Let’s first introduce what waxing is. It is an effective hair removal method that involves an application of wax, which removes the hair from the root. Ancient Egypt had already discovered this procedure thousands of years ago, way before Sex and the City created the episode where Carrie Bradshaw does acrobatic stunts when her Russian beauty therapist gives her a Brazilian wax. We will get to that waxing term a bit later. 

 

Why wax? We do not want to be strutting in the beach with hair sticking out of our bikini or walking around this summer with a bad pedicure and hairy legs. We want to look silky smooth, clean and feel sexy. We are not here to impress others, though we sometimes do, but this is more for personal reasons and hygiene. During the time of the ancient Greeks, smooth and hairless skin was deemed to be of great beauty. We are now in a modern age where we have all the tools to achieve that beautiful skin.

 

We can wax almost all areas of the body from arms to legs, eyebrows, face, back, abdomen, feet, toes, bikini area or a popular one for the ladies is the Brazilian waxing – the mother of all waxing treatments. What is it? This is the waxing of the bikini or pubic area, one of the most sensitive and dreaded sections to be waxed. But don't panic, waxing aestheticians have mastered this technique, wax formulas have been modified to suit this delicate zone and with a caring therapist, the Brazilian waxing can actually be fun. The latest style was brought to life by seven Brazilian sisters who took New York by storm and named the method Brazilian wax because it sounded “exotic”. In Hong Kong one famous spa re-invented itself as “Brazilian Haute Wax”. They even come in different shapes such as the Landing Strip and The Playboy.

The coolest trend in Hollywood, USA is to BLING your newly waxed bikini. Yes, jeweled Brazilian Bikinis are the hip thing. Your waxer will remove everything down there, then your chosen crystal-encrusted design, a butterfly pattern or your boyfriend’s initials will be glued to your nether region. The mere idea of Swarovski crystals sounds weird but it can be quite stylish and trendy.

 

There are numerous waxing products for professional salons and over-the-counter home use. They even come in different scents and flavors. Sugaring, an alternative to wax, can be less painful because the emulsion sticks to the hair not to the skin and can be applied at room temperature; the sugar paste is then peeled off quickly. Skilled waxing aestheticians use strip wax and non-strip wax. Disposable non-strip waxes, often known as hot waxes, are applied in thin layers using a wooden spatula and then removed without the use of non-woven strips and are disposable and apparently recyclable, though given the hygiene issues I have not encountered anyone practicing this. This innovative type of wax has high effectiveness and quality and is much preferred for sensitive areas of the body. Meanwhile, strip disposable or warm wax is removed by a woven strip cloth or paper. Using this type of wax is fast and efficient way of removing hair in larger areas of the body such as the legs, back and arms. If you intend to do-it-yourself, be warned that home waxing can be invasive, and areas we cannot reach can still be covered with hair. Better to hand over this risky business to the professionals and visit your waxing salon.

 

One has to take note of the level of hygiene before waxing at a salon or spa. A clean, bright and well ventilated room with a comfortable bed and sterilized utensils can be a good start. A highly trained and skilled therapist should be able to explain what is involved and they analyze the skin’s condition. If there are concerns they should be able to give the client good advice. Each professional waxing place should have a proper protocol and others may have incorporated warm touches to ease the discomfort one feels before or during the waxing treatment. For some, it may not be a desirable experience, so creating distractions by playing relaxing music or having a magazine to read can be a good trick. A client once told me she takes a headache tablet before coming in and almost does not feel anything. Contraindications include use of Retinol products, AHA’s, acids and peels. Sunburned or freshly sun-tanned skin are also a no-no to waxing because your skin is prone to tearing or ripping. These considerations should be covered during the analysis part of the treatment.

 

There is no time frame for how long one can master this art. A good and reputable waxing salon should have developed a technique that is fast and effective. Waxing is a personal treatment, and care should be taken at all times. High-quality wax, usually manufactured in Europe, equipment and tools are all must-haves. Since therapists work on private areas, hygiene is an important factor and they must wear surgical gloves, disinfect themselves and only use disposable tools once. That means no double-dipping of spatulas in the wax cans. Greater acceptance of male waxing is fast becoming a trend. Our discerning male clients – alpha male, metrosexual, whatever we call them, they are following the cult led by women.

 

Efficient, fast, care, quality and hygiene are the keys to a successful waxing treatment. Do it once and you will never look back. Good luck!

 

Before waxing, hair should be at least one quarter of an inch in length. Schedule your appointment at least a week after your cycle to minimize sensitivity. On the day of the waxing, if your pain threshold is low, have an ibrupofen an hour before your session to dull the pain. Avoid application of creams, exfoliation and fake tanning. After waxing, steer clear of chlorine and sun exposure. Be sure to wear sun protection cream to prevent developing hyper pigmentation.