layer to the skin and pulled off using cloth or paper strips.
Best For: Larger areas of the body such as legs and arms.
Advantages: Works effectively on fine hair, and is quick to apply to larger areas.
Hard Wax (Stripless Wax):
Description: Hard wax is applied thicker than soft wax but hardens to the skin before it is removed without strips.
Best For: Sensitive areas such as the bikini line, underarms, and face.
Advantages: Less painful for the client because it sticks to the hair rather than the skin.
Sugar Wax:
Description: Made with natural ingredients such as sugar, lemon juice, and water so it is applied at room temperature.
Best For: Sensitive skin types.
Advantages: Compatible with sugaring methods since it is gentle to the skin, and if product spills, the residue can be cleaned with water.
Fruit Wax:
Description: This wax is made with fruit extracts to provide benefits.
Best For: Areas of the body that require gentle care.
Advantages: Contains moisturizing properties during the process while the hair is removed.
Chocolate Wax:
Description: Chocolate wax includes cocoa and other ingredients including glycerin; recognized for its sweet scent and preferred by clients.
Best For: Legs and arms; for both regular and sensitive skin clients.
Advantages: Chocolate wax offers hydrating properties, making it appropriate for dry skin types.
Preparation for Body Waxing
Proper preparation is very crucial if the expected results are to be realized during your waxing session:
1. Hair Length: Ensure that your hair is at least 1/4 inch long (about 6 mm) if aching wax is to be used on you.
If it is too short, the wax may not hold properly; and if it is too long, it shall only cause unnecessary pain.
2. Exfoliate Beforehand: Gently scrub the area 24 to 48 hours prior to your appointment in order to rid it of dead skin and reduce the chances of developing pesky ingrown hairs.
3. Cleanse Your Skin: Wash the area properly before any waxing commences so as to get rid of any oils or lotions present to ensure effective wax bonding.
4. Avoid Sun Exposure: Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or use of the tanning beds before the waxing process commences so as to avoid the sensitizing and irritating effects of waxing.
5. Pain Management: If you are worried about pain, you may take an analgesic approximately 30 minutes prior to the commencement of your appointment.
Techniques for Effective Body Waxing
Applying Wax Correctly:
1. A spatula can be used to apply the soft wax in the direction of the hair growth forming a thin angle.
2. On the other hand, for hard wax, a thicker layer should also be applied in the same direction but this time a little temperature is allowed for the wax before pulling it out.
3. Stick Use (For Soft Wax): A birth mother wraps the child in strips of cotton or paper and then presses the wrap into place.
4. Free the bottom half, and hold the skin above it; in one swift motion, with the hand that is now empty, strip off the bottom half in the opposite direction of the hair growth.
Hard Wax Removal:
After some time, when the hard wax has cooled on the surface but not removed the spatula, take an end and quickly remove it in reverse from growth direction.
Technique Tips:
Do a sectioning to make sure that the procedure is easier and less painful.
Smoothing is advised immediately after removing the wax to ease the pain.
Aftercare Following Body Waxing
Proper aftercare is crucial for soothing your skin post-waxing:
Keep your skin calm: Apply a calming lotion or Aloe Vera Gel soon after waxing to soothe redness and irritation.
Avoid Heat and Sweat: Steer clear of hot showers, saunas, or really strenuous workouts for at least 24-48 hours post wax when your pores are open and vulnerable to irritation.
Moisturize on a Regular Basis: Keep your skin hydrated by using body lotions and creams on a daily basis- this helps reduce dryness and lessen the likelihood of getting ingrown hairs.
Exfoliate Gently: After 48 hours post wax, start exfoliating regularly (2-3 times per week). This will help with ingrown hairs and keep your pores clear.
Wear Loose Clothing: Put on loose clothes after waxing to avoid any kind of friction with the sensitive skin areas.
Conclusion
Body waxing is one of the ways to get smooth skin which has longer results compared to most of the other hair removing techniques like shaving.
By getting knowledge about different waxes available-such as soft wax,
hard wax and sugar wax- along with some specified prepping before and aftercare after the process,
you can make your experience of waxing much better.
Whether you decide to visit a professional salon or use at-home waxing kits,
knowing about the techniques and products will help you get the best results with minimum discomfort or irritation.
Regular waxing will give you smoother skin and that adds an extra boost of confidence to your overall grooming!
