What is a bikini wax?
November 17, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Bikini waxing refers to the removal of hair from the top of the leg, below the navel area and in the bikini area. As the name suggests, it is the area of hair that may be outside the area of a bikini that you would not want to be visible. Of course the bikini line will differ from person to person, depending on how brief you like to wear bikinis or swimsuits. Many women choose to have a bikini wax to feel more comfortable in lingerie – as this has become smaller in recent years with the advent of the g-string and other skimpier styles so to has the bikini wax grown in popularity. Changing fashion has meant the bikini wax is popular all year round.
Some people are able to do their own bikini wax but most choose to leave this to a professional as the area often needs two hands to gently keep the skin taut to make the process as quick and painless as possible. Waxing salons have usually seen a few half completed home bikini waxes!
What is a Brazilian wax?
The Brazilian wax did not originate in Brazil but is the method of Brazilian wax brought to the United States by J. Sisters International, seven Brazilian-born sisters who opened a salon in Manhattan in 1987
Bikini waxing can be loosely classified into four different types. There is however, a variation between salons and countries so if you are planning a first wax or using a new salon – make it clear what it is you want and don’t expect a Brazilian to mean the same to different therapists!
Basic Bikini Wax
Also known as the American wax. This is basic hair removal from the outside of the area a bikini would normally cover. Talk to your waxer about how much you would like to remove – take your bikini if you find this hard to work out in the salon.
Brazilian Wax – French waxing
Leaves a vertical strip down the centre of the pubis. Can be waxed into different shapes.
Full Brazilian – XXX wax, Hollywood Wax
All pubic hair is completely removed from front to back. Some salons have xx and xxx Brazilian as different types so once again be clear in what you want rather than use a name.
As this is a very sensitive area there can be discomfort for some time that may be reduced with the use of a moisturiser that has ingredients in it that calm and soothe.
Choose a professional salon with high standards of hygiene and who have experienced Brazilian waxing therapists to make the experience as easy for you as possible. Ask for personal recommendations from friends or visit online forums to see who others recommend. A Brazilian usually lasts between four to six weeks but this depends on the individual’s hair growth rate as well. Keeping a Brazilian up to date will lessen the discomfort of the waxing experience.
Waxing side-effects
November 10, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
What are some of the side effects of waxing?
Waxing has been used for hundreds of years and is a relatively quick and safe way to remove unwanted hair as long as a few guidelines are followed. If you find a trained professional who specialises in waxing and has experience and satisfied customers there should be no problems. If you have a severe allergic reaction you will be one of the very few who do, most people only experience mild redness and irritation, though this can be visible for up to 24 hours. If you have very sensitive skin it is advisable to a test patch on your leg or ask to have one done at a salon before waxing a larger area.
Some of the side effects are:
• Temporary redness and irritation
• Allergic reaction to the waxing products
• Slight bleeding, especially with coarse hair.
• Dark pigmentation due to the wax being too hot.
• Can cause wrinkles where the skin is stretched as in the eyebrow area.
• Ingrown hairs – never wax in the opposite direction to the hair follicle.
To ensure that the waxing process is as smooth as possible avoid the following:
• Never wax skin that is irritated, sunburnt or broken.
• Don’t sunbake after waxing or expose the area to the sun for at least 24 hours.
• Do not wear tight clothing to reduce the possibility of ingrown hairs.
• Always check the temperature of the wax on the back of your hand before using.
• Always wax in the direction in which the hair is growing.
• Never wax when taking or using Retin A products or if you are diabetic.
• Choose a professional salon that has high standards of hygiene that uses disposable waxing strips.
• Use a moisturiser to calm and soothe the area you have had waxed to keep the hair soft and help to lessen the chance of ingrown hairs.
• If you have a bad reaction or you are worried, please seek the advice of a health professional.
Can I do my own waxing?
November 10, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Yes, you can do your own waxing but some areas are more suited to wax yourself than others. Before you do any waxing it would be a good idea to visit a professional waxer to watch their technique and to know what the process feels like when someone who has experience does it for you. Some areas such as bikini, Brazilian, male genitals need the skin to be held taut and these areas are not recommended to try yourself. Some areas you just can’t reach and need someone else to wax such as the back and backside area. There are some basic safety issues to make sure you put in place but otherwise easier to handle and reach areas like the lip, chin, eyebrows, toes and legs should be less of a problem.
What to expect if I do my own waxing?
- It is normal for the skin to look red and bumpy for up to 24 hours.
- If the hair roots are large and the hair is course, pinpricks of bleeding can occur.
- Pain – it will hurt! Everyone is different though and some people experience discomfort and others pain. Some people find it gets easier the more often they have it done.
- If the redness and bumps don’t disappear or are severe, then have the area checked by a health professional
What do I look out for?
- Make sure the hair is long enough, 6 -10mm or ¼’-1/2inch is best, otherwise the wax will not be able to grip the hair properly.
- Some people take a mild painkiller beforehand to help reduce any swelling and pain through the waxing process.
- Try to relax, the more tense the more it seems to hurt.
- Pregnancy and around the time of menstruation make it much more painful in some people, so try to avoid these times if you can.
- Make sure the temperature of the wax is not too hot – wax burns are unpleasant as it is difficult to remove immediately. Test on the back of your hand.
- Always pull the strips off in the direction of the hair follicle.
- Do not wax before or after heavy exfoliation.
- Do not wax if you have been using Retin A products or are diabetic.
- If you are worried how your skin will react – try a small test patch on your leg first so you can see how you will react.
- Use a moisturiser that will soothe and calm the skin after waxing.
- Consider making an appointment with a professional waxer to see how to wax correctly.