Waxing - the facts

                                              

What to Expect When Waxing
Waxing is the longest-lasting temporary hair removal technique available. When wax is warm, it enters the follicle, allowing the hair to be pulled out from the root. Hair grows back in 3 to 6 weeks. The disadvantage to waxing is that it can be painful for those with sensitive skin. And hair must grow back by 1cm before waxing again (this takes up to six weeks).

What should you expect when waxing for the first time? First, a special preconditioning lotion for waxing (regular lotions and creams make the wax slip from the hair) is applied. Then hot wax is poured onto the skin and covered with strips of cloth. Once the wax hardens around each strand of hair, the cloth is quickly pulled off. Your skin should be pulled taut in the opposite direction from the way the strip will be removed.

The best antidote to the pain of waxing is to try to relax. According to many beauty practitioners, when a client is tense, the follicle closes and the wax doesn't reach the root of the hair. Immediately after waxing, apply gentle pressure to the area with your hands; icing the area also can help ease the pain. The more often you get a wax treatment, the more accustomed you'll grow to the experience.

How Waxing Changes Your Hair
Waxing really does make your hair grow lighter over time. Because the wax gets into the hair follicle and pulls the hair from the root, it grows back less thick than when the shaft is shaved.

Organic Wax
If your skin is sensitive or if you are prone to breakouts or allergic reactions, all-natural wax can help reduce skin irritation and unsightly red bumps and itching. Wax containing aloe (usually tinted blue) also helps head off discomfort.

Salon vs. Home Waxing
You can certainly wax your legs at home, but, as with many beauty procedures, a professional can usually do a better, more efficient job (with less mess). The hair needs to be pulled at a 40-degree angle and the cloth strips need to be yanked quickly, both hard feats to accomplish on your own. Cold-wax strips are easier to use at home, but they often don't stick as well to the hairs as hot wax does. When doing it yourself, try a transparent wax so you can see the hairs that have been covered and determine the direction of their growth. As with all products you're using for the first time, try the wax on a small area of skin before proceeding.

Upper Lip Hair Removal
Lip hair is one of those things no one wants to admit to having, either to themselves or anyone else. But for many women it is a reality and one they would prefer to deal with. There are many options, ranging from disguising the hair to permanently removing it. Bleaching is popular, but it's only effective if the hair is similar in colour to the skin and isn't too heavy. If you have a dark complexion, bleaching will just highlight your moustache by lightening it. Depilatories are another alternative, but should be avoided if you have sensitive skin; even if you have normal skin, it's not uncommon to develop a rash through prolonged use. Waxing is another popular option. It can be done at home or at a salon, and lasts about a month. It's probably the simplest and most effective of all the hair-removal methods. Permanent hair-removal options include electrolysis and laser hair removal, but both are expensive and time-consuming. Consult a dermatologist if you are considering either of these options.