Smooth, silky skin that doesn't need to be shaved for days. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, it can be a reality for you by simply scheduling an appointment with a professional to get a wax treatment. Curious about waxing? Check out some of our FAQs below!
How long does hair have to be to wax?
For waxing to really work properly, your hair needs to be at least a quarter of an inch long. Why does it matter? It's going to be hard for the wax to get a good grip and pull the hair out from the root, which is important for creating the smooth skin you're after. This probably means you'll need to grow your hair out for a couple of weeks before you try to wax it. Before you ask, the answer is yes. You can grow your hair too long for a good wax. Anything over about half an inch is too much.
Does waxing reduce hair growth?
The short answer is that it can. Having your skin waxed essentially damages your hair follicle, and that will change the hair growth cycle as well as thin the hair.
Hair growth goes through three different stages, and each of the individual hairs on your body can be in a different stage at any given time. During the "active growth" stage, your hair grows regularly. The "transitional stage" is next. This is because your hair follicle weakens and detaches itself. In the last stage, your hair goes dormant; during this time, it doesn't grow.
Waxing can impact this "dormancy stage." When your hair is ripped out at the root over and over, your brain tells your hair shaft that rapid regrowth isn't needed. Your hair's dormancy period can last longer when you wax regularly. Additionally, waxing rips out hair at its root, which weakens the hair shaft. That will result in reduced hair growth, a longer resting cycle, and finer hair.
Does waxing permanently remove hair?
No, waxing will not permanently remove hair. However, it will leave your skin hairless and smooth for a good, long while. It's certainly going to last longer than the day or two you get from shaving because waxing removes hair from the root. The especially good news is that the more you wax, the slower your hair will grow back, meaning that waxing might feel pretty close to a permanent solution.
How do I take care of my skin after waxing?
After you've had an area of your body waxed, it's going to be important to give your skin some TLC. To avoid any post-waxing irritation, here are some tips to follow:
Wear loose clothing: You don't want to rub your skin the wrong way after a wax, so be sure to stay away from form-fitting clothing. Tight jeans aren't going to feel great against freshly waxed legs, so opt for cozy sweats instead. If you just had your underarms waxed, a loose cotton T-shirt is going to feel better than a sweater or long sleeve shirt.
Avoid sun exposure: Your smooth, waxed skin is going to be more sensitive to the sun, so avoid it. If you must be outside, use sun protection made for sensitive skin.
Appy something cool: Aloe vera gel is a nice balm for freshly waxed skin. It feels even better if you've had it in the fridge for a while! A nice cool compress or even some ice will also work wonders.
How do I find a good waxing hair removal service?
Google is a great place to start. You'll want to look for a spa or service staffed by licensed estheticians. These skin care specialists have undergone special training and are licensed by the state, so you can feel reassured that they know what they're doing.
Contact us today if you're interested in learning more about waxing, estheticians or what Cortiva Institute has to offer.
