Waxing is the process of hair removal from the root by using a covering of a sticky substance, such

as wax, to adhere to body hair, and then removing this covering and pulling out the hair from the
follicle. New hair will not grow back in the previously waxed area for four to six weeks, although
some people will start to see regrowth in only a week due to some of their hair being on a
different human hair growth cycle. Almost any area of the body can be waxed, including eyebrows,
face, pubic hair (called bikini waxing or intimate waxing), legs, arms, back, abdomen, chest,
knuckles, and feet. There are many types of waxing suitable for removing unwanted hair.

Types[edit]

Male chest before and after waxing.

Strip waxing (soft wax) is accomplished by spreading a wax thinly over the skin. A cloth or paper
strip is applied and pressed firmly, adhering the strip to the wax and the wax to the skin. The strip is
then quickly ripped against the direction of hair growth, as parallel as possible to the skin to avoid
trauma to the skin. This removes the wax along with the hair. There are different forms of strip
waxing or soft waxing: heated, cold or pre-made strips. Unlike cold waxing, heated wax is spread
easily over the skin. Cold waxing is thicker, which makes it more difficult to spread smoothly over the
skin. Pre-made strips come with the wax on them, and they come in different sizes for different area
uses.[1]
Stripless wax (as opposed to strip wax) comprises both hard wax and film wax.[2] Hard wax is applied
somewhat thickly and with no cloth or paper strips. Film wax similarly so but is spread in a thin film.
The wax then hardens when it cools, thus allowing the easy removal by a therapist without the aid of
cloths or strips. This waxing method is very beneficial to people who have sensitive skin. Stripless
wax does not adhere to the skin as much as strip wax does, thus making it a good option for
sensitive skin as finer hairs are more easily removed because the hard wax encapsulates the hair as
it hardens. The stripless waxing method can also be less painful.

ADVANTAGES

There are many benefits to waxing versus other forms of hair removal. It is an effective method to
remove large amounts of hair at one time. It is a long-lasting method, as hair in waxed areas will not
grow back for two to eight weeks. When hair is shaved or removed by depilatory cream, the hair is
removed at the surface rather than the hair root. Within a few days, the hair can reappear back at
the surface. With these methods, hair tends to grow back in a rough stubble. Areas that are
repeatedly waxed over long periods of time often exhibit regrowth that is softer.
There are many drawbacks of waxing as well. Waxing can be painful when the strip is removed from
the skin. Although the pain is not long-lasting, it can be intense, particularly in sensitive areas.
Another drawback to waxing is the expense: waxing is usually performed by a licensed esthetician
and in some cases the cost can be high, depending on the area waxed and the number of sittings
required. There are do-it-yourself waxing supplies, but they may be difficult to use on oneself on
some areas on the body.
Another drawback of waxing is that some people experience ingrown hairs, red bumps, and minor
bleeding. This is more likely to occur when waxing areas with thick hair, especially the first few times
when follicles are strongest.

Silky smooth skin is definitely the dream for almost everyone out there. Achieving it is also not too
difficult but it definitely requires frequent visits to your professional at the salon. More often than not,
waxing is carried out by a professional on different parts of the body to remove unwanted hair and
reveal smooth, glowing skin. But is waxing really worth it?

In this article, our experts highlight some advantages of waxing along with some disadvantages of
this hair removal method for your skin. Waxing for hair removal might be required once every 20
days, but it is always better to be aware of the pros and cons of waxing before scheduling your next
appointment.

What are the Advantages of Waxing?

 If you opt for hot wax, it is certainly beneficial for sensitive skin. It helps open the pores
easing the hair removal process. It is also ideal for hair removal in the bikini region.
 In case of cold wax for hair removal, it can be applied directly on the skin. Hence the process
is swift curbing the instances of pain or redness.
 If your salon uses sugar waxing for hair removal, it can be applied on almost every skin type.
It is composed of natural ingredients making it safe for hair removal.
 Waxing helps exfoliate the skin which makes it smooth and younger-looking.
 It also results in the gradual reduction of the frequency of hair growth.

These pros of waxing can vary depending on your skin type. Before opting for your choice of waxing
hair removal, we recommend consulting your professional for the ideal option.

Are there any Disadvantages of Waxing?

Yes. While there are certain pros of waxing, it is important to keep in mind the disadvantages of
waxing. Hence, we urge you to make a conscious decision before visiting your salon.
The cons of waxing are as follows –

 Waxing can cause pain and discomfort depending on the target area. This is applicable for
both hot and cold wax.
 This form of hair removal might not be suitable for all skin types. Sensitive skin, for example,
might face redness, burning sensation and itching post procedure.

FACTS ABOUT WAXING

1. How long does Waxing last?

The results of waxing vary from person to person. Generally, new hair grows back within 20-25 days
after which you need to book another appointment at your salon for waxing hair removal.

2. Is waxing better than shaving?

Yes, waxing is better than shaving since it removes unwanted hair instantly from the target area. The
chances of any side effects like bumps and the occurrence of ingrown hair is less in comparison to
shaving which can cause the same, in addition to cuts and burning sensation on the skin.

3. Does waxing make skin darker?

In case of application of hot wax on your skin, post-inflammatory pigmentation may occur in the
target area causing your skin to look darker. However, this subsides gradually with the right form of
skin care.