waxing
what is it?
Waxing is a temporary method of hair removal, which removes the hair from the root. New hairs will not grow back in the previously waxed area for three to eight weeks. Almost any area of the body can be waxed, including eyebrows, face, bikini area, legs, arms, back, abdomen and feet.
Waxing is accomplished by spreading a wax combination thinly over the skin. A cloth or paper strip is then pressed on the top and ripped off with a quick movement against the direction of hair growth. This removes the wax along with the hair and dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth. Another method of waxing involves hot wax, a soft wax directly applied to the skin. The wax then hardens when it cools, thus allowing the easy removal by a therapist without the aid of cloths. This waxing method is very beneficial to people who have sensitive skin.
New hair growth in waxed areas is soft and fine, not sharp and coarse like shaved hair. After repeated waxing for areas like the eyebrows and lower legs, hair regrowth is less common and eventually the hair will never regrow.
Benefits and drawbacks
There are many benefits to waxing versus other forms of hair removal. Waxing is a long-lasting method. Hair in waxed areas will not grow back for three to eight weeks; when the hair does grow back it is soft and thin. When hair is shaved or removed by depilatory cream, the hair is removed at the surface rather than the root. Within a few days, the hair can be seen at the surface. With these methods, hair tends to grow back in a rough stubble. Areas that are repeatedly waxed over long periods of time often exhibit a thinning of regrowth, and regrowth that is thinner, softer, and lighter in color.
There are many drawbacks of waxing as well. Waxing can be painful when the strip is removed from the skin. Although the pain is short-lasting, it can be very uncomfortable. Another drawback to waxing is the expense: waxing is usually performed by a licensed cosmetologist, and the cost can be very high. There are do-it-yourself waxing supplies, but they may be difficult to use on oneself on some areas on the body. Hair removal is also not permanent. When removed against the direction of hair growth, the wax strip may disturb hair follicles, causing hair to begin to grow in different directions. This may cause hair growth to be more noticeable and make other methods of hair removal more difficult. Fortunately, this risk is negligible if the waxing is performed properly. One of the most annoying drawbacks of waxing is that many people experience ingrown hairs, red bumps, and minor bleeding. This is more likely to occur with men who are waxing areas with thick hair, especially the first few times when follicles are strongest. While usually impossible to eliminate, this can be reduced by regularly exfoliating, and applying an astringent or a solution of both astringent and oil (typically baby or azulene oil).