Waxing Hair Removal FAQs

Since my first waxing hair removal, I've been receiving quite a number of questions from friends and family about the procedure. I tried my best to answer them though I admit there were some I had to do some research before getting back to them. I thought it would be good to share this with my readers as well and here it goes :

(1) So, How Does Wax Hair Removal Work?

If you're read my earlier chest waxing experience, you've probably a rough idea of how the procedure is like. If you've not read yet, check it out here. Basically, a wax concoction of some sorts will be spread thinly over the surface of your skin where the hair removal needs to take place. Usually a cloth strip is placed and pressed on top of the wax. The specialist will wait for a few minutes for the wax to dry and adhere to the hair strands and subsequently, ripped off with a quick whoop. The wax, together with the hair and dead skin's cells will be removed, giving you a very smooth surface.

(2) I've Heard About Hot & Cold waxes, What's the Difference?

You've got me there. The first time I tried waxing was a hot wax. Susan, my waxing specialist did ask me which I prefer and instinctively I just said "hot". So to answer this question, I did a bit of research and realize that the effects of hot or cold wax is the same - it removes the hair from their roots - but the way it traps the hair is different.

For example, good hot waxes melt just slightly above our body temperature so that they can be spread evenly across our skin. And once they cool off and hardens, the hair is trapped into the wax so much so that it makes the ripping off by its roots so much more effective. Cold waxes are usually pre-coat strips which have sticky surfaces. Once they're pressed onto the area, it sticks the hair to the wax, and is eventually removed. That's why cold waxes are also known in the industry as Persian waxing.

(3) What Impact Does Waxing Hair Removal Have On Our Skin?

Believe it or not but waxing can actually smoothe the skin. That's because dead skin cells are removed from the hair in the process and the skin can feel quite smooth after that. Some people may find their skin red and bumpy after each waxing session but that normally will subside after letting the skin rest for a few hours.

(4) Is There Any Side Effects?

For people with health conditions such as diabetes, varicose veins or poor circulation, waxing may not be a viable solution as they can be more susceptible to infection. If you're concurrently using Retin-A, Renova, Differin or Accutane which already weakens the skin in its application, it's also not advisable to apply hair waxing on your face as it might cause peeling or tearing.

Do not contemplate hair waxing on skin that is
- Chapped, irritated or affected by pimples, rashes, warts
- Sunburnt
- Peeling, broken or contains varicose veins

I've also read that it's not advisable to put wax on the nipples especially when attempting hair removal from the breast area.

(5) Which Body Areas Are Suitable For Hair Waxing?

Generally hair waxing can be used on most parts of our bodies except sensitive zones such as the nipples, insides of the nose and ears, eyelashes and erm, the male genitals. That said, it's still often advisable to test out a section you're thinking of getting hair removed.

(6) What's The Hair Regrowth Rate?

After a waxing hair removal session, it usually takes three to eight weeks time before hair grows back. And it's usually finer.

(7) I'm Scared Of Pain. Can The Pain Or Discomfort Be Reduced?

Well, there be some discomfort but it isn't really that bad. A great and simple way to reduce the impact is to press hard on the skin immediately once the waxing strip is removed. It's vital that you do this immediately after the strip is removed! You can also rub an ice cube over the waxing hair removal area to reduce any possibility of swelling or skin irritation.