Your Guide to Facial Waxing: Prep, Myths, and More!
If you’re a big proponent of maintaining a consistent skincare routine, there’s a chance that you've noticed every part of your face – including your peach fuzz and uneven eyebrows. The good news is that you can step up your skincare game by participating in regular facial waxes. Besides removing unwanted hair, there are a few other benefits to getting your face waxed that we would love to share with you!
The basics of facial waxing
Facial waxing is a broad term that encompasses a few different types of waxing services. These services can include getting a lip wax, eyebrow waxing, waxing your sideburns, as well as waxing your chin.
It’s time to put down the razor and tuck away your tweezers, because gentle waxing for your face is a great, long lasting solution for your unwanted body hair.
Facial waxing is an excellent exfoliator
Not only are you saying goodbye to pesky facial hair, you’re also helping your skin when you wax! The use of hot wax to remove hair also provides a level of exfoliation to the skin.
If you’re not someone who implements a regular exfoliation routine, you’re missing out! Removing dead and dry skin that has collected over time can really make a difference – not only in the appearance of your skin, but with the overall health of your epidermis as well.
How can you prevent redness and irritation?
It’s no secret that getting a wax, especially on sensitive areas like your face, can cause a little redness and swelling. The good news is that even though the irritation is such a small, temporary part of waxing, there are ways to mitigate it. Especially when hard wax is used!
First on our list of suggestions is to take a mild pain reliever. Something as simple as Ibuprofen can not only help with any stinging pain, but also allow your blood to aid in reducing any swelling. Additionally, ice can be used to minimize irritation and redness post-wax. Our last trick is to use home remedies such as witch hazel and aloe to reduce any irritation and to help calm the skin.
The end result is always worth mild discomfort
In the end, what little irritation and discomfort you feel during or after your face wax appointment is always worth it. Feeling happy and confident in your skin will always outlast the mild discomfort.
Common misconceptions about facial waxing
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s go over common misconceptions that we hear about facial waxing. Here at Mixed Esthetics, we always get asked if the facial hair we’re removing will grow back thicker and darker, or if the wax takes a toll on the skin after repeated use. Is there anything to be worried about? Let’s go over the most common misconceptions people have about waxing.
Will your facial hair grow back faster and thicker?
Thankfully, the answer is no! Most of your facial hair is different from the hair on your scalp. These thin, barely visible hairs are called vellus hairs, and can be found all over your cheeks and lips. Because these hairs are genetically different from the rest of the hairs on your face, they will not grow back darker or thicker. The composition and the way they grow remains the same. Additionally, when you wax the hairs on your legs, or under your arms, those do not grow back darker and thicker, so why should waxing your sideburns and eyebrows? If anything, we’ve learned that repeated waxing actually reduces the density of any new regrowth.
Waxing stretches and sags the skin
It is understandable how people could be concerned that repeated tugging at the skin would cause it to sag or stretch the skin – but this simply isn't the case. The reason skin stretches and sags is primarily due to age, poor diet, and excessive sun exposure – not tugging. Because your body is constantly shedding outer layers of dead skin, as long as you are providing the appropriate hydration and nutrition, you will not see sagging or stretching after consistent waxing sessions.
Your hair has to grow back to the same length it was prior to getting waxed
Thankfully, this just isn't the case. Could you imagine having a lazy month? Maybe you’re too busy with work, school, volunteering and don't want to waste time shaving. Thankfully, that's not realistic, nor is it beneficial to wax hair that long. Hair must be a minimum of a quarter inch, but not too long as it can cause the shaft of your hair to break instead of being removed from the root.
Pro tips for in between waxes
Although your wax technician does most of the work, there are still some things that you need to do between your waxes to ensure the best possible results.
Stay on top of your skin care regimen (like everyone’s watching)
Keeping up your standard regimen can make quite the impact on your waxing results. Just because you’re adding a little TLC into the mix doesn't mean that it replaces the need for consistent skincare.
Gently exfoliate every few days
This goes for all of your between-wax sessions. Exfoliation is a critical component to making sure you have a successful wax. Gently exfoliating your face every few days aids in removing dead skin cells, as well as promoting circulation and new cell turnover, leaving you with bright, happy skin.
Moisturize and hydrate to keep your skin happy
Last but not least: moisturize! Nothing says, “I’m glowing!” like drinking enough water and applying nourishing lotions to the skin. After all, what good is putting in all that time and effort if you just have dry, dull skin?
Choose Mixed Esthetics for all of your skincare needs!
If you’re looking for a spa-like experience that combines the importance of detail oriented skincare with a fun and friendly environment, Mixed Esthetics is THE place to be. Helping people is our passion, so let us transform you! Call or book an appointment online with us, we can't wait to meet you!