WAX ON...WAX OFF!

Sadly, Summer has been and gone and as we welcome in these cosy jumper months one thought you’re left with is “well, at least I don’t need to worry about keeping myself hair free anymore.” …right? So this is the perfect time to begin your waxing journey, get into a routine of regular waxing treatments, and reap the rewards by the time next Spring rolls around!
 
Here we’re going to talk all about waxing, its benefits compared to other hair removal remedies, and all the tips and tricks, pre and post wax to get the best results.
 
There are two types of wax
And everyone will call them something slightly different!

• Hot wax, or non-strip wax. This is used on delicate areas such as the underarms, intimate areas, and the face. This wax cools and sets hard on the skin and can then be pulled off. This wax has been specially designed to be the gentlest on the skin.
• Warm wax, or strip wax. This is used on legs, back and chest. The wax is applied and then removed with paper strips. This wax is perfect for removing hair quickly from lager areas.

 
What are the benefits of waxing?
 
1.  Less regrowth
Waxing can last between 4-6 weeks. Because the wax pulls the whole hair right from the root of the hair follicle. Whereas, shaving cuts the hair only at skin level which is why you’re already reaching for the razor again just a few days later.
 
2.  Finer and softer regrowth
Shaving cuts the hair in half and leaves them feeling sharp, resulting in the prickly regrowth. When you wax regularly, you will find the hairs become much finer and sparser, which will make waxes less painful, and you’ll gradually get even longer between appointments, eventually some hairs will even stop growing all together!
 
3.  Less ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs are one of the worst aspects when it comes to hair removal treatments. This is when the hair curls back on itself into the follicle. They can be very painful and unsightly and potentially become infected. Shaving is the biggest culprit when it comes to ingrown hairs, as the hairs are sharper, so it is more likely to pierce the skin. With waxing the skin is being pulled tight and the whole hair shaft is being fully removed quickly and in the correct direction of growth from the root, preventing the hair from growing back against itself.
 
4. Kinder to the skin
Shaving and hair removal creams can cause damage to the skin. Even the most skilled off us with a razor will get the odd nick, it’s inevitable! Removal creams must be used with the utmost caution as they can potentially burn the skin and are not suitable for anyone that is sensitive. They also cannot be used on intimate areas. Both shaving and removal
creams leave the skin feeling dry and irritated.
 
 
How to get the best waxing results
 
Before your wax:
Exfoliate the day before your appointment.
Wax really sticks to dry skin. Exfoliating will remove any dry, dead skin making it less painful. We are proud retailers of Ruff Stuff body scrub, which has been made specifically to be used in conjunction with your waxing appointments. You can pick some up from our reception area.
Do not exfoliate the day of your appointment, as it will make the skin sensitive.
 
Pain Relief
If you find waxing painful or have a low pain threshold, you could take some pain killers 30mins before your appointment to help with this.
 
Timing
Avoid booking your appointment the week before your menstrual cycle is due to start, as your body is extra sensitive at this time, and it can be more painful.  You may also notice lack of sleep and high stress levels contribute to a lower pain threshold, too.
 
Clothing
Wear soft, loose-fitting clothing, made from cotton, not synthetic fibres. You want to avoid any friction on the skin, or anything that’s likely to make you feel too hot. For bikini or intimate waxing, plain cotton underwear is best. Waxing day is definitely a day to leave the lacy knickers at home!
 
Length
To get the best results hair need to be at least 1/2cm long (roughly the size of a grain of rice) if the hairs are too short then they may not get picked up by the wax. Longer hairs can be more painful for some people.
 
After your wax:
Avoid
Avoid having a hot bath, sauna, going swimming or any exercise that causes excessive sweating for 24 hours. The hair follicles are open, and the skin is sensitive, and these will cause irritation. Also avoid any deodorant on waxed areas, and sun beds or sun bathing must also be avoided for 24 hours, too.
 
Moisturise & Exfoliate
Moisturise daily and exfoliate weekly, this helps keep the skin hydrated and soft and will help against ingrown hairs and any itching when the hairs start to grow. As well as Ruff Stuff body scrub, Spa Find have a wonderful body lotion which is easily absorbed, smells great, and is perfect to be used after your waxing sessions; available from reception.
Do not exfoliate the same day as your appointment as this will irritate the skin.
 
Continuity
Keeping up your waxing is vital to getting great results. When you first start waxing it may take a couple of waxes before you get that smooth finish, this is because when you shave the hairs have been cut and are not at the same stage of the growth cycle. Hairs will also become finer and sparser if kept up regularly.