waxing

Depilation is the term used when referring to temporary methods of hair removal.
Waxing is the removal of unwanted, superfluous hair usually found under the arm, bikini line and legs. Actually any part of the body can be waxed if requested. Sports people such as cyclists, swimmers and athletes will request waxing to make them more aerodynamic.

Smooth, flawless skin is desirable in the summer months particularly when the body is exposed. There are clients who have waxing treatments throughout the year as they consider the superfluous hair is unattractive. It is the Western societies that dislike the superfluous hair, whereas Europeans are not so concerned and tend not to remove it.

Hot wax is applied at a comfortable temperature to the hair whilst still in a liquid state. It dries almost instantly on the skin contracting around the hairs. When removed, it pulls the hair from the root thus removing it. Hot wax is not as popular as warm wax as it takes longer to complete a treatment. It is however excellent when used on coarse, strong hair and is mostly used on smaller areas such as bikini line and under the arms.

From a hygiene point of view, it is important that the salon disposes of the wax used on every client. Dead skin cells, tissue fluid and sometimes spots of blood can be present on the wax as it is taken off the skin. Should the wax be returned to the heater it would provide the ideal environment for the growth of infection, which would then be passed to the next client. A classic example is an infection such as a cold sore (Herpes Simplex) which would live in the warmth of the heater. This is the reason many local authorities and salons do not advocate the use of hot wax unless it is all disposed of after one use and each application should use a new spatula.

Warm wax is applied to the skin at a lower temperature than hot wax. Totally different to hot wax which is applied in thicker pieces, warm wax looks like melted golden syrup and is applied very thinly to the area. The sticky properties of this product make it adhere to the hair enabling it to be is removed by paper or fabric strips. The hair and root are removed as with hot wax.

This treatment is much quicker than hot wax and is regarded as more hygienic as the strips used to remove the wax cannot be reused. However, all wax, (hot and warm), is applied with a small wooden spatula. It is recommended that a spatula should only be used once to ensure that dead skin cells and any surface skin bacteria is not carried back into the wax heater. If this procedure is not followed there is always the slight risk of cross infection occurring.

The one spatula per dip method is very costly to the salon and adds time to the treatment. Whilst many salons follow the one dip method for under the arms and bikini line there are many salons that do not and it is rarely followed for larger areas.

All areas when waxed are prone to producing blood spots, particularly under the arms and the bikini line, and all clients should be aware of the risks associated with this.

When receiving a waxing treatment it is important that you observe the hygiene procedures followed by the therapist. Do not be alarmed if the therapist chooses to wear disposable gloves for the treatment, this will provide protection for everyone. There are waxing systems that operate without a spatula; these are classed as a more sophisticated method of waxing eliminating the risk of cross infection especially when a new applicator is used for every client.

Waxing is a very popular and successful treatment. The effects will last for between 4 to 6 weeks on the body, up to 2 weeks on the face. This will vary with the individual and re-growth is normally faster in the warmer months of the year. As the hair is removed from the root the hair grows back with a fine soft tip unlike when the hair is shaved and it feels rough to touch. There are a number of conditions that are not suitable for waxing treatments such as varicose veins, thread veins, very sensitive skins and certain medical conditions that may affect the healing of the skin. The therapist will offer advice concerning these conditions and discuss alternative treatments.

I have had my legs waxed a number of times. On one occasion the re-growth appeared sooner and felt rough to touch, can you explain this?

The reason for this is that the hair has been broken off when removed. This is normally the result of an inexperienced therapist or if the temperature of the wax is not correct for the treatment. It would be advisable to mention this to the therapist who waxed your legs.

How long should the hair be to achieve a successful waxing treatment?

Ideally a minimum of 1/4inch or approximately 1cm. It is important to understand that the hair grows in a three-stage cycle and not all hairs are in the same cycle at the same time. To remove as many hairs as possible in one treatment a client needs to let as many hairs grow through as possible. If the legs are waxed as soon as a few hairs appear, the skin will never be free of hair. There are a number of clients who choose to have their waxing treatments more regularly thus reducing the waiting time when hairs grow. This is a good idea in the summer. In the winter when it is easier to disguise the hairs the treatments can be spaced out.