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What's the difference between the various at-home
methods of hair removal; shaving, depilation and waxing?
Shaving is one of the simplest and most commonly used methods of hair removal,
but also lasts the shortest amount of time because hair is removed at skin level
only and hair reappears in one to four days. In addition, shaving actually
stimulates the hair follicle which speeds up the regrowth process causing hair
to grow not only faster, but thicker and coarser than before-much like a man's
beard. A depilatory cream or lotion chemically dissolves hair at the skin's
surface, and is then rinsed away with water. This method is much more feminine
and leaves the skin silky smooth. With waxing, warm or cold wax is applied to
the skin encasing each hair. The wax is then stripped off to remove hair from
below the skin's surface. Results can last from six to eight weeks.
How are the results of waxing different from shaving?
Waxing, like tweezing, removes hair below the skin level, which is why it's a
fairly long-lasting method of hair removal. Better yet, the hair grows in
softer, not stubbly. Shaving is the worst way to treat unwanted hair. By
continually cutting the hair you are, in fact, stimulating its growth. What's
more, over time this growth will become stronger, darker and denser, and you may
find the hairs splitting. Shaving is also the most temporary hair removal
method. Coarse stubble appears quickly and eventually you will find you have to
shave more frequently to achieve a smooth result.
What are depilatory creams and lotions and how do they work?
The high pH level in depilatories dissolve the hair at the skin's surface.
Gentler on the skin than shaving or waxing, they're especially good for
sensitive or bumpy areas such as the bikini line, above the lip or under the
arm. You apply the cream or lotion onto designated areas and then leave it for a
few minutes before rinsing hair away. While it is completely painless, those
with sensitive skin should patch-test any depilatory in advance and carefully
follow all manufacturer'
How do I decide which hair removal method is best?
All three methods will work for any area of the body; but of the three, waxing
is generally recommended for highly visible areas because the results are the
longest lasting and most thorough.
What is a hair inhibitor and how does it work?
Hair growth inhibitors are a new development in hair removal that actually slow
the regrowth of body hair. Applied immediately after hair removal, the inhibitor
saturates the exposed base of the hair follicle and begins the process of
slowing down hair growth.
I always thought I had to go to a salon for waxing and they are so expensive. Is
this true?
Depending on the area you're waxing and the salon you choose, it could be
expensive, so yes, that part is true.
I've always been hesitant about waxing because it seems difficult and
time-consuming. Is this true?
The larger the area, the more time it will take to complete the job, but
consider it an investment of time in not having to shave every other day.
I'm confused about the types of waxing products available, can you explain them
to me?
If you're selecting a waxing product for home use, you'll want to make sure it
is genuine wax, which ensures maximum grip of hair to produce totally hair-free
skin. Many products on the market are not genuine wax and, as a result, are not
as effective in fully gripping the hair.
We offer two types of wax products: Sugaring Wax and Natural Wax Strips (in two
sizes). Both products use genuine pine wax. Sugaring Wax comes in a tub and is
hard until heated. Once it's warm, you apply the wax using the provided spatula
and then press the strips of cotton cloth (also included in the package) onto
the waxed areas. Quickly removing the cotton cloth pulls the hair and its root
from the hair follicle, leaving skin smooth.
Genuine wax strips have a thin layer of genuine pine wax sandwiched between two
layers of cellophane. Simply separate to create two strips, press onto the skin
and remove quickly in the opposite direction to the growth of the hair. Each
strip can be reapplied several times during the same waxing session.
Does waxing hurt? Will it make my skin peel or leave it red or scarred?
Waxing is not nearly as painful as it sounds. As long as you hold taut the skin
to be treated, waxing feels something like pulling off a Band-Aid. Immediately
after waxing, your skin may be a little red, but this is temporary. And if
you're doing it correctly, there should be absolutely no peeling or scarring.
However, you must take great care not to overheat the wax, and must always check
the heat with a small patch on the inside of your wrist or leg. As with any
home-treatment product, it is most important that you read, understand and
follow all directions carefully. Remember that waxing treatments may not be
suitable for people with extra sensitive or problem skin, and they are not
recommended for the elderly or people with loose skin. Wax should not be applied
over sunburn, chapped, broken or sore skin, cuts, weak scars or excema. Nor
should it be used on varicose veins, moles or warts, inside the nose or ears, on
nipples or genital area.
In the salons they use cloth strips to remove the hair. How would I do this at
home?
Natural Large and Petite Wax Strips have that feature built right in. These are
strips of a thin layer of genuine pine wax sandwiched between two layers of
cellophane. Unlike imitations, the genuine pine wax coating ensures maximum grip
of hair to produce totally hair-free skin. Simply separate to create two strips,
press onto the skin and remove quickly in the opposite direction to the growth
of the hair. Each strip can be reapplied several times during the same waxing
session. If you choose to use Sugaring Wax, it comes with five washable and
reusable cotton strips.
I tried waxing once and had trouble getting the wax off! Is there an easy way to
remove wax from the skin if it doesn't come off when you remove the strip or
cloth?
Yes. Depending on which wax treatment you have chosen, either liquid wax or wax
strips. If you have chosen Sugaring Wax, clean up is simple as the all natural
pine wax is completely water soluble, simple washing with warm water will remove
any traces of waxes from the skin following treatment. If you are using Natural
Large Wax Strips or Natural Petite Wax Strips residual wax can easily be removed
by reapplying the same strip or by daubing the wax with the back (un-waxed side)
of the same strip. Both techniques will remove any residual wax from the skin.
It is not necessary to rub or scrub the skin. As outlined in our instructions,
do not apply "soap & water" to try to remove the wax. This will only the cause
the wax to be unable to adhere to the strip. If this is the case, however, you
can then remove residual wax with a cloth dampened with vegetable oil. This will
easily remove the wax from the skin.
When would I use the wax strips and when would I use sugaring wax?
Pre-waxed strips provide a no-mess, no-fuss waxing option which requires no
preparation -- ideal for home or travel. Also, pre-waxed strips are ready for
use on small "emergency" areas. Liquid wax, while it requires a little more
effort because it must be warmed in the microwave or in a pot of simmering
water, is highly effective on very coarse hair and sensitive skin. The warmth of
the wax opens the hair follicle allowing easier extraction of the hair root, and
consequently less irritation to the skin. Both wax strips and warm wax are
long-lasting methods of hair removal and very cost-effective.
What's the difference between 'Natural Large' and 'Natural Petite' Wax Strips?
Both products use genuine pine wax. Natural Large Wax Strips are large strips
and are ideal for legs, arms, or other large areas of the body allowing more
hair to be removed at one time. Natural Petite Wax Strips are small and are
ideally suited for smaller areas such as the face, eyebrows, and bikini line. By
the way, if you're selecting a waxing product for home use, you'll want to make
sure it is genuine wax, which ensures maximum grip of hair to produce totally
hair-free skin. Many products on the market are not genuine wax and, as a result
are not as effective in fully gripping the hair.
When waxing, what is meant by 'long-lasting' results?
Because waxing removes the hair at the root of the follicle rather than the
surface of the skin, waxing should leave your skin smooth and free from stubble
for up to eight weeks. Not only that, regular use of wax products causes the new
hair growth to be finer and softer.
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