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Being a Beauty Therapist BR's Zoe is used to giving people the facts about beauty treatments. In this edition of In The Salon she's going to separate the facts and fictions of waxing.
Myth 1: Removing hair makes more grow back thicker and darker than before.
Fact: This is perhaps the greatest waxing myth - I hear it all of the time, particularly when talking upper lip waxing!!
The only things known to stimulate hair growth are hormones, either natural or artificial. Waxing cannot make you grow more hair follicles! In fact regular waxers will no doubt notice that their regrowth becomes more sparse and less coarse.
Myth 2: The longer the hair the more effective the waxing treatment.
Fact: Hair does not have to be Rapunzel length for waxing, too long and waxing might just snap off the top of these long hairs, leaving you with a stubbly finish.
On the other hand if you've let your hair grow for winter your hair growth patterns are likely to be more in sync, giving you a much ‘cleaner’ finish.
Hair for waxing should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch for best results.
Myth 3: Replacement hairs will grow at the same rate.
Fact: The growth cycle for each hair follicle will differ, so inevitably hairs will be removed at different stages of growth. As a result, growth can be spasmodic and hairs will not surface all at the same time.
If you have been shaving prior to your first wax, the results may not seem to last as long due to the different cycles of hair growth. The first signs of regrowth will be from hair follicles that did not have hair removed from them during the wax.
Myth 4: Waxing doesn’t hurt.
Fact: People feel and respond to pain at different levels, so depending on the area being waxed and the individual’s pain threshold, waxing can be nothing more than an annoying "ooo" to a full blown "ouch".
You should expect a sting and then instant relief once pressure is applied to the area. A great waxing technique can diminish pain, so definitely pick a trained Beauty Therapist based on recommendations from friends and family!
Ladies will generally be more sensitive 5 days before and 5 days after their period, so avoid waxing at this time. Pregnancy can also make your skin more sensitive to waxing.
Myth 5: There's no need to exfoliate - waxing does it for you!
Fact: Waxing does exfoliate the first layer of skin, however prepping the skin by washing and exfoliating well is the best way to prevent bumps and ingrown hairs.
Regular exfoliation both before and after your treatment will keep your skin smooth and soft.
Do you have any questions about salon treatments you'd like Zoe to answer? Email us at [email protected], or yell out on The Forum, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
***BR's Zoe is a NASA schooled Beauty Therapist and a certified Nail Technician***
Thanks I think I will wax a bit more often now :)