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A
wax combination is spread thinly over the skin. A cloth strip
is pressed on the top and then ripped off with a quick movement
removing the wax along with the hair and dead skin cells leaving the
skin smooth.
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Good
hot waxes melt just above body temperature so they can be easily
spread thinly over the skin. As they harden they trap the hair in
the wax so it is removed by the roots when the wax is ripped off.
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Cold
waxes are available in precoated strips which can be pressed directly
onto the skin. The hair sticks to the wax and is then removed with
the quick pull back action. (Cold waxing is also known as Persian
waxing)
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As
dead skin cells are removed in this process the skin can feel quite
smooth afterwards. The waxing action does cause the skin to sting
and many find a soothing skin healing cream to be helpful afterwards.
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Some
persons find the skin reacts with redness and bumps which disappear
after a few hours.
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Some
physicians do not recommend waxing for persons suffering from
diabetes or who have poor circulation as they are more susceptible
to infection.
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Users
of Retin-A, Renova, Differin or Accutane are advised not to use
waxing on the face as these medications tend to weaken the
skin and tearing of the skin may occur when the wax is removed.
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Waxing
should not be done on areas of skin affected by warts, pimples,
moles or rashes or on skin that is irritated, chapped or suffering
from sunburn. Never apply wax to peeling, broken skin.
-
It
is wise to test a small area first to make sure there
are no adverse skin reactions.
-
Results
last generally between 3 and 8 weeks. Less hair regrows and
it is generally finer. Eventually some hair never regrows.
-
To
avoid the skin appearing darker after waxing, be careful not to expose
the treated area to the sun for 48 hours after treatment. Alternatively
use a good sun blocker cream on newly treated areas.
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Hair
should be at least 1/8 inch long. If it isn't wait until it
reaches this length.
-
Be
sure to wash the skin thoroughly and dry it well beforehand
to remove any lotions or oils which may prevent the wax from adhering
closely to the skin.
-
Heat
the wax carefully so as not to overheat and thus burn the skin when
applying. Test on a small area first. The consistency should
be soft rather than runny.
-
If
pain and discomfort is a main concern use a pain reducing gel
or anesthetic numbing spray available from pharmacists. These
solutions should be applied 30 to 60 minutes before waxing so the
skin is numbed beforehand.
-
Apply a thin layer of wax in the direction of the hair growth,
preferably holding the spatula or tongue depresser at a 45 degree
angle as you spread the wax.
-
When
applying the cotton strip over the wax, rub in the same direction
as the hair growth leaving about 1/3 of the strip free to allow
for a firm grip for a fast back pulling action.
-
Pull
the skin taut before pulling the cotton strip away.
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Pull
back with a rapid movement close to the skin. Do not pull up or
out, rather pull back.
-
One
fast, smooth, pull back is much more effective than a series
of light pulls which only increase the pain and leave patchy areas.
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For
facial hair use wax at a lower temperature than the
rest of the body. Use one hand to hold the skin taught. Spread the
wax very thinly. Only treat small areas at a time.
-
Clean
the skin with a warm moist towel afterwards to remove excess
wax.
