For many thousands of years, from 4000 B.C. C., women have practiced body waxing. European and American women began this practice more frequently in the 1940s, when bathing suits began to shrink. As the bikini became more popular, there began to be a greater demand for effective body waxing. Of course, there are a variety of hair removal options: shaving, waxing, depilatory creams, waxing, and laser hair removal.
This article focuses on waxing options and trends, especially for the San Diego area (where bikini season is the majority of the year, for better or worse). The goal is to share options, trends, do’s and don’ts, to help you make the best decision for you, in this increasingly popular practice found in most day spas today.
what is waxing?
Waxing involves preparing the area, whether it’s the eyebrows or the bikini area, by trimming the hair to less than 1 inch in length (if necessary) and then applying powder. The hair should be at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch long so that the wax can adhere to the hair effectively. The purpose of the talcum powder is to prevent the wax from sticking to the skin.
Next, warm melted wax is spread over the area and strips of cloth are pressed onto the wax. The goal here is to get the fabric and hair to adhere to the wax.
Once the wax hardens (usually within a few minutes depending on the type of wax used), the cloth strips are removed with a quick jerk, in the opposite direction of hair growth. This will help to remove the entire hair follicle with its root.
Any remaining hair can be removed by the esthetician. Waxing keeps hair away from the treated area for 3 to 6 weeks, but keep in mind: Hair must regrow to 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length before you can wax again. Many women report that their hair grows thinner and thinner.
Waxing is not pain free. Taking an ibuprofen half an hour before waxing or using No Scream Cream (cost: around $20) can help minimize discomfort or pain. Red bumps or ingrown hairs can result from waxing. These can be prevented with exfoliation or treated with an acid-based solution or hydrocortisone.
Hair Removal Types:
Eyebrow waxing:
Also known as brow shaping, that’s what it sounds like. Less painful than waxing in the bikini area, this is usually most women’s first foray into the world of waxing. Many women choose to have their eyebrows sculpted at the spa of their choice, rather than at a traditional hair salon. For a larger section of brow removal, waxing may be a preferred option over individual waxing.
Leg waxing:
This is often chosen as a substitute for legacy shaving. Some women purchase a leg waxing kit and use it at home, while others choose to wax their legs at a day spa or waxing salon. There is often the option of getting a half leg wax or a full leg wax. Which one is chosen may depend on whether you are looking for smooth legs to wear a dress, or to wear a short skirt or bikini.
Bikini Waxing:
This is intended to make the skin around the shrinking bikini coverage area free of body hair. Since the skin in most women’s bikini area is much more sensitive than other areas, it is recommended to ask your esthetician to use smaller clothing strips (at least for the first time). There are different options for bikini waxing: the American bikini wax (which leaves a triangle of pubic hair); Playboy waxing (leaving a “landing strip” of pubic hair); or full Brazilian waxing (removal of all pubic hair, front and back).
Brazilian depilation:
This means waxing to remove all body hair around and above the vagina, and also in and around the butt crack (to use a commonly understood term). Many believe that this trend became popular when women started wearing thongs (popular in Brazil) and did not want to show body hair in the front or back. The actual origin of this term and style is more likely a group of 7 Brazilian sisters, who helped grow the trend at their New York City waxing salon in the 1980s.
Other areas that are commonly waxed include: toes, back, arms, lips, chin, and underarms.
A good waxing salon:
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of waxing salons in San Diego. Don’t just pick the cheapest waxing salon in your nearest mall. You will most likely regret it if you do. Ask around, read reviews online, and ask for their staff’s ratings. A truly professional waxing esthetician wants to give you the look he wants, with minimal hassle. Tell them if you have any requests or fears before the hair removal procedure. If you like your esthetician, be sure to ask for him again next time.
You are the paying customer; it’s your body. Do your research and then get the treatment and service you deserve.
