Hair Removal — How Waxing Works

Waxing is the application of a warm wax to the hairs on the skin. The resins in the wax grip onto the hair and then a strip of cloth is pressed onto the wax to further bind everything. The strip is then quickly removed in the opposite direction of hair growth.

Hair waxed off of the body is completely removed from the root, so that when it grows back it does so as a new, thinner, finer hair. Additionally each time the hair is removed from the follicle it damages the follicle; eventually many hair follicles simply stop producing hair. The alternative for some men is shaving, but this method merely cuts the hair at the skin level; when this hair continues its growth upward it does so as a stubbly, prickly and itchy hair which can lead to chaffing and irritation.

Does it hurt?
I say this as a man who gets waxed every 4 weeks, but everyone’s tolerance for pain is different. For many of my clients it seems the  anticipation of not knowing what to expect makes them feel nervous or vulnerable. I do my best to be as gentle, straightforward, and efficient as possible.

I’m not going to sugarcoat it and say waxing doesn’t hurt, but the truth of the matter is that everyone’s pain threshold is different. I have men who jump with every removal of the strip and men who oddly enough, have fallen asleep during a service. Taking a mild painkiller 30 minutes prior to your visit has been known to reduce pain and avoiding caffeine before a service helps reduce sensitivity, so keep that in mind. I find that sensitivity does drop predictably with each visit as the hairs become thinner, weaker, and sometimes stop growing in altogether.

At 360 Skin we use only the a highest quality Cirepil waxes that cost a bit more but are miles above the rest of the field. Our wax is heated to just above the temperature of the skin and tested before each service to insure you’ll never be burned.

Once an area is waxed it should be hair-free for 3-5 weeks depending on your hair growth pattern.

Contraindications for waxing:
Waxing is appropriate for almost everyone. However, physicians do not recommend it for people suffering from diabetes or who have varicose veins or poor circulation as they are more susceptible to infection. Waxing is NEVER performed on a client who is using Retin-A, Accutane, Renova, Differin or any other acne medications that thin the skin. It is my responsibility as a skincare professional and your responsibility as the client to discuss any conditions or medications that may be contra-indicated for waxing. Please be totally honest with your wax therapist about any and all allergies and medications you are taking – it is for your protection.

Post Waxing Side Effects and Issues
I cannot predict or guarantee who may have a reaction to being waxed; most clients do not experience anything beyond redness and occasional minor irritation. I tend to use a post epilation product to help close any pores and minimize the possibility of break outs. Here are some guidelines to minimize having a negative post waxing experience:

• Avoid immediate exposure to the sun after waxing and wear a sun-screen as recently waxed areas are prone to hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) if exposed to the sun.
• Avoid heavy exercise for at least 12 hours after waxing.
• Avoid saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools and other heated sources for at least 48 hours.
• Do not use exfoliating products (scrubs, loofas etc) until at least 24 hours after waxing.
• Avoid tight clothing after waxing, especially in the waxed areas as it may result in irritation and/or ingrown hairs.
• Avoid deodorants and anti-perspirants for 24 hours following an underarm waxing treatment.
• Unfortunately, oral sex is not recommended for at least 12 hours after a Brazilian.

This post was written by Brandon