Waxing remains one of the most popular ways to remove unwanted hair. But did you know there are different types of wax? Find out which is the right one ...
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Waxing remains one of the most popular ways to remove unwanted hair. But did you know there are different types of wax? Find out which is the right one for you.
Who hasn’t braved a visit to the local salon, only to face the determined ‘parlour-didi’ on a mission to eliminate unwanted body hair, often causing us to ponder the decisions that led us there in the first place?
The world over, waxing remains one of the most popular ways to rid unwanted body hair, in part because it is far less expensive than laser hair reduction but also because it tackles the problem at its roots quite literally. Waxing leads to slower regrowth and longer-lasting hair-free skin. It also offers other benefits like exfoliating and getting rid of dead skin cells.
With many innovations in the types of waxes for hair removal, you can choose a wax that’s best for your skin’s needs: to soothe sensitive skin or take out stubborn hair. Let’s dive deeper to explore the different types of waxes, their advantages, and which one suits you best:
Often called strip wax or honey wax, hot wax is crafted from three primary ingredients: resin, liquid paraffin, and honey. It is ideal for waxing larger areas like your arms and legs. You’ve seen hot wax parodied in the movies and viral videos. It is also the type of wax you’ve seen being used in salons.
First, the wax is warmed in a wax warmer. Following this, an aesthetician spreads it over your skin using a spatula or a wax roller and then presses a cloth strip on the applied area. As the wax dries, it sticks to your skin and hair. Then, the aesthetician pulls out the strip, against the direction of the hair growth in one swift action removing the hair from their roots.
Hot soft wax is perhaps the most effective way to rid unwanted body hair after laser hair removal, which can have far more lasting effects. It also helps remove dead skin cells leaving your skin feeling refreshed.
Also known as strip-free wax, this type of wax is perfect for sensitive areas like the bikini line and underarms. And it works effectively on both thick and fine hair.
Once it’s warmed up, the aesthetician applies a thick layer of the wax onto your skin and allows to set. The wax then hardens into a flexible substance that can be pulled off in the opposite direction of hair growth using hands. Since the wax only sticks to the hair and not the skin, you can reapply it for removal if there is any stubborn hair left behind.
A relatively new addition to the waxing scene, this type of wax is liposoluble wax. Liposoluble wax, unlike normal or honey wax, is made of resin extracts and natural vegetable oils. What makes chocolate wax great is that it is enriched with natural ingredients such as cocoa, almond oil, glycerine, and vitamins that are beneficial for your skin.
If you have sensitive skin, you’re in luck because this is one of the least painful waxing options. It’s suitable for use on large areas and can effectively remove even the shortest hairs and ingrowths and the application and removal is similar to warm soft wax. The best part? All the natural ingredients in the formulation are incredibly helpful in keeping your skin nourished and hydrated.
This innovative wax, known as RICA wax, is made with natural vegetable oil making it a liposoluble wax and gentle on all skin types. Commonly found in hair removal waxes, Colophony is a type of resin that causes skin allergy or contact dermatitis for people with sensitive skin. RICA stands out by being completely Colophony-free making it hypoallergenic and ideal for all skin types.
It’s largely made from natural ingredients to provide a unique combination of skin benefits – like beeswax for deep moisturisation, anti-inflammatory Opuntia Oil that is rich in fatty acids and provides greater skin hydration and prevents redness, as well as other beneficial elements like essential oils and zinc oxide that help with wound healing. This wax is gentle on the skin and highly effective for hair removal and won’t leave your skin red after waxing.
Here’s an all-natural hair removal method with ancient origins in Egypt and Persia, making a strong comeback in recent years.
If you’re a fan of all-natural solutions, this is the answer you’ve been seeking. Made from sugar, water, and lemon, this method combines the benefits of hard wax and soft wax.
It’s strip-free and effectively removes hair of all thicknesses from various body areas, including bikini lines. And it doesn’t adhere to your skin but only to the hair. It can also be reapplied in areas where hair remains after the first attempt.
A bonus is its ability to prevent ingrown hairs since it’s easy to clean because it’s water-soluble and doesn’t obstruct open hair follicles and is especially suitable for sensitive skin.
Waxing is a readily available and cost-effective solution for routine hair removal, but let’s admit it, it’s not exactly painless. Nonetheless, with the right aesthetician employing proper techniques and products, you can have a relatively pain-free experience without questioning all your life choices.
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