Get Answers to Your Waxing Questions
You may have heard various things about waxing treatments. From eyebrow shaping to Brazilian waxing to male body hair removal, San Diego esthetician Vicky Larsen has heard just about every question. Below are some of the frequently asked questions about waxing.
If, after you read these answers, you still have waxing questions or if you want to schedule a waxing appointment, contact Vicky at Clean Slate Waxing in Banker’s Hill.
Is waxing better than shaving?
This depends on several factors, including:
- How quickly your hair grows
- The coarseness of your hair
- Your skin’s sensitivity level
- The frequency you get ingrown hairs from shaving
If you have thicker or fast-growing hair on your legs or other areas that you have unwanted hair, waxing can be a better option than shaving. Since waxing pulls your hair out by the root, your hair could take up to two weeks to grow back. This can save you considerable time and effort if you have to shave daily or even every other day. If you have finer, less noticeable hair, you may not shave as often, so either method would probably be fine for you.
Because waxing has the potential to cause irritation or discomfort (especially if you use an at-home waxing kit), waxing is not always recommended for people with sensitive skin. However, at Clean Slate Waxing, the combination of our low-temperature wax and Vicky’s waxing technique typically reduce little to no irritation and pain, even for sensitive skin.
Does waxing make your hair grow back thicker?
It is a myth that waxing creates thicker hair re-growth. You were born with a certain number of hair follicles, and waxing doesn’t increase this.
In some cases, regular, properly done waxing can actually cause your hair to grow back finer.
Is there such a thing as painless waxing?
Painless waxing? No, you aren’t going to get a pain-free waxing (unless you have a high pain threshold). However, there are several ways that you can minimize your discomfort and experience a nearly painless waxing.
One important factor to get a virtually painless waxing is to find a licensed esthetician who is known for her gentle waxing technique. (Vicky Larsen is often praised by her waxing clients for her amazing results with minimal pain.) Other ways to reduce pain from waxing, include:
- Use hard wax at low temperatures.
- Take ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain reliever prior to waxing appointment.
- Avoid a bikini or Brazilian wax until after your period when your pain threshold is higher.
- Do not get a lip wax when you have a cold or are just recovering from a cold. (A cold can cause the skin below your nose to become more sensitive.)
- Relax and remember to breathe during your treatment. (Tensing up will keep you focused on the potential pain.)
How long does your hair have to be for waxing?
Many people insist that your hair needs to be one-fourth of an inch long for waxing. However, at Clean Slate Waxing, Vicky can easily remove hair as short as one-eighth of an inch.
Is there anything I should avoid after waxing?
Yes. In order to reduce the chance of irritation, redness, or breakouts, after your waxing treatment you should avoid:
- Heavy exercising for at least 24 hours
- Sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 24 hours
- Taking a hot shower or using a hot tub for four hours
- Wearing tight clothing in waxed area
- Using exfoliating products on waxed area
What is a Brazilian wax?
Often referred to as a full bikini wax, a Brazilian wax is the removal of most or all of your pubic hair. This includes the sensitive areas surrounding the labia for women and scrotum for men. (Yes, there are male Brazilian waxing treatments.)
In some cases a strip of hair, referred to as a “landing strip,” may be left after a Brazilian wax.
Will I break out after waxing?
The most common areas of breakouts are the chest, back, and face upon starting a new hair removal journey. While it does not happen to everyone, it can happen. These areas usually have fewer breakouts over time as the skin adjusts to the new hair removal method. Clean Slate Waxing does have products to help elevate this condition and will help take you to the next level.
Is there any way to reduce ingrown hairs after waxing?
Yes. Clean Slate Waxing offers private-label products to help prevent ingrown hairs. Two of the products, which are offered in a kit, help release the hair from under your skin and then gently exfoliate your skin, leaving a smooth surface with no bumps. The third product can help if you have more sensitive skin that needs a little “toughening” before and after your waxing. All of the products are paraben free, toxic free, and organic.
What makes Depilar System™ treatments better than laser hair removal?
Both Depilar System™ treatments and laser hair removal can result in permanent hair removal. Also, both treatments require multiple applications over a period of time to permanently remove hair.
Unlike laser hair removal treatments, Depilar System™ treatments do not have the risk of burning your skin since no laser is involved. These treatments are also less expensive than laser treatments.
Instead, Depilar System™ treatments use a lotion that is smoothed into your skin following a waxing treatment. This allows the treatment to target the hair follicles, not your skin.
For more information on the treatments, visit the Depilar System™ website.
Learn More about Waxing
If you have more questions about body hair removal or if you would like to schedule a waxing appointment at our San Diego location, contact Vicky at Clean Slate Waxing today.
