Waxing is a great option for hair removal as the treatment is quick and results are long-lasting compared to some other hair removal methods, such as shaving. However, as with any treatment, there are various positive and negative aspects that you should be aware of before committing to a waxing program.
Some of the positive aspects include;
- Quick process – the act of hair removal is very quick and timely, as wax strips are created to be pulled off at pace. Most salons that cater to this service are usually well trained, and have become experts at swift application and removal.
- Long lasting results – while dependent on your individual rate of hair growth, you can expect smooth, hair-free skin for at least a few weeks before noticeable regrowth appears.
- Thins and refines hair the more regularly treatment is done
- Inexpensive compared to some other hair removal treatments <link: how much does waxing cost?>
- Can be performed safely and easily at home
- Removes dead skin cells
- Suitable for all hair types, and on most areas of the body, provided skin condition is good
- Good at removing hair from large areas, such as legs, back, chest etc., as well as intimate areas such as bikini line and underarms
- Saves shower time that otherwise might have been spent shaving or applying depilatory creams
- Useful for removing hair from hard-to-reach places
Some of the negative aspects include;
- Painful, or at the very least, uncomfortable
- Use of hot wax carries risk of burns if performed by untrained personnel or at home
- Messy application and clean up, particularly if inexperienced user or salon worker
- Leaves red marks and possible swelling immediately after treatment, taking up to a day to fade.
- Can remove oils from the top layer of skin, leading it to dry out. Or cause skin to overcompensate oil production, leading to breakouts
- Ingrown hairs are not uncommon in those with sensitive skin or those who fail to exfoliate
- Allergic reaction to ingredients in the wax is possible
- Bruising or subcutaneous bleeding possible for those with hypersensitive skin
- Some areas are difficult to wax yourself if attempting to perform at home
- Regrowth is required in order to perform subsequent treatments – this means that there will be a number of days where regrowth is visible before it is long enough for the next waxing treatment.
- Can be expensive if performed with specialty waxes or at high-end salons
- Not suitable for people on certain medications or skin conditions that cause heightened skin sensitivity
- It is recommended that you avoid strenuous exercise, sun exposure, or application of heavy lotions and creams until at least 24 hours after treatment
- Can be an awkward experience receiving a wax in an intimate area
Some of these considerations are dependent on the type of waxing performed; for example, the risk of burns only applies with hot waxing, however, there is no such risk with cold waxing. In addition, hot waxing can be messy to apply, however cold waxing may be considered more difficult to clean up and remove left-over residue.
Ultimately, although there are some small differences between waxing styles, the method of hair removal is fundamentally the same. This means that many of the associated pros and cons are largely comparable across all variations. If you have concerns over any particular considerations, consider discussing with the salon or esthetician at the time of booking in order to determine if your concerns are valid, or if there is a way to alleviate them.