Waxing

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For other uses, see Waxing (disambiguation).

Waxing is a temporary method of hair removal, which removes the hair from the root. New hairs will not grow back in the previously waxed area for three to eight weeks. Almost any area of the body can be waxed, including eyebrows, face, bikini area, legs, arms, back, abdomen and feet.

Waxing is accomplished by spreading a wax combination thinly over the skin. 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 and dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth.

New hair growth in waxed areas is soft and fine, not sharp and coarse like shaved hair. After repeated waxing for areas like the eyebrows and lower legs, hair regrowth is less common and eventually the hair will never regrow. [citation needed]

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[edit] Types of waxing

Various types of waxing are available. Some must be performed by a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician. The different types of waxing that can be performed are:

Most parts of the body can be waxed, but other parts, not listed above are not given special consideration. Areas individuals should never wax include inside the ears and nose as well as eyelashes. Areas of the body that should only be waxed by a licensed professional include the female genitals, male genitals and the nipples.

[edit] Benefits and drawbacks

There are many benefits to waxing versus other forms of hair removal. Waxing is a long lasting method. Hair in waxed areas will not grow back for three to eight weeks; when the hair does grow back it is soft and thin. 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.

There are many drawbacks of waxing as well. Waxing can be painful when the strip is removed from the skin. Although the pain is short-lasting, it can be very uncomfortable. Another drawback to waxing is the expense. Waxing is usually performed by a licensed cosmetologist, therefore the cost can be very high. There are do-it-yourself waxing supplies for at home, but may be difficult to use on oneself for some areas on the body. The last drawback to waxing is that hair removal is not permanent. When removed against the direction of hair growth, the wax strip may disturb hair follicles, causing hair to begin to grow in different directions. This may cause hair growth to be more noticeable and make other methods of hair removal more difficult. Fortunately, with the assistance of a licensed cosmetologist, this risk is negligible.

[edit] Cautions

Some physicians do not recommend waxing for persons suffering from diabetes or who have varicose veins or poor circulation as they are more susceptible to infection.

Users of Retin-A, Renova, Differin or Isotretinoin are advised not to have waxing performed; these medications tend to weaken the skin and tearing of the skin may occur when the wax is removed.

Waxing should not be done on areas of skin affected by warts, pimples, moles or rashes or on skin that is irritated, chapped or suffering from sunburn. Never apply wax to peeling, broken skin or varicose veins.

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