Waxing is among one of the most popular hair removal methods. With results that keep you smooth from four to six weeks whats not to like right? However,ever wonder about the side effects of waxing? or debating over whether or not a Brazilian bikini wax is for you? Here's a guide to the side effects of removing unwanted hair via waxing.
First of all there are two types of wax, stripless ( which involves wax being placed on the skin, cooling and drying, and being ripped off itself). And wax that requires a strip (you've probably had your eyebrows done this way, where a strip is placed over hot wax, then removed).
Now, i would always recommend no strip wax, because not only does it hurt less, (very important) it also is easier to remove, there is less repeated ripping, and less of a chance of some of your skin coming off with the wax (never fun). Not only does a wax that uses a strip have high chance of removing some skin and causing further irritation, but this will create noticeable scars in your bikini area, which are for life, (not attractive).
*This is not to say that you cannot get scars from stripless wax*
Another word of advice, head to a local spa, or waxing center, such as European wax center, instead of nail salons, or beauty salon's in general. The reason? These high end spas and wax centers specialize in waxing and will generally have much more expertise, let nail technicians stick to what they know, it may be cheaper, but you do not want to pinch pennies when it comes to this.
Also, while you may get your eyebrows done in nail salons, most use strip wax which will be much more sensitive to your bikini area. Another thing, these salons tend to "double dip" which is when they reuse applicators on your skin, repeatedly touching your skin with the wooden applicator then dipping it back in to the pot of wax. If their doing this with you, chances are they do with all their customers, meaning they are spreading around all kinds of bacteria, this can lead to not only yeast infections but more serious infections like herpes. The risk is minimal but it is there, especially since you don't know how many times they have double dipped in that wax, with how many different people!
* I know for a fact that European Wax Center, which is located in various locations, has a strict no "double dipping" policy, check and make sure your esthetician abides by that rule also*
Now on to the pain...
I'm sorry, but many people and especially Esthetician's will tell you that the first waxing session is the worse, however it gets easier and easier as you do it. I hate to break it to you--but it simply doesn't. I've done this many times and i assure you, it is just as painful as the last. What you do get, is to expect the pain. I've heard (literally) horror stories of first time wax experiences. That's not to say that for some people, it does get easier. However in MY opinion, and most people i know, the pain is the same, you just get to expect it now.
I'd like to consider myself to have a fairly good pain tolerance (I stress fairly here), and it isn't terrible, there are certain areas that hurt the most, but when you get through them, the rest of your experience will feel like a breeze. I'd like to stress the fact that a well trained Esthetician will work quickly and efficiently, minimizing pain as much as possible, watch out for your Esthetician waxing the same area twice as this is certain to create irritation and possible infection because the skin is so sensitive. If she is repeatedly waxing the same area of skin, she likely does not have too much experience.
MOST of my waxing experience have been quick with minimal pain as my Esthician was well trained and experienced, with my session ending in less than 15 minutes. However i have been in writhing pain, with an inexperienced Esthetician also, for much longer, it all depends and let me tell you a HIGHLY trained Esthetician makes a world of difference. Shop around.
What you can do to minimize pain :
Pop two pain killers an hour before your appointment
Keep busy, text, talk to your Esthetican, it helps!
Take deep breathes.
Now there are some numbing creams available such as "No Scream Cream" which is a topical anesthetic, that is said to numb the area and make waxing less painful. Please be advised that, while numbing the pain, you will also not be able to feel if the wax is too hot, therefore burning you which will create scarring. Ask your Esthician to test the area on a spot like the inner wrist.
Ingrown Hairs
A sometimes overlooked aspect of waxing in general, especially bikini waxing, are ingrown hairs,and irritation. Ingrown hairs occur when the hair grows back in to the skin, creating a bump, instead of growing outward. The reason this occurs most commonly in waxing is because the hair is being pulled from the root, instead of "cut" from the top from shaving. When hair is removed from the root forcefully, it damages the follicle, which guides a hair to grow in a straight line out of the skin. When this follicle is damaged, it will never be replaced. Now hair has no follicle to keep it growing straight and will grow in different directions, one way being under the skin to form an ingrown hair. Not only are ingrown hairs painful, but their very noticeable and, unless you dig it out, can take months to even surface if ever. I don't know about you, but just one ingrown hair makes me not want to get a wax for awhile, i cannot stand it.
It is important to understand that bikini waxing is not for everyone. Among popular vote, shaving is still said to be the most convenient hair removal method.I believe it is important to understand the risks and drawbacks involved with waxing educate yourself! There are also many options available such as depilatory creams, and laser hair removal. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.
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