Waxing

Waxing is a method of semi-permanent hair removal which removes the hair from the root. New hairs will not grow back in the previously waxed area for two to eight weeks. Almost any area of the body can be waxed, including eyebrows, face, bikini area, legs, arms, back, abdomen and feet. There are many types of waxing suitable for removing unwanted hair. If waxing is done regularly for several years, permanent hair reduction may be achieved.

Waxing is accomplished by spreading a wax combination thinly over the skin. A cloth or paper strip is then pressed on the top and ripped off with a quick movement against the direction of hair growth. This removes the wax along with the hair and dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth. Another method of waxing involves hot wax, a soft wax directly applied to the skin. The wax then hardens when it cools, thus allowing the easy removal by a therapist without the aid of cloths. This waxing method is very beneficial to people who have sensitive skin.

New hair growth in waxed areas is soft and fine, not sharp and coarse like shaved hair. After repeated waxing for areas like the eyebrows and lower legs, hair regrowth is less common and, in some cases, hair will never regrow.

Types of waxing
Various types of waxing are available. Some must be performed by a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician. The different types of waxing that can be performed are:
 * Eyebrow waxing
 * Bikini, Male genital, & Hollywood/Brazilian waxing
 * Leg waxing
 * Arm/underarm waxing
 * Back waxing
 * Foot waxing
 * Chest waxing
 * Full wax
 * Entire body wax

Most parts of the body can be waxed, but other parts, not listed above are not given special consideration. Areas individuals should never wax include inside the ears and nose as well as eyelashes, eyelids, the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet. These areas are of particular concern due to sensitive skin that can be severely damaged if waxed. Also, if these areas are waxed, it may trigger hair growth that was not once there before. Areas of the body that should only be waxed by a licensed professional include the genitals and the nipples.

Benefits and drawbacks
There are many benefits to waxing versus other forms of hair removal. Waxing is a long-lasting method. Hair in waxed areas will not grow back for two to eight weeks; when the hair does grow back it is soft and thin. When hair is shaved or removed by depilatory cream, the hair is removed at the surface rather than the root. Within a few days, the hair can be seen at the surface. With these methods, hair tends to grow back in a rough stubble. Areas that are repeatedly waxed over long periods of time often exhibit a thinning of regrowth, and regrowth that is thinner, softer, and lighter in color. The use of a hair inhibitor will also aid the slow re-growth of hair, used over a long period of time this can be used as an almost permanent method.

There are many drawbacks of waxing as well. Waxing can be painful when the strip is removed from the skin. Although the pain is short-lasting, it can be very uncomfortable. Another drawback to waxing is the expense: waxing is usually performed by a licensed cosmetologist, and the cost can be very high. There are do-it-yourself waxing supplies, but they may be difficult to use on oneself on some areas on the body. Hair removal is also not permanent. When removed against the direction of hair growth, the wax strip may disturb hair follicles, causing hair to begin to grow in different directions. This may cause hair growth to be more noticeable and make other methods of hair removal more difficult. Fortunately, this risk is negligible if the waxing is performed properly. One of the most annoying drawbacks of waxing is that many people experience ingrown hairs, red bumps, and minor bleeding. This is more likely to occur with men who are waxing areas with thick hair, especially the first few times when follicles are strongest. While usually impossible to eliminate, this can be reduced by regularly exfoliating, and applying an astringent or a solution of both astringent and oil (typically baby or azulene oil).

Cautions
Some physicians do not recommend waxing for persons suffering from diabetes or who have varicose veins or poor circulation as they are more susceptible to infection.

Users of Retin-A, Renova, Differin or Isotretinoin are advised not to have waxing performed; these medications tend to weaken the skin and tearing of the skin may occur when the wax is removed.

Waxing should not be done on areas of skin affected by warts, pimples, moles or rashes or on skin that is irritated, chapped or suffering from sunburn. Never apply wax to peeling, broken skin or varicose veins.