Below you'll
find the answers to the most frequently asked questions that I, the
esthetician, receive in the treatment room.
Why is waxing
better then shaving?
Ingrown hair & razor burn. Need I say more?! The skin in the pubic
area is much softer and more sensitive than the skin that covers the rest of
your body. A razor not only comes in contact with the hair, but is
also scraping against the skin's surface. This causes trauma to the skin,
and the immediate reaction is razor burn. When healthy
cells are removed from the skin it causes the skin to panic, and it will
over produce oil and skin cells to try and compensate for what was lost,
which in turn can clog the pores and follicles. Shaving will also only
remove the hair from the skins surface, leaving a blunt edge that needs to
work its way through new skin. Often the hair is not able to break
through, and backs up into the follicle causing an infection and creating an
ingrown hair. Both can be very painful and a bit unsightly. we use
hard wax which does not stick to the skin, and only pulls the hair from the
follicle. This eliminates trauma to the skin. In 3-4 weeks when
the new hair begins to grow back, the tip is pointed like a needle, and can
easily break through the skins surface leaving it, in most cases, completely
ingrown free. Also, over time, waxing will change the follicle and
make the re-growth finer, and lessen the amount of hair each time you wax.
What is the difference between a Basic Bikini and a Brazilian? A Basic
Bikini wax removes the hair from the inner thighs, and below the navel.
Essentially, the hair that would be exposed while
wearing a traditional bikini. A Brazilian wax removes every trace
of hair from the inner thighs, pubic area and
backside. If
bare doesn't sound like the way to go, it's very common to leave a triangle
or narrow strip (landing strip) on the pubis. If you'd like something in
between, try a French Bikini. This will remove more hair then a Basic
Bikini and leave a narrow strip on the pubis and labia. Check out our menu
below.
How long does my hair need to be?
For all waxing services the hair needs to be at least a quarter inch long to
ensure that all the hair is able to be removed. Hair should be no longer
then a half inch to cut down on the amount of pulling the hair while waxing.
Is it true that waxing can cause bleeding, bruising or skin tearing?
Some bleeding can occur during a waxing service. Because the hair is
being pulled from the follicle, it may take some of the follicle with it.
This is very normal and only lasts for a second or two. The coarser
the hair, the higher the incidence is. Also some outside factors may
contribute to "pin prick bleeding".
Does waxing
hurt?
Each person has their own level of pain tolerance. Here are a few tips
to help you cope with waxing: 1. Try to
avoid waxing the week before and a few days after your menstrual cycle.
The hormone surges during this time can make the nerve endings more
sensitive and will make for an unpleasant experience. 2.
Avoid Caffeine! Caffeine not only makes our minds more alert, but also our
nerves. Most people feel more pain when they have a caffeine buzz. 3.
Taking ONE Ibuprofen 30-60 minutes before your appointment can keep pain
level down. 4. Do not expose the area to
the sun or a tanning bed for 48 hours PRIOR to your appointment. Fresh
or fake, it can cause irritation. 5. Avoid
alcohol 24 hours before your waxing appointment. Alcohol thins the
blood and will increase your chances of bruising and pin prick bleeding.
6. Ask about pre and post waxing products to
boost your level of comfort. These products help to numb before waxing
and help to sooth any irritation post waxing.
Can men get a Bikini wax or Brazilian?
Yes, a man can have either a bikini wax or the male equivalent to a
Brazilian, which is sometimes called a Manzilian.
Ask questions
and be honest with your provider! If you've never waxed, start simple,
and work your way up to more hair being removed.
It is your right
and responsibility as the client to communicate your preferences,
expectations and concerns to your provider. Your comfort and safety
are of utmost importance. If you wish to stop at ANY time, let your provider
know, and she will stop immediately!
