About Hair Removal

Home / Treatments / About Hair Removal

Waxing Information

Waxing is a method of semi-permanent hair removal which removes the hair by the root. New hairs will not grow back in the previously waxed area for two to eight weeks. Almost any area of the body can be waxed, including eyebrows, face, bikini area, legs, arms, back, abdomen and feet. There are many types of waxing suitable for removing unwanted hair. At The Bee’s Knees we use Clean + Easy patented roller head system and is the world leader in roller wax hair removal. Roll on waxing means no drips and no burns. Wax applies at just the right temperature and thickness for perfect results every time.

Wax is applied thinly over the skin using the wax cartridge. A cloth or paper strip is then pressed on the top and ripped off with a quick movement against the direction of hair growth. This removes the wax along with the hair. It will feel like a plaster being pulled off quickly. Pain tolerance will depend on each individual client. However if you know you don’t tolerate pain easily then take a couple of pain relief tablets (that you have used before and have had no reaction to previously) about an hour prior to treatment and this should reduce the pain somewhat.

hair growth

Apart from cultural influences, and genetics hair growth can be determined by other factors:

• medication – Some drugs have a strong effect on hair growth. They might produce coarse, thick hair, which can be depilated, with a doctor’s permission. Or the follicles might weaken and wither, causing the hair to fall out, such as happens with some forms of chemotherapy. Often this is temporary and the hairs will re-grow.
• hormones – Hormones can also have an effect on hair growth. Women going through the menopause, when hormone levels may be erratic, may find they develop “whiskers” of coarse hair on their face.

benefits and effects of warm waxing

There are many benefits to waxing versus other forms of hair removal. It is an effective method to remove large amounts of hair at one time. It is a long-lasting method. When hair is shaved or removed by depilatory cream, the hair is removed at the surface rather than the root. Within a few days, the hair can be seen at the surface. With these methods, hair tends to grow back in a rough stubble. Areas that are repeatedly waxed over long periods of time often exhibit regrowth that is softer.

Possible drawbacks

Some people experience ingrown hairs, red bumps, and minor bleeding. This is more likely to occur when waxing areas with thick hair, especially the first few times when follicles are strongest. Ingrown hairs can be reduced by regularly exfoliating and applying an astringent such as Skin Doctors Ingrow-go. This will help the hairs to pop out themselves, try not to keep picking at the area as this can lead to infection.

Waxing facts

• Waxing really does slow down the hair growth after several treatments. I would say that you should see a definite improvement after approximately 3 sessions.
• Waxing gives a nice clean finish to the eyebrows and is a good way of getting rid of facial hair.
• Waxing lasts for 3 – 6 weeks depending on hair growth.
• Waxing does not change the hair colour.
• Shaving and cutting blunts the ends of the hair, making them feel spiky; after waxing the hair grows back with this natural tapered end, feeling smooth to the touch.
• Waxing feels like a plaster being taken from the skin. Pain thresholds will vary and some people will feel more than others.
• Waxing is not a permanent hair removal.
• waxing does not make hair growth weaker.
• Waxing does not make all the hairs grow back at the same time.
• Waxing does not lighten the hair colour.

contra-indications that prevent waxing

• Contagious skin condition – wait for the condition to clear before waxing.
• Thin or fragile skin – can cause bruising and tearing of the skin which may lead to infection.
• Use of steroid medication – this can cause a thinning of the skin. Waxing should not be done whilst using such medication, and not until 3 months after completing the treatment.
• Unidentified lumps or swelling.
• Previous allergic reaction to treatment.

contra-indications that may restrict waxing

• Raised moles and skin tags. Wax should not be applied directly over them.
• Abrasions, bites, broken skin, bruises – avoid waxing the affected area until healed.
• Varicose veins – do not wax over the affected area.

Immediate aftercare

The waxed area may be red and there may be some blood spots, especially where the hairs are strong, i.e. on the bikini line or underarm. An afterwax cream containing aloe vera will be applied to help cool the skin, reduce the redness and keep the skin moisturised.

aftercare for a period of 24 hours following treatment

• No sunbathing or sunbeds.
• Avoid bathing in sea or swimming pool.
• Do not take a hot bath or shower, a cool one is absolutely fine.
• Do not use deodorant/antiperspirant.
• Avoid tight clothing.
• Do not use perfumed products on the area.
• No make-up or self tanning preparations.
• Do not keep touching or picking at the area.

long term care advice

• Look after your skin on your body as you would on your face.
• Lots of moisturiser will stop the skin becoming too dry, especially in the winter months.
• Sloughing the skin with a loofah in the shower will help to keep the blood circulation stimulated, bringing lots of oxygen and nutrients to the skin to keep it in good condition.
• Massage will help remove the build-up of toxins in the skin and keep the area both nourished and smooth.
• Exfoliating the skin will help to stop the hairs becoming ingrown.

Gentle exerciseregular sleeping patterns

About

We offer a range of essential treatments including waxing, facials, eye treatments, manicures, pedicures and make-up.

Contact

• 4 Cherry Drive, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 7DL
• tessa@the-bees-knees.co.uk