Waxing, as we all know is the semi-permanent removal of hair from skin using wax. Wax is the base material made of paraffin or beeswax that sticks to the hair and hair is thus pulled out from the roots. It typically doesn’t grow back for three weeks or so, depending on the body to body. It is the most common procedure adopted to get rid of hair on arms, underarms, legs, chest, bikini line etc. Though a painful process for some, it is quite comfortable for few others. Here, we will elucidate on every aspect of waxing from types of waxing to types of wax, their harmful effects, and benefits.
Types of waxing
1. FaceÂ
A lot of women have quite a hairy face. Or the hairs on the face are too dark to go unnoticed. They can resort to Face waxing in such a case. Areas waxed vary from chins, sideburns, upper lips to entire face. It is the riskiest style of waxing as the facial skin is very delicate. Many people suffer from chronic acne on the areas of the face that got waxed. It is really important to be careful about the salon you choose, the way they are using and to know your skin type before proceeding with face waxing. The benefit associated is that once it suits you there is no going back. Hair growth eventually decreases with every wax.
2. Bikini
The second most common type of waxing is the Bikini waxing. It involves removal of hair from the pubic area using special wax. It is undoubtedly the most painful of all other waxing types. It has the benefit that hair growth reduces significantly with continued waxing. But getting pubic hair waxed remains a big controversy around the safety associated with the presence of pubic hair.
3. BrazilianÂ
The kind of Bikini wax is gaining popularity among women. All the hair from the bikini line is removed leaving a strip of hair in the form of a triangle or strip or a square on the front. It is important to apply an antiseptic to the pubic area to ensure that there are no breakouts. Pubic hairs are the most deeply rooted of all hairs on our body, so waxing pubic hair entails formation of boils post the process .
4. EyebrowÂ
It is a shaping alternative for eyebrows. Thin patches around eyebrows are removed with wax to shape the eyebrows. But since the skin around eyes is four times thinner as compared to the skin on rest of the face, it is to be done most carefully.
5. Wide area
Removing hairs from hands, legs, back or abdomen are the easiest o achieve and come under wide area waxing. Skin that has been moisturized recently isn’t waxing ready. Preferably you should clean your body properly before undergoing waxing to ensure there isn’t any oiliness that can lead to an ineffective procedure.
Types of waxes used
The waxes used in waxing are basically of two types.
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Hot Wax:-Â
The base material in Hot waxing is again a paraffin wax. But the wax is heated and melted, spread on the skin as a thin layer and then removed with a strip. It is more effective, easier and also removes dead skin layer more effectively. But it is a messy process.
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Cold Wax:-Â
 The cold paraffin wax in semi-solid form has already adhered to the strips. The strip is rubbed against the skin and pulled against the direction of hair growth to remove hair. Cold wax is a cleaner procedure but requires more than one application as it is less effective when it comes to hair removal. It is advisable to exfoliate skin before using cold wax to achieve best results.
To conclude!
It is certainly is a convenient way of hair removal. The dead skin that gets removed along with hair leaves skin softer and smoother. It is devoid of the possibility of rashes or cuts that shaving could lead to. It has its own shortcomings. Hair removal methods like sugaring, laser, electrolysis are gaining popularity these days. It is up to you to ascertain benefits and harms of each to decide what works best for you!