Wax
Heard about waxing?
Waxing is a great alternative to lotions, creams, shaving and tweezers. The results are temporary but in general last anywhere from three to eight weeks as of the time you remove the hair. When the hair does grow back it tends to be finer and less noticeable because the entire hair root is removed unlike lotions and creams, which only remove the hair above the skin. Creams and lotions only last for a few days to a week and the hair tends to grow back coarse, much like shaving. Eventually, some areas of repeated waxing like the eyebrows and legs might stop growing back all together.
Waxing is offered at a variety of places from your cosmetologist to your local day spa. In general prices can range from as little as $5.00 to upwards of $100 depending on where you go and what you are having waxed. Just about anywhere on your body can be waxed, the only areas of exception are your eyelashes and inside the ears and nose which should never be waxed. Some of the most popular places to wax are eyebrows, upper lip, chin, under the arms, bikini area and legs but you can also wax your arms, fingers, toes, back, shoulders, chest, stomach and lastly, the male and female genitalia (referred to as a Brazilian).
By now you might be wondering how waxing is done. Wax is applied to the area where the hair is to be removed, once the wax is on the esthetician or cosmetologist will apply a strip of cloth to the wax and then quickly remove the strip and wax by pulling in the opposite direction of the hair growth to effectively remove the entire root. As an added bonus it removes dead skin cells in the area too. Can it be painful? Yes! However, depending on the area you are having waxed the esthetician or cosmetologist will sometimes apply a pain reliever to the area prior to and after waxing. It might also be helpful to take something like ibuprofen about an hour prior to having a sensitive region waxed.
Just like lotions, creams, shaving and tweezing, waxing can be done in the comfort of your own home with a little practice. Wax for hair removal can be found in many drug and beauty supply stores as well as online retailers. Prices vary depending on which type of at home waxing method you decide to try. Keep in mind that you should never attempt to wax male or female genitalia including nipples at home!
There are certain drawbacks to waxing. For starters, it can be anywhere from minimal discomfort to a very painful experience; depending on the area you are having hair removed from. It is not a permanent solution to hair growth because the hair removed will grow back in about three to eight weeks and it is more costly than the other forms of temporary hair removal. Waxing is not suitable for everyone, including people who suffer from diabetes or have varicose veins because they are more susceptible to infection and those who are taking certain types of medications for acne. If you are unsure about whether you fit into one of these categories, please consult your physician before having waxing done.