Waxing is a popular way to remove unwanted body hair, but many myths persist around this age-old practice.
If you’re curious about the effects of waxing, you’re in the right place!
Today, we’re debunking the many misconceptions about hair waxing and bringing you just the facts.
3 common myths about waxing
Before you resign to shaving, allow us to bust some of the common myths going around about waxing your body hair.
Waxing makes your hair grow back thicker
You’ve probably heard the warnings that waxing will stimulate hair growth and cause your hair to grow back fuller and thicker than ever. This is not true, but there are several reasons this myth still circulates today.
Firstly, since waxing removes hairs from the root, the new shafts can appear thicker compared to tapered strands that emerge after shaving. Next, it’s possible that follicle damage can result in more coarse hairs. Although they’re not really thicker, the texture change can be noticeable.
The pain from waxing is unbearable
There’s no denying that waxing can be uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be excruciating. If your waxing appointments leave you aching, there are a few factors to consider.
Certain acne medications, such as Accutane, can make the procedure more painful. Avoid waxing during your period–even if you aren’t getting a Brazilian–as your hormones during this time can increase the perception of pain. Finally, both alcohol and caffeine can increase blood flow, so you’re more likely to be sensitive during your waxing appointment.
Once you’ve addressed these issues, you should find that your sessions are more comfortable. But if not, it might be time to find a different hair removal specialist with a gentle hand.
Rapid aging is a side effect of waxing
Some people believe that tugging and pulling on delicate areas of your face during the waxing process can lead to wrinkles, but there’s zero scientific evidence to back up the claim.
Certain habits like wearing sunscreen, staying hydrated, and taking great care of your skin, can help you fight off wrinkles, but these signs of aging are simply a part of life. Waxing won’t make any difference.
5 true facts about waxing
Waxing reduces the chances of skin discoloration
When it comes to shaving vs waxing, wax has less of a chance of causing skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation. That’s because waxing removes dead skin cells that can clog your hair follicles and cause ingrown hairs, which can result in hyperpigmentation.
For the best results–and to prevent ingrown hairs–gently exfoliate the area you plan to have waxed the day before your appointment to allow the wax to properly adhere to the hair and remove that pesky layer of skin that can cause these issues.
Your hair grows back softer and thinner
Contrary to the misconception that waxing causes hair growth to become thicker, waxed hair actually grows back finer than shaved hair. Compared to shaving, which cuts hair at the skin and leaves the root intact, waxing removes the hair bulb, meaning each shaft must completely regenerate.
The results of waxing last for weeks
One of the biggest benefits of waxing is that you’ll be hair-free for much longer than you would after shaving. It takes about two weeks for the bulb to grow back and then another week or two for the new hair to reach your skin’s surface. This means you can enjoy smooth, hairless skin for as long as three to four weeks.
Of course, hair grows in cycles. At any given time, some of your hairs will be in an active growth phase, while others will be dormant. It isn’t uncommon to see stray hairs pop up a couple of weeks after treatment, but these might diminish once you’ve waxed the same area several times. Still, hair-free skin lasts much longer after waxing!
It is important for your hair to be a certain length beforehand
For a successful waxing treatment, you’ll need to allow your hair to grow to at least ¼”. After all, the wax must be able to grab onto the hair in order to remove it. That being said, it shouldn’t be more than ½” or you risk breaking part of the hair. When this happens, the root isn’t removed, causing the hair to regrow more quickly.
Before your Brazilian wax, your treatment specialist can help you trim any long strands if necessary.
Waxing is better done by professionals
At-home waxing kits are plentiful on the market, but that doesn’t mean they’re worth your time or money. Professional waxing specialists are highly trained to remove hair quickly and painlessly. Doing it yourself increases your chances of ingrown hairs, infections, and other complications.
This is a procedure that’s better left to the pros.
Enso provides revolutionary waxing products to estheticians!
At Enso, we’re dedicated to providing waxing professionals with the highest-quality products on the market! Our products are vegan, hypoallergenic, and antimicrobial, so your clients won’t have to worry about what’s going on their skin.
Check out our collection of premium products, or contact us today to learn more!
