Let me guess, you have been considering losing the razor and taking a chance on getting waxed? You have heard about waxing but are not sure what’s involved. Allow me to walk you through the process and your options.
WHAT EXACTLY IS WAX?
First, let’s start with the obvious: the deal between hard wax or the soft wax option. Knowing the difference between these two is crucial for a painless waxing experience.
Soft wax is applied with a waxing spatula and removed with a muslin strip. It is ideal for larger areas of focus, such as arms, legs, and armpits.
However, hard wax is generally applied to areas with the most sensitivity, such as the face and bikini area. The wax is applied warm with a spatula, hard wax is thicker than its soft counterpart and is removed without a strip after hardening. Being gentle on the skin, hard wax avoids irritation that may otherwise be caused if soft wax was applied in its place instead.
Now that we understand the difference between the two wax solutions let explore the potential pros and cons of each.
TO DO OR NOT TO DO?
Soft wax exfoliates the skin more thoroughly because it attaches to the surface more strongly than hard wax does. For that same reason, however, soft wax cannot be applied to the same area twice because it removes layers of dead skin.
Most people, though not all, find the soft wax to be less painful. In contrast, the hard wax is less painful on the face and bikini area than soft wax. It leaves no sticky residue after application, and it is easier to clean up. It can only be applied in small areas, otherwise, it will break, so depending on the outcome that you are seeking, the appointment may take a bit longer.
Another essential thing to keep in mind is that wax because applied warm- causes the hair follicles and pores to open up from the heat. This makes it easier to pull the hair out but also means you need to be extra careful after your appointment. With pores still semi-opened, exfoliation can be detrimental to the skin. Hot tubs, jacuzzis, warm baths, pedicures, and such are not recommended for at least 48 hours to be safe.
Another essential thing to keep in mind is that wax because applied warm- causes the hair follicles and pores to open up from the heat. This makes it easier to pull the hair out but also means you need to be extra careful after your appointment. With pores still semi-opened, exfoliation can be detrimental to the skin. Hot tubs, jacuzzies, warm baths, pedicures, and such are not recommended for at least 48 hours to be safe.
The take away from this is that the type of wax to be applied varies with the area of the body, sensitivity of the skin, and personal preference, of course. There’s no right or wrong, but having this information for your appointment will help you be more educated and informed as you consult with your esthetician for the most beneficial outcome.
HOW TO BE READY FOR YOUR FIRST WAX?
Before your appointment, regardless of where the wax will be applied to, make sure you give your skin a good examination. Any damaged skin should have enough time to heal before your appointment. Any beauty marks you may have should also be applied to, make sure you give your skin a good examination. Any damaged skin should have enough time to heal before your appointment. Any beauty marks you may have should also be pointed out before the wax begins.
Special note: Please no sun tanning of any kind three days prior to your appointment.
Your hair needs to be of an appropriate length to ensure the wax can grip onto it successfully. I recommend letting your hair grow out for two and a half weeks to three weeks before coming in for a wax. If the length is too long, the wax may not stick completely and cause discomfort during the treatment. In turn, if it’s too short, there may not be enough substance for the wax to latch on to and your results will not be as smooth as you’d like them.
Gently exfoliate the week prior to your appointment and make sure to avoid any harsh treatment of the skin on the morning of your wax. We don’t want your skin to be irritated, coming into the appointment.
NOW YOU SURVIVED……..LET’S MAINTAIN IT
You also need to make sure you’re doing your part to care for your skin after the wax, as well. Immediately after, I need you to promise me you’ll do your best to keep the area clean and dry. Only after the first 48 hours will I let you off the hook. For the first day or so, however, avoid touching or scratching, exfoliating, and sweating on the area. Shower in warm water and avoid saunas at all costs.
Do not book a pedicure within the first two days after a leg wax seeing as the pores of your skin are still fragile and open. The exfoliation scrub used on your calves and feet will damage your skin.
A spray tan should also be avoided during this immediate after-wax time period to prevent tanning product from seeping into the pores. That causes those dark
spots we sometimes notice and complain about after a spray-tan.
Three to ten days after the treatment, be cautious of developing ingrown hairs. Gently exfoliate the waxed areas with a scrub, but be careful, seeing as your skin may still be sensitive. Do as feels right. After the exfoliation, don’t forget to moisturize.
FINAL THOUGHTS
No matter what service you are receiving, it’s important to make sure that the product coming into contact with your skin is of good quality. The waxing products I use here at Violetta’s Studio are from Lycon Cosmetics- the wax of choice in top spas and salons in over seventy countries.
I hope that this discussion has been informative and encouraging as you
consider your next step. Please feel free to contact me at Info@violettasstudio.com for any questions that you may still have.
