The Wonderful World of Waxing

Waxing is a temporary method of hair removal using wax, which is applied in strips. The hair sticks to the wax as it dries, and is pulled out when the therapist removes the strips. It can be used to remove hair from the upper lip, chin, underarms, arms, legs, bikini line and backs.

Despite the fact that this isn’t the most comfortable of treatments it remains a popular choice. Unlike electrolysis, which will eventually destroy unwanted hair after a period of time, waxed hairs will grow back within a few weeks. The advantage of waxing over electrolysis, however, is that larger areas can be treated in only one session.

Waxing is also preferable to shaving for two reasons. The first being that the re-growth of the hair is much slower. Shaving will cause the hairs to become prickly within one or two days, whereas with waxing you can expect the area to be smoother for 4-6weeks. The reason for this is that waxing takes the whole hair shaft away from the follicle, whereas shaving only removes the hair above the surface.

The second reason that waxing is preferable to shaving is that when the hair does grow back it will be fine rather than blunt. In time continuous waxing will cause the hair to get visibly finer and it may eventually stop growing completely. Hair can be waxed when it is of an inch or 6mm long, which is the average growth after 4-6 weeks.

A consultation would be required before any waxing treatment could begin, as it has to be determined whether the client is suitable for the treatment. Waxing is recommended in instances where hair free areas are desired for the duration of a holiday, special occasion, and you want to avoid unattractive stubble and dark patches associated with shaving.

Treatment	Advantages	Disadvantages
Waxing	Large areas can be treated quickly.	Can lead to an allergic reaction.
	No stubbly re-growth that occurs with shaving.	Some discomfort.
	Hair grows back weaker and finer.	Hair growth needs to be approx an inch long.
		Can cause ingrown hairs.