Waxing Langley is a hygienic alternative to shaving as it removes hairs directly from the root. This also lowers the likelihood of ingrown hairs and helps the skin look smoother.
Hair re-growth after waxing is usually much slower than shaving, and it can seem thinner and finer. Waxing can also be less irritating for the skin than other hair removal methods.
Waxing is a great option for hair removal because it pulls the hair out of the follicle instead of cutting the hair on the surface. This makes it less likely that you’ll have ingrown hairs or abrasions on the skin. Plus, waxing keeps hair-free skin smoother longer than shaving and other methods of hair removal.
Before you go to your appointment, it’s important to prep the area for waxing. Gently wash the area and dry it well to remove any dirt, oils or other products on your body. You can also exfoliate the day of or a few days before your waxing session to remove any dead skin cells. Just be sure to avoid scrubbing the area too close to your waxing session because it can make your skin sensitive and susceptible to irritation.
Lastly, it’s always a good idea to take an over-the-counter pain reliever about a half hour before your waxing session to help prevent any discomfort. Also, if you’re on your period, it’s usually best to reschedule your appointment because your hormone levels can affect your comfort level.
During your waxing appointment, the technician will clean the area and apply a pre-wax treatment to prepare the skin for removal. Depending on the type of wax you choose, your technician will either use a clean applicator stick or a strip to apply a thin layer of wax in the direction of hair growth. Once the wax has been applied, they’ll remove it along with the hair and any residue. Then, they’ll apply a soothing lotion or serum to calm the skin and minimize ingrown hairs. Be sure to use the post-wax care regimen recommended by your esthetician for the best results.
Warm Wax
Unlike strip wax, warm wax does not need to be removed with disposable strips. It’s simply applied in a thin layer in the direction of hair growth with a wooden spatula stick and allowed to harden on the skin before rubbing off. This type of wax is ideal for larger areas of the body, especially those with thicker or coarse hair.
Parissa Legs & Body Warm Wax is a salon-strength professional wax that is easy to use and effective on stubborn, rough or coarse hair. It is gentle on the skin and is non-toxic for a safe, natural, and hypoallergenic experience. It can be heated in a microwave or with the Parissa Mini Pro Wax Warmer.
While strip and warm waxing work similarly, the main difference is that strip wax can be ripped off in one quick motion while it takes roughly a minute for the wax to harden and then removed with the fingers. This makes it a faster option, making it popular for busy salons and wax bars.
Hot wax shrink wraps around the hairs and is a little slower to remove, but this means it’s less likely to damage the surface of the skin. It also grips hairs a lot more tightly, meaning it’s a much better option for thicker or stronger hairs (like Hollywood wax). It doesn’t however work as well on delicate skin like the underarms or intimate area and can cause reddening. It is a good idea to avoid using deodorants, astringents, alcohols or any other products on the area of your skin that’s just been waxed for 24 hours. This will help to prevent ingrown hairs and irritation.
Soft Wax
The type of wax used during a session depends on the client’s skin and hair, and the esthetician’s preference. Soft wax is traditional in the industry and the type most people are familiar with. This type of wax requires a strip to remove the hair, and it can be less painful than hard wax.
It is easier to apply and can be spread in a thin layer, making it more efficient for salons that service large areas like the legs and back. It is also cheaper for suppliers to purchase, so it is a popular option in many spas and salons.
Compared to hard wax, which adheres to the hair only, soft wax also grabs some of the top layer of the skin, providing a light exfoliation. This can be uncomfortable, but it is necessary to avoid abrasions.
The base of most soft waxes is a combination of Glyceryl Rosinate (a pine resin) and Liquid Paraffin, which are natural ingredients that create the perfect adhesive when warmed. This makes the product gentle on skin, even sensitive skin. It is recommended for use on all skin types.
When choosing the right wax for your clients, it is a good idea to learn about different formulas and applications. This allows you to offer a tailored experience and work with clients who have a wide range of skin types, hair growth problems, etc. It is also helpful to understand how the different waxes function, so you can explain why you prefer one over another when recommending a treatment for your client.
Hard Wax
When it comes to removing unwanted hair, hard wax is a top choice among many estheticians and clients alike. Unlike soft wax and sugaring, hard wax adheres to the hair only and not the skin. As a result, it causes less pain during the removal process and does not leave sticky residue behind.
There are different types of hard wax available, such as stripless hard wax, polymer film hard wax and non-polymer blends. Stripless hard waxes do not require muslin or non-woven waxing strips and are perfect for smaller areas, such as the face, underarms, and bikini line. Polymer film hard waxes are a more traditional type of hard wax that is based on elastic films and can be applied to the full body. Finally, non-polymer blends are free of resins and are the preferred choice for those with sensitive skin.
Regardless of the type of hard wax, it is essential to follow the proper application and removal techniques. In addition, a patch test is always recommended before attempting any type of waxing.
Waxing can be a very effective method for reducing the growth of unwanted hair, but it is important to understand that the results are not immediate. The hair follicles will be damaged by the heat of the wax and over time, the rate at which the hair grows will decrease. For the best possible results, it is recommended that you wax your hair every two to six weeks. This will help reduce the amount of hair that grows in between sessions and maintain smooth, beautiful skin.
Post-Wax Care
While waxing is one of the safest ways to remove unwanted hair, it still leaves the skin in a sensitive state for a while. For this reason, there are certain things that should be avoided after a waxing appointment to minimize the risk of irritation, bumps, rashes and ingrown hairs.
For example, avoiding shaving or tweezing for at least three days after waxing is essential to prevent those pesky ingrown hairs. And it’s a good idea to exfoliate every few days to keep dead skin from clogging pores and blocking hair growth. We recommend using a gentle body scrub like our Waxing the City Sugar Scrub. It’s a physical exfoliator that buffs away dry skin while nourishing it with shea butter, aloe and mango seed oil.
Other things that should be avoided during this time are fake tans, hot baths, saunas and steam rooms, tight clothing and sunbathing (especially in the case of the bikini area). Also, remember to moisturize the waxed areas with a gentle cleanser, moisturizing lotion or spray that’s fragrance-free. And if you’re really concerned about itching, try a product with numbing cream that contains aloe to soothe and hydrate.
Another thing to note is that exercise should be avoided if possible immediately after a wax, as sweat can clog the open pores and lead to irritation. And if you must hit the gym, Shelby Galvan, an Esthetician for European Wax Center, recommends planning your HIIT class well in advance of your waxing appointment. This will give your pores a chance to close up before they get clogged by sweat and topical products. So now that you know all the do’s and don’ts of waxing, be sure to share this with your clients to help them feel confident and comfortable navigating the waxing process.