Waxing

A wax hair removal substance is applied to the skin, and then a strip of cloth or paper is pressed into the wax. After a few seconds the strip is quickly pulled away, taking the hairs with it.

Waxing has been around for thousands of years and has recently become popular in the fashion world with the introduction of the Brazilian bikini waxing style. It is an effective method of removing large amounts of hair quickly and is still regularly practiced by professionals.

There are two methods of waxing hair removal: hot and cold (called Persian). With a hot treatment, the wax is warmed to allow it to be spread easily over the skin. A cloth is then pressed into the warm wax. As it cools it adheres to the cloth and the hairs become embedded in the waxy cloth. The cloth is then quickly pulled off in the opposite direction of the hair growth, pulling the hairs out of the follicles. With the cold method, waxed strips are pressed onto the skin. After a period of time the strips are pulled off in the same manner as with hot waxing. Any remaining wax that is still left on the skin must be peeled or scratched off.

Wax removes hair for about 4-6 weeks depending on the strength of the hair. With regular treatments, hairs become weaker and will eventually stop growing.

One further benefit of wax removal is that dead skin cells are also removed in the process. This can make the skin can feel quite smooth afterwards. However, this process can cause some irritation and therefore an application of skin cream can help to soothe the pain.

Some doctors do not recommend waxing hair for people who suffer from diabetes or who have varicose veins or poor circulation, as they are more susceptible to infection. Users of medications such as Retin-A, Renova, or Accutane are advised not to use this method on the face, as these medications tend to weaken the skin and tearing of the skin may occur when the wax is removed. Also, hair waxing should not be performed on areas of skin affected by moles, pimples, warts or rashes, or on skin that is irritated, peeling, broken, chapped or suffering from sunburn.

Before carrying out a treatment, test a small area first. Waxes can be used on most parts of the body except the male genitals, nipples, inside the ears and nose, and eyelashes.

Brazilian bikini waxing originated in Brazil for women that wanted to wear bikini thongs. Bikini waxing became very popular in the late 1990s and is now used worldwide by both males and females. The technique removes all the hairs from around the genital area (both front and rear). If preferred, a small bikini 'landing strip' (for females) or small triangle of pubic hair (for males) can be retained at the front.