How does one determine if waxing is right for them? Waxing is one of the most daunting beauty treatments, but it is well worth the uncomfortable pain. Don't worry though, the pain and irritation goes away the more treatments the client gets. Also, the severity of pain varies for each individual. There are also products that can be used to help lesson the pain before and after the hair is removed. The question is, why should one wax instead of shave? Most women and men experience ingrown hairs, bumps or irritation after shaving. Sometimes shaving means days or even weeks with the skin that's sensitive to the touch and has quite visible breakouts. Shaving can cause a rash because chemicals and sweat come in contact with tiny nicks that shaving makes. Ingrown hairs can cause major issues and develop into large cysts and may even need medical attention to get them out.
Waxing cuts back on all of these problems. Many areas of the body can be waxed: The eyebrows, forehead, upper lip, cheeks, chin, back, upper and lower legs, underarms, forearms, feet and bikini area. The hair needs to be about one eighth to one fourth of an inch in length in order to be waxed. If you wax earlier than this it usually requires the client to visit the Esthetician sooner to get the next round of hair that grows. Unless the client has let the hair grow out for months which maybe the better option. It is always easier for the Esthetician to trim the hair rather than it not be long enough. If it is not long enough some clients will be told to return home and let the hair grow for a few more weeks. It is a good idea to make sure the client's skin is clean and exfoliated, so the follicle is open and ready to be waxed. The type of wax used depends on the hair and skin type. Using the Amber Professional line of waxing is helpful because it offers a variety of hard or soft wax along with serums and treatments that can be used before or after waxing. These serums contain ingredients that calm redness and cool down irritated skin. Using Amber's waxing serum Clear Cell-X containing Glycolic and Salicylic Acids can ensure the skin is clean and free from bacteria. This also prevents ingrown hairs from forming. If some clients experience pain a product like Amber's Easy Wax Numbing Cream can be very helpful. It contains 4% Lidocaine along with natural Shea Butter and Grape seed Oil to hydrate and soothe skin. This product can be used 15-20 minutes prior to waxing to numb the skin and cause less pain. If a client's skin is sensitive, hard wax such as Amber's French White Non-Strip Wax with Almond Oil or a the gentle Turquoise Soft Wax infused with Chamomile Essential Oil is a good choice for the Professional to use.
What is the difference between hard and soft wax? Hard wax is a wax that takes a few minutes to dry on the skin and it is removed with no strips. Just the wax itself is removed. This is most commonly used in the bikini area or on coarse short hair. Soft wax requires a piece of muslin or pellon to be placed over top of the wax and then removed very quickly. This is great for clients with fine hair or when a large area of hair needs to be removed. Most commonly the legs. It might be a good idea to seek out a spa that has a good reputation and uses clean sanitation practices. The client can ask before his/her waxing appointment how long the Esthetician has been practicing, how much experience they have with waxing, and if they use the Amber Professional Waxing System. Some clear signs a facility is practicing safe waxing is if the Esthetician wears gloves, the treatment room is clean, there is disposable paper on the table or the Amber Wax Pad, and the waxing unit is clean. Some Spas or Salons use wax bars which keep their wax area clean and orderly. It also allows the Esthetician to pick the most appropriate wax for the clients skin and hair.
Does waxing actually reduce hair growth? Yes, if waxing is performed on a regular basis, usually every three to four weeks, it can leave the hair weakened. As the hair follicle is destroyed the client can space out his/her treatments to every six to eight weeks. Eventually the hair follicle is destroyed and removed from the root, while shaving removes the hair from the surface and grows back faster. Ask anyone who has spent years waxing, they have the proof. There's not even a follicle in sight!
