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Waxing is a long term solution (compared to other forms of hair removal) to undesired body hair. In it\'s simplest explanation, waxing removes hair by pulling it out of the skin from the follicle. The treatment is effective anywhere from three to eight weeks. When the hair growth begins to return, another treatment is required. Repeated treatments can sometimes become permanent, usually on parts of the legs or the eyebrows.
Waxing is accomplished by spreading warm wax over the skin of the area desired to be hair free. Then a thin piece of paper or fabric is pressed into the pliable surface of the wax. When it cools and hardens (trapping hair and dead skin cells in it) it is quickly pulled away from the skin surface in a direction opposite of the hair\'s growth. This leaves the skin very soft and clean, with a very inviting texture. Also, the growth of hair will be much softer and finer than that of simply shaving.
Waxing can be used on many parts of the body. The face, the legs, the bikini area, the arms, the chest; virtually any part of the body can be treated. Virtually the only parts that should not be waxed are the nose, ears and eye lashes. With waxing there is no “stubble” left of the hair. Stubble is left from razors, which cut the hair slightly above the surface. This is what leaves the rough texture after shaving. Because shaving and hair growth inhibitors remove the hair from above the surface of the skin and not from below, like waxing, the returning hair will be coarser than with waxing.
Waxing can be beneficial because shaving with a razor is irritating to the skin, and since waxing needs to be done much less frequently it will decrease the irritation that shaving can cause ( which is what is commonly referred to as “razor burn”). Waxing should always be done by a certified or trained practitioner. This will ensure a quality job is done, and also that damage to the skin is avoided. Many beauty salons and spas offer waxing services.
Waxing however is not a totally comfortable experience. Hair is being literally ripped from the skin, and while the discomfort is brief it is a distinct feeling. Sometimes waxing is used in conjunction with a hair growth inhibitor for increased results. Hair growth inhibitors work by damaging the hair follicle, and with repeated treatments, just like waxing treatments, hair growth may stop altogether.
Waxing has its advantages and disadvantages. While the irritation or discomfort experienced by the individual may be equal or significantly increased to the irritation experience by shaving, the treatments are effective for a superior amount of time, which means the person does not have to endure such irritation so frequently. For some people the decreased frequency of the irritation is advantage enough over shaving to be worth it. Another disadvantage is cost. It costs significantly more to get a wax than to shave. Since the procedures should be performed by a trained person, that usually means a trip to the beauty salon and may cost hundred of dollars.
The procedure is most commonly used on the chest, upper lip, eyebrows, back, feet and underarms. Waxing the bikini area is also a popular treatment, and is called a bikini wax. A Brazilian wax removes all the hair from the genital region and the buttocks. Because of the superior finished product waxing as compared to shaving, it may be a desirable alternative to traditional shaving, for those with the endurance and the means. It is a surefire way to feel pampered, especially when the treatment is sought after as a spa treatment or for a vacation when a person may want to show off their body. |
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