Waxing is a method of removing unwanted hair from one's body. It is a very popular type of epilation. Epilation removes the entire hair, including the root. It is distinct from depilation, which only removes hair from the surface of the skin. Because of its popularity, waxing is widely available, and most often provided as a service in beauty salons. Waxing can be performed on any unwanted hair on the body. The most sought-after areas of treatment include the brows, chin, underarms, bikini area, legs, toes, and back.
There are two types of waxing methods. The first type is warm waxing. Warm waxing is the most professional method, usually employed by estheticians in beauty salons. It involves warming the wax prior to spreading it over unwanted hair. The second waxing method is cold waxing. Cold waxing is often made available for individual use at home. Cold waxing does not need to be warmed before applying, and is the easier to use. Both types of waxing are mildly uncomfortable, but warm waxing is more effective. Cold waxing does not always capture the unwanted hair, and often requires a follow-up with another epilation method, usually tweezing.
The process of warm waxing begins with a trip to the beauty salon. Following a short consultation with an esthetician, a client is taken to a private room where the waxing will commence. The esthetician will warm up wax in an electric warmer, as the client lies on the table. Regardless of the area being waxed, it is preferred for clients to lie down, because it creates the best angle for the esthetician. The warm wax is then smeared on the area of unwanted hair using a disposable, wooden tong. A thin cloth strip is then applied on top of the warm wax. After approximately 15-30 seconds, the wax is cool enough to rip away. The hair is removed by tugging at the cloth strip, pulling against the natural direction of the hair, in a quick motion. The process is repeated until the hair is completely removed.
Cold waxing is available at most beauty stores and websites. Cold waxing comes in a kit, including a jar of wax and cloth strips. Cold wax is applied the same way as warm wax. Some cold wax products do not require cloth strips, and can be peeled away by hand. The main disadvantage to cold wax is that it is less effective than warm waxing. The main benefit to cold waxing is that it is much cheaper than the alternative.
After waxing, an emollient is applied to soothe the skin. Waxing can be particularly harsh on sensitive skin, and one should try a small patch before waxing a larger area. Waxing increases the incidence of ingrown hair or hair bumps, because of the way hair is ripped against its natural direction. Waxing may also cause bleeding. The first time a person waxes, she may experience significant discomfort, but as time progresses, she will become accustomed to the pain. For women, it's recommended to wait until the week after menstruation to wax.
