Waxing

Waxing is a semi-permanent method of hair removal that works by pulling the hair out from the root. Wax is heated, then spread across the desired area for removal with a spatula. Next, we either leave the wax to cool before peeling it off or press a fabric strip down on top of the wax (depending on the area). The wax sticks to the hairs and is ripped away from the follicles in the opposite direction to hair growth. This usually prevents the hair from growing back for around 2-8 weeks, though it can be sooner than this depending on your individual hair growth cycle.

The beauty of waxing over most other hair removal methods is that hair grows back finer, and sometimes not at all after long term treatments. Waxing damages the hair bulb at the root, so it reduces the volume of regrowth which is good news if you’re after less visible body hair. Unlike alternative methods such as shaving and using hair removal cream, the results you get with waxing can last for weeks. Results vary, but it can take up to 8 weeks for regrowth to appear. Waxing is great for body parts with a larger surface area like the legs and back. It’s arguably the fastest and most convenient way to remove unwanted hair from such areas. Not only do the results last longer with waxing, they also leave the skin in better condition. Since the process of waxing also exfoliates the body by removing any dead skin cell build up, it naturally leaves you with smoother skin. Additionally, the lack of stubble you have following a wax just enhances this smoothness.

As with most beauty treatments waxing doesn’t come without its side effects, but for the most part they tend to be minimal. It’s not uncommon for those with sensitive skin to experience a bit of redness or skin irritation after their first few waxing treatments. The pulling motion of waxing can result in slight swelling of the skin, but this can be treated with some cooling aloe vera gel or a cold compress. You may find that your skin is sore or bruised after a treatment, there may even be some bleeding. If you’re prone to skin irritation and you’ve had a sensitive body part waxed, then you might experience such symptoms. Again, the most effective way to treat these side effects is to keep the area clean, apply a cooling gel or compress and wear loose clothing.

In rare cases, some people find that the wax causes an allergic reaction when it comes into contact with their skin. If you experience severe skin irritation that appears to be worsening or causing pain, contact your GP immediately. Again, this is uncommon but sometimes the wax used on the skin is too hot and may cause burns to the area. This can cause permanent discoloration and scarring so if you experience burns you should seek medical attention immediately. To prevent this from happening, we test the temperature of the wax on a small area of skin first.

If you do experience any of these side effects and the symptoms don’t subside after 48 hours, then it may be advisable to consult your GP.

Quite often with shaving you may nick yourself with the razor or develop a rash caused by skin irritation. Similarly, the chemicals in hair removal cream can be too harsh which can have a drying effect on the skin, particularly if it’s sensitive. However, waxing is relatively safe for use on the skin in comparison.

What areas of my body can I get waxed?

Legs, Arms, Back, Under Arms, Eyebrows, Lip, Chin

Bikini Line

Hot wax is used on more sensitive areas like the bikini line because it is thought to be more effective at removing coarse hair than strip wax. It also provides more hydration than other types of wax and is generally gentler on the area. The purpose of a bikini line wax is to tidy up the hair around the panty line with a Brazilian wax. Most of the hair around the pubic area is removed, leaving just a thin section of hair at the front, often referred to as a “landing strip’. Understandably, many women feel nervous about going for an intimate treatment like this, but we will make you feel at ease and able to protect your modesty. The process should last around 30-45 minutes in total.

Ensure that the area is clean before heading to the salon (a shower a few hours ahead of the treatment should suffice)

Make sure the hair is at the right length before a wax (about ¼ of an inch for finer hair and ½ of an inch for coarser hair)

If you have sensitive skin, get a patch test at least 24 hours before your treatment.

Avoid the sun 24 hours before your wax as this can cause sensitivity

Make sure the wax is at a safe temperature by testing a small area first

Avoid waxing sore or cut skin