Waxing

Waxing is the lowest costing and most effective method for temporary hair removal because it removes hair with its roots, not just at the skin surface as with shaving. Regrowth of the hair usually takes 3 to 8 weeks.

For very important occasions such as competitive body building, beauty contests, or to impress someone special, a professional whole body waxing is recommended. This may cost about $150 for a whole "hairy" body and take 3 hours. You will be relatively hairless for about 3 weeks. One caution: have the waxing done at least a week before the special occasion to be sure that any tiny red pinprick-dots are healed.

Hair regrowth after shaving is immediate and the stubble is coarse and rough. With waxing, the new hair takes weeks to come back, and is softer, lighter in color, and much sparser. Not only are the hairs removed but waxing exfoliates the top layer of dead skin cells, resulting in a softer, smoother, more translucent skin. Leg waxing leaves the skin silky smooth for 4 to 6 weeks. Waxing also works well on the stomach, brows, and upper lip.

Waxing often results in a slower hair return. Each waxing permanently destroys some hair roots and so space between the hairs increases. Less hair returns and the returning hair becomes finer. Eventually, much hair is permanently gone.

Removing facial hair does not make it grow back darker. However, some women experience "shading" and the skin where hair is removed becomes darker. This is usually due to exposing the skin to the sun within 48 hours after hair removal. For best results, use a sun blocker on newly treated areas.

For best results, waxing requires:
Special hair removal waxes
Cloth patches
A moist towel
A wax heating unit
A mixing and applying spatula
A pain reducing gel
A skin repair cream

Waxing at home costs about $5 for a 3 oz. wax kit, which is enough for three applications on lower legs, while a salon charges $25 to $35 for the lower legs, $15 to $25 for the bikini line, and $10 to $20 for the upper lip.

Types of Waxes

Special waxes have been developed for hair removal that contain combinations of waxes, such as paraffin and beeswax, oils or fats, and resins that help the wax adhere to the skin.

There are "hot" and "cold" waxes. Hot waxes are applied as a thin layer is applied to the skin in the direction of the hair growth. Newer, hot waxes melt at relatively low temperatures and often contain some sugar to ease their removal from the skin. The hair becomes trapped in the wax as it cools and hardens. A cloth is placed over the wax and pulled off quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth, taking the uprooted hairs with it. Waxes should contain no artificial colors, perfumes, or preservatives.

The best hot waxes melt at just above body temperature, reducing the danger of burning. The wax should wash away with water and not require any sort of special remover.

Cold waxes work similarly to hot waxes. You use strips precoated with wax that are pressed on the skin, then pulled off in the direction opposite to hair growth. The wax strips come in different sizes for use on the chin, eyebrows, upper lip, and bikini area.

Waxes should not be re-used despite the recommendations of some wax sellers.

Waxing Cautions

Before waxing, test a small area of skin for any sensitivity to the wax. Waxing should not be done on persons with diabetes, or with varicose veins, moles, or warts on the site of hair removal. Wax should not be used on nipples, male genital organs, the eyelashes, inside the nose or ears, or on skin that is irritated, chapped, sunburned, or broken.

Waxing should not be done on the face of a person using Retin-A, Renova, Differin, or Accutane, as these substances weaken the skin and the skin may tear when the wax strip is pulled off.

Waxing Your Skin

Hair should be at least 1/8" long before waxing. If shorter, wait a few days longer (best results are obtained letting the hair grow for 2-3 weeks). You will need wax, cloth strips (3" by 9" for body waxing), and a small, moist towel.

Prior to starting, wash the area to be waxed with soap and water and dry well. Any makeup or lotions on the skin may prevent the wax from removing the hair.

Heating the Wax

For microwaving wax, remove the cap and place the jar of wax in the microwave oven. Heat on full power for 20 to 30 seconds (however, because each microwave is somewhat different, it is a good idea to experiment to find the best time). If you wish to use a stove top, remove the cap and place the jar of wax in a pan with gently boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.

Stir the wax well with a spatula. The wax should be soft but not runny. The ideal temperature for wax application is 40-50°C (104-122°F). Test the wax on a very small area of skin to be certain that it is not too hot.