#2 – Use a sharp razor. A dull razor will only drag at and irritate the skin and can be the cause of razor burn and ingrown hairs.

#3 – Don’t rub at your face to dry it – it will dry just as well patted gently with a whole lot less irritation to your skin.

#4 – When you have finished shaving rinse the area thoroughly in lukewarm water. Residue of shaving soaps can cause the skin to be irritated and itchy.

#5 – Avoid the use of alcohol based and harsh astringent type aftershave lotions. These can often dry out the skin causing dry skin and itching in the area shaven. They are not really necessary  – if you want to close pores, cold water is just as effective and less drying.

#6 – If your hair is coarse or thick avoid disposable razors. They are seldom up to the job and may pull and drag at the hairs and the skin.

#7 – Multiple blades give a very clean shave and the less irritation there is to hair follicles the less chance of ingrown hairs, razor bumps and razor burn occurring.

#8 – Shaving twice against the grain or across the grain can give tougher hair growth a very close shave but may irritate the skin for some people.

#9 – Razor burn can be reduced by keeping the face moist during shaving and not creating too much drag on the skin. The less drag the less irritation there will be.

#10 – Shaving is hard on the skin and is both drying and damaging It is important to use a moisturiser after shaving that has no irritating ingredients such as perfumes and colours. XXX Skinsaviour Cream is ideal as it has ingredients that are calming and soothing and has a mild antibacterial action to help with shaving nicks and cuts.

Hirsutism – is defined as the excess conversion of vellus or very fine baby hair that has no pigment and therefore we can’t easily see to terminal hair that is more pigmented, mature hair that we can see quite easily.  An example of where this naturally occurs in us all is the conversion of underarm or pubic vellus hair of an undeveloped child to the terminal visible hairs of a sexually mature of an adult. Therefore it is not seen before puberty.

As women age they are again subject to an increase in Hirsutism as there is an increased production of androgens at menopause as oestrogen decreases. Terminal hairs can be mainly found in areas of the body that have sites dependant on androgen to testosterone such as the beard area, neck, chest, abdomen and the inner thigh area of the upper Excessive hair growth in non androgen dependent areas is called hypertrichosis.

Androgens such as testosterone are produced by the adrenal gland and the ovaries so it is important to investigate what the cause of the hirsutism may be. Some families do have a constitutional tendency for this to happen but it is best to consult a medical practitioner if severe to seek a diagnosis.

How can I treat the unwanted hair?

Shaving
Shaves is another quick and easy answer that shaves off the hair at skin level. Shaving will not last for long and can sometimes leave stubble that can be both seen and felt. Ingrown hairs can be a problem as can razor rash.

Depilatories
Chemical process – a cream is applied that dissolves the hair after a few minutes. Patch test on the wrist first to check for allergies and irritation.  Lasts somewhere between waxing and shaving.

Tweezing
Plucking out the hair is a quick, inexpensive convenient  solution for small areas and must be performed almost daily as new hair comes through.

Waxing
Removes the hair by literally pulling it out by the roots. Can be done at home but it is wise to seek a professional waxer – at least until you learn the process. The hair will have to grow to a certain length in order for the wax to grip the hair.

Bleaching
Bleaching can lighten the colour of the hair and thus make it less visible. This is usually done with a hydrogen peroxide solution applied to the area you want to bleach. Can be done at home or in a salon.

Electrolysis
Electric current applied through a pair of tweezers. Quick for small areas and lasts well but can be quite painful.

Epilatories
Rubber roller or coiled spring that catches the hair so it can be pulled out from the roots.  Not always an easy task to master.

Laser
Must be performed in a salon with an experienced operator in a series of treatment. Laser is painful for some and expensive but is semi permanent with only the occasional follow up treatment sometimes required.

Waxing

Waxing is a method of hair removal that involves a thin layer of heated wax being applied to the skin and smoothed down with a piece of cloth so the hair sticks to both the wax and the strip of cloth as it cools down. The cloth is then quickly pulled off the skin and the hair is pulled out by the roots.  As the roots are removed as well, this method of hair removal lasts several weeks. Most areas of the body can be waxed including areas of the face.

Shaving

Shaving is a popular method of hair removal as it is quick, cheap and can be done at home. With shaving the hair is cut off at the root at skin level so will only last a few days before the new hairs will reappear and will need to be shaved again for a smooth feel. Shaving is often a quick fix alternative.

Depilatories

A depilatory is a cream or a liquid that you apply to the area you want to remove hair from and it breaks down the protein in the hair, effectively causing them to break off slightly below the skin’s surface. You apply the cream and wait for a few minutes and then rinse the cream off. There are different depilatories for different areas of the skin.

Laser

There are many different types of laser on the market today but all are similar in that they emit a beam of light that passes through the skin to the follicle which is the base from which the hair grows. The melanin in the follicle absorbs the light which transforms into heat and effectively stops the hair follicle from being able to produce hair. Light skin and dark hair is the ideal combination for laser treatment, though newer lasers work well on darker skin.

Preparing for a wax

• Choose a therapist that is experienced or has been personally recommended.

• Arriving freshly showered will always be appreciated by anybody working closely with the body.

• Don’t use any moisturiser or body lotion after showering as the wax will not adhere properly to greasy skin.

• Wear loose clothing as the skin will be irritated for a while and tight clothing will only make it worse.

• Don’t shave or try other hair removal techniques before you go, the hair needs to be long enough – about ¼’ so the wax has something to grip to.

What should I expect?

• There will be discomfort and this will vary according to where the waxing is being done and your pain tolerance. Trying to relax is said to make the discomfort less – it does get easier as you know what to expect.

• Ask for a test wax strip on your leg if you are unsure about what it feels like or how your skin will react.

• You will be asked to remove your clothing, depending on the area being waxed. If you are having a bikini wax some salons give you the option of a disposable thong but will usually ask you remove underwear completely if you are having a Brazilian.

• Make sure you are clear on what you want and that your definitions, particularly in bikini waxing, are the same as your therapists!

• The therapist will clean the area to be waxed with an anti bacterial wipe.

• The therapist will remove the hair by applying wax in strips and pulling the strips and the hair away with it.

• After the waxing a cream may be applied to soothe the area.

Most people suffer from some degree of redness and irritation when they undergo waxing.  Waxing at its most basic is literally pulling the hairs out by the roots so the area waxed has undergone some trauma. We all react so individually, the degree of redness, soreness and irritation will vary widely from person to person.  If the area waxed remains sore and red and is still causing you discomfort after 24 hours, seek medical advice as you may have an allergy to the waxing products used.

What can I do about it?

•    Ensure the wax is not too hot before using.
•    Following correct procedure and ensuring the hair is removed in the direction of the hair growth.
•    Applying a cold compress, an ice pack or having a cold shower can all help to reduce the redness and swelling.
•    Clean the area with a cleanser with calming, soothing ingredients.
•    Follow with a moisturiser that is hydrating, calming and soothing to help minimise the redness.
•    Refrain from having hot showers afterwards for several hours.
•    Avoid sun exposure, even if you use sunscreen.
•    Don’t exfoliate for a few days before or after 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.

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.

Is waxing different for a male?

Male’s hair like a male ‘s skin is coarser in texture and thicker than a woman’s. Sometimes this means that the waxing can be more expensive than for women as larger areas and more wax needs to be applied which means a longer appointment time too. Otherwise the before and after care is the same for both sexes. Waxing is a very safe procedure when done by a qualified professional but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Is waxing suitable for everyone?

• Never wax red, irritated skin or skin that has been sunburned
• Never wax skin that has any cuts or abrasions
• If any medications or creams are used containing retinoids then waxing should not be done as the skin becomes thinner and could tear
• People with varicose veins or have hairy moles should avoid those areas
• People with diabetes should seek medical advice before waxing
• If you have hair that is under 1/4” or 6mmm the wax will not be able to get a grip sufficient to pull the hairs out.

What is involved in waxing?

• The area to be waxed will need to be non greasy and completely dry
• The area being waxed will be covered with warm wax with a spatula
• A cloth or paper strip is placed on the wax and drawn up and away quickly to remove the wax and hairs attached to it
• The complete hair and the root are removed – so yes you will be hair free for a while and yes it hurts!
• A soothing, calming lotion will be applied after the waxing.

Who shouldn’t wax?

People who are taking oral retinoids, usually taken for skin conditions, should not have waxing done for at least six months  to one year after the course of retinoids has been completed. Ask your dermatologist or doctor for advice.
The skin can thin while taking these medications and will be more prone to tearing and possible scarring. Retinoids may also be prescribed to be used topically, that is applied to the skin and waxing should not be done for 1-2 months after finishing the topical retinoid treatment.

Anyone who has skin that is broken, has sunburn or skin that is sore, red or irritated.

Before you wax

• If you are taking any medication check to see if it
  not an oral retinoid or topical retinoid.
• If you are doing it yourself – the skin should be non greasy and perfectly dry
• Always check the temperature before applying wax to the skin – wax that is too hot can give a nasty burn
• Check to see the area is not already irritated or broken
• Do not wax the same day you have exfoliated
• Consider getting waxing done professionally the first time so you can learn the process if you want to do your own waxing

After you wax

• Avoid direct sunlight exposure for at least twenty –four hours after waxing
• Loose clothing will feel more comfortable
• Massage or rubbing can further irritate the skin
• An icepack can be applied if the area is still painful after waxing, cover the icepack before applying to the skin
• A soothing lotion with anti inflammatory ingredients will help to relieve redness and soreness

What is the waxing process?

Waxing consists of applying a warm melted wax, oil and rosin mixture with a spatula over the area of unwanted hair. A strip of muslin is then placed over the wax and as it hardens and grips the hairs the cloth is quickly pulled off taking the hair and the hair shaft with it. Some salons use hard wax where the type of wax used has to go hard first on an area before it is pulled off. It is also possible to cold wax, often found in home kits but this is not as effective as hot waxing

Why wax?

• Lasts longer and gives very smooth skin
• Has no harsh chemicals or chances of cutting the skin
• Does not cause pigmentation of the skin
• The hair that grows back is finer and softer
• Does not give the rough stubble of regrowth after shaving
• Repeated waxing can diminish hair growth
• Cost effective as you can do it yourself on most body parts
• Visit a professional first to learn the best procedure

Things you should know

• Waxing must be repeated – it is not permanent
• The hair needs to be at least .5cm or ¼ – ½ inch to give the wax enough grip to remove the hair successfully
• Expect it to hurt a little – waxing can be painful!
• Expect to have some redness and soreness for a few hours
• You can ask for a test patch to see what waxing feels like and see how the skin will react