First time in Waxing? You could be apprehensive – especially if you’ve seen videos of people in pain during the procedure. You might think that shaving is the most effective hair removal – but did you know that shaving can result in uncontrolled and coarser hair growth? The act of shaving also generates friction on the skin, which results in darker spots appearing on the places that have been shaved.
When it comes to Waxing, we’ll go over what it is, the advantages of waxing over shaving, some essential dos and don’ts following your waxing session, and we’ll answer the question “Does waxing reduce hair growth?”
What Is Waxing?
Waxing, also called epilation, removes hair from the hair shaft by applying a sticky substance – such as wax – to the body hair and then pulling it. Hair grows back in the previously waxed area about 4 to 6 weeks on average, though this varies from individual depending on their hair growth cycle. Wax can be applied to almost any body part, including the legs, arms, upper lip, armpit, back, belly, and even the pelvic regions (called bikini waxing).
For hair removal, there are many kinds of wax available. The stripless wax is the most widespread and least painful of the available options (instead of strip wax). Stripless wax is applied and peeled off without cloths or paper strips, as the name suggests. In addition to being ideal for people with sensitive skin, this procedure is also an excellent alternative for those with more delicate hairs and sensitive skin because the wax does not attach to the skin like strip wax does, making it a viable option even for those with finer hairs.
Waxing vs. Shaving
Waxing removes hair from the root, which typically results in the root being weaker due to the procedure. After each process, hair growth gets slower and less noticeable – with more delicate and less visible hairs. In contrast to shaving, which involves scraping the skin’s surface with a blade to eliminate hair, Waxing removes hair from the root. This hurts the skin and creates friction, which might also cause the skin to discolor over an extended shaving period, but it will also result in uncontrolled and coarser hair growth.
Why Is Waxing the Better Choice?
Waxing eliminates hair and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface without harming it. This results in smooth and even skin. Thanks to this treatment, you’ll notice an improvement in your complexion and increased cell turnover.
No cuts and ingrown hair risk. There is no risk of cuts because Waxing eliminates hair from the hair follicle at the root, eliminating the need for any skin scraping. It also eliminates the itching of stubble coming out, making your skin feel coarse and raw.
Hair grows back slower, finer, and softer after being waxed frequently. To maintain the same volume and thickness of hair before shaving, you trim it. It’s an excellent option for electrolysis and laser hair removal because it works for everyone. On the other hand, Waxing is a considerably more affordable alternative to these more intensive procedures.
Does Waxing Reduce Hair Growth?
People who have used various hair removal methods on their bodies, such as epilating or shaving, may believe that Waxing lowers hair growth since they do not notice hair growing as quickly as they would have if they had shaven instead of waxed. This is because they cannot see the hair as it grows beneath the skin’s surface.
Remember that you are just removing the hair that has grown outside of the skin’s surface area when you shave. It is possible to observe black spots on the skin, indicating that a portion of the hair is still present below the skin’s surface. Because it just needs to develop a small amount before it begins to stretch from the skin’s surface again, the hair that is left becomes easily visible as it grows and gets more prominent.
Waxing using cold wax or wax strips, on the other hand, removes the entire hair from the root to the end of the hair follicle. This is comparable to using an epilator (and has a similar level of discomfort). As a result of the intensity of this procedure, there may be some little bleeding. Before observing new hair growth, the hair strand will need to be reattached to the root at the root level. As a result, it takes longer for the hair to become noticeable because there is more length to develop.
It may appear that the growth rate has slowed due to this procedure. On the other hand, this isn’t always the case. It takes longer for the hair growth to become noticeable when it is waxed instead of shaved because it begins at the roots rather than the skin’s surface when the hair is shaved. Aside from that, some people may believe that less hair is growing because they are not seeing any hair growth.
On the other hand, Waxing does not affect the amount of hair that grows. It is still the same, but it simply requires more time. If you don’t wax your hair regularly, the hair strands will eventually develop hair, and you’ll be right back where you started. It will also not affect either hair loss or hair growth.
Waxing Do’s and Don’ts
- DO cleanse your skin the night before your waxing appointment. This removes dead skin, which normally aids in the extraction of hairs and the prevention of ingrown hairs.
- DON’T moisturize your skin on the day of the treatment. This creates barriers between the wax and the hair, preventing it from adequately gripping the hair.
- DON’T be concerned or ashamed about getting a wax; your health care provider may have waxed hundreds or even thousands of people so that it won’t be a massive deal to them, and it won’t be for you either.
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DO follow the waxing aftercare:
- Your skin may be red or have raised bumps lasting up to 48 hours following your treatment.
- For 48 hours, refrain from taking a hot bath or shower (cold or lukewarm water is fine).
- For 48 hours, refrain from taking a hot bath or shower (cold or lukewarm water is fine).
- For the next 48 hours, refrain from engaging in any activity that may cause you to perspire.
- Swimming should be avoided for 48 hours.
- For at least 48 hours, avoid using fragrant creams or lotions.
- After having your face waxed, you should avoid wearing makeup for 48 hours.
- After getting your underarms waxed, you should avoid using deodorant for 48 hours.
- If there is a lot of direct sunshine, keep the parts that have been waxed protected and in the shade as much as possible.
- Between treatments, refrain from shaving.
Ready for Your Waxing Treatment?
This concludes our list of the most important things to know about Waxing. To get rid of those pesky hairs, Waxing may be the answer! Consult a licensed esthetician at a facility like Integrated MedSpa to learn more about your hair care options.
