Waxing the hair away!

Posted in: Feature Stories on Saturday, 04 May 2013 09:28

Published on Saturday, 04 May 2013 09:28

Written by Shahnaz Husain

Hits: 1575

Waxing is the most popular method of removing hair from parts of the body, like the arms, underarms and legs. By waxing, large areas of unwanted hair can be removed in one session. Waxing removes the hair by the roots. Although initially slightly painful, the results are generally satisfying. The skin also feels soft and smooth. Over a period of time, the hair becomes softer in texture. It is said that waxing gradually lessens hair growth and the interval between wax sessions keeps increasing.

Wax can be either hot or cold

Hot wax uses wax made from sugar and lemon, or honey and lemon. This melts at high temperatures and hardens on the skin, as it cools. The hot wax is applied on the skin in the direction of hair growth. Strips of cotton cloth are placed on the wax, pressed down and then pulled off against the direction of growth. Waxing with hot wax is said to be more effective.

Cold wax is made from a variety of ingredients, like paraffin wax and resin. Ready made cold wax or waxing strips may be available. Cold wax is said to be more effective if large areas of the body are waxed. Sometimes, there may be a residue of the wax on the skin, which has to be removed.

Sugar and Lemon Waxing

A wax made from sugar and lemon is the most common waxing method used by beauty salons. It is better to have it done at a salon, as the beautician is trained in hair removal. Make sure that the wax is not too hot, as it can cause burns on the skin. Test it on your finger when the mixture is slightly cool.

The advantages are that hair takes a longer time to grow back after waxing, because the hair is removed from the root. It takes around 4-6 weeks to grow back, and sometimes even longer.  Waxing slowly reduces the growth of hair, so the more often you wax, the slower the hair grow. 

The wax is made from natural ingredients like sugar, lemon and water, which are beneficial to the skin and also help to remove tan over a period of time.

Chocolate Wax

Chocolate Waxing has caught on in a big way. In the high-end spas and salons, chocolate waxing has become premium treatments. It is done with a specially formulated wax, which contains cocoa beans or dark chocolate. Research has revealed that dark chocolate benefits the skin due to its cocoa content. It is said to be very high in antioxidants, which has anti-ageing benefits.

As far as using chocolate wax is concerned, it offers all the benefits of applying chocolate on the skin. For example, chocolate helps to soften and smoothen the skin. It also boosts the skin’s cell renewal process due to its antioxidant properties. Cocoa beans are also anti-inflammatory. In this respect, chocolate waxing reduces inflammation and there is less redness and pain. It is said that chocolate waxing causes less discomfort. The effects are also longer lasting. As we all know, chocolate has a delicious aroma and is said to actually induce relaxation, because it has mood altering properties. It calms the mind and provides a “feel-good” mental state. Therefore, it has aromatherapy benefits, because the delicious aroma of chocolate is most appealing and helps to induce relaxation. This helps the entire waxing process.

Aloe Vera wax,  Strawberry wax

Ready made waxes are available, that contain natural ingredients like aloe vera or strawberry.

Aloe vera helps to moisturise, soothe and heal the skin. It is said to have anti-inflammatory benefits. It is said to be convenient for short hairs and is worked at low temperatures.

Strawberry Wax

Strawberry wax is said to melt easily and spread easily. It is a ready made wax sold by some companies. It is a hot wax. It helps to soften the skin.

Points to be borne in mind:

• It is better not to expose the skin to the sun immediately after waxing, to avoid sun burns.
• Greater care should be taken while waxing sensitive areas, like the under arms.
• Once the waxing strip is pulled off, wipe the area with a cold wet cloth and apply ice on the area for a few seconds at a time. This helps to close the pores.
• If the skin is prone to rashes, apply astringent lotion after waxing.
• There can be in-growing hair on the legs. Using a pumice stone, rub gently on the waxed area during bathing. This helps to avoid in-grown hair and even helps to pull them out.