HAIR REMOVAL WAXING

A wax substance is applied to the skin, and then a strip of cloth or paper is pressed into the wax. After a few seconds the strip is quickly removed, taking the hairs with it.

ADVANTAGES

Inexpensive treatmentFastCan be performed at homeGood for removing hairs from the bikini line and from large areas of the body, such as the back, arms and legsRemoves dead skin cellsCan lead to permanent hair removal

DISADVANTAGES

Quite a messy methodPotential for hairs to break off and not be completely removedConsistent results can be difficult to obtainPotential for skin infection or irritationSome areas of the body are difficult to treat yourselfCan be difficult to wipe away due to petroleum additivesDiscomfort caused by wax sticking to both the hairs and skinCan cause ingrown hair Not suitable for users on some medications

BACKGROUND

Waxing has been around for thousands of years and has recently become popular in the fashion world with the introduction of the Brazilian bikini waxing style. It is an effective method of removing large amounts of hair quickly and is still regularly practiced by professionals.

TREATMENT

There are 2 methods of waxing hair removal: hot and cold (called Persian). With a hot treatment, the wax is warmed to allow it to be spread easily over the skin. A cloth is then pressed into the warm wax. As it cools it adheres to the cloth and the hairs become embedded in the waxy cloth. The cloth is then quickly pulled off in the opposite direction of the hair growth, pulling the hairs out of the follicles. With the cold method, waxed strips are pressed onto the skin. After a period of time the strips are pulled off in the same manner as with hot waxing. Any remaining wax that is still left on the skin must be peeled or scratched off.

This method removes hair for about 4-6 weeks depending on the strength of the hair. With regular treatments, hairs become weaker and will eventually stop growing.

A further benefit of this method is that dead skin cells are also removed in the process. This can make the skin can feel quite smooth afterwards. However, this process can cause some irritation and therefore an application of skin cream can help to soothe the pain.

Some doctors do not recommend waxing for people who suffer from diabetes or who have varicose veins or poor circulation, as they are more susceptible to infection. Users of medications such as Retin-A, Renova, or Accutane are advised not to use this method on the face, as these medications tend to weaken the skin and tearing of the skin may occur when the wax is removed. Also, hair waxes should not be performed on areas of skin affected by moles, pimples, warts or rashes, or on skin that is irritated, peeling, broken, chapped or suffering from sunburn.

After treatment there are a number of precautions to take. For example, do not sunbathe or swim in the sea or chlorinated water. Do not get in a Jacuzzi which other people have used as there is a risk of getting an infection when the skin is at its most vunerable. You must also be careful to choose an appropriate lotion as some lotions have chemicals that can cause irritation. It is usually recommended to apply a vitamin E lotion to help repair the skin after waxing.

Before carrying out a treatment, test a small area first. Waxes can be used on most parts of the body except the male genitals, nipples, inside the ears and nose, and eyelashes.

THE BRAZILIAN BIKINI WAX

Brazilian bikini waxing originated in Brazil for women that wanted to wear bikini thongs. The bikini wax became very popular in the late 1990s and is now used worldwide by both males and females. The technique removes all the hairs from around the genital area (both front and rear). If preferred, a small bikini 'landing strip' (for females) or small triangle of pubic hair (for males) can be retained at the front. For those of you who are a little more reserved then a French wax may be more to your liking. With this method a larger strip is left at the front and no hair is removed from the rear. More about Brazilian waxing

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Source TheHairFacts