Written by Twin City Plastic Surgery
Hair is tricky. You want it on your head but can do without it virtually anywhere else. There are several hair removal options available, and each has their pros and cons. Shaving is the most common method and for many people, shaving works just fine. But shaving must be done several times a week and sometimes, the results are less than ideal. For sensitive areas, like the bikini line, shaving often causes irritation and skin breakouts.
Waxing is a safe and simple way to remove hair for several weeks at a time. Many people feel that the main drawback of waxing is that hair needs to grow for about a week in order for the wax to properly grab onto the hair and remove it from the follicle. Do it yourself waxing seems like it would be convenient and economical, however, most women find that in-home waxing is not as easy as it may seem and often leads to irritation, ingrown hairs, and burning instead of smooth, hair-free skin.
Waxing your skin is an art— that’s why it’s best to trust a professional to get the job done. In order to get the best possible results, it’s important to know the following things before you get waxed.
• Don’t Shave. In fact, it’s important to let your hair grow out for at least a full week before you get waxed— the hair should be a least ¼ inch, to make it easier for the wax to grasp onto the hair.
• Don’t Exfoliate. Exfoliating your skin right before you get it waxed will just cause irritation and will likely cause your skin to hurt more during your waxing session. It’s probably wise to stay off of the exfoliation wagon for at least a day or two before your waxing session— just to play it safe.
• Avoid Retinol. If you use a facial or body cream that contains retinol, take a break for at least a few days before your waxing session. Retinol is great at clearing up acne and helping to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles, but it can also cause your skin to become super sensitive to things like waxing.
• Avoid Moisturizing. Although great for your skin 99% of the time, moisturizers can also clog your pores and hair follicles, making it harder for the aesthetician to get all of the hair out when waxing, so do not apply moisturizer the day of a waxing session.
• Avoid Hot Baths for 24 hours. Hot baths and hot tubs are the perfect way to relax and unwind after a long day. However, because your skin is especially sensitive after getting waxed, you are more prone to getting a bacterial infection from a bath or hot tub that is known to harbor germs. Additionally, the hot temperature could irritate your skin and cause it to become red and inflamed.
• Stay out of the Sun. Because your skin will be extra sensitive after getting waxed, avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours.
Laser hair reduction is another popular option to get rid of unwanted hair. This procedure initially costs a bit more, but is worth it. After several treatments, many people experience complete hair removal – forever – although results will vary depending on density, color, and coarseness of the hair and the area of the body that you are targeting. If you are deemed a good candidate, you can expect 80% in hair reduction. It’s important to understand that laser hair removal should only be performed by a healthcare professional with proper knowledge and training in the use of lasers. An expert can also advise you on the number of treatments and the results that you can expect to see.
