Waxing Q & A

Commonly Asked Waxing Questions

Q.       How often do I have to wax?

A.   Every 4-6 weeks is the general rule. Hair needs to be at least half a centimetre long for the wax to adhere. The more regular the waxing the better, as young hairs come out easier.

Q.  How long before the hair starts to regrow?

A.  Usually between 3-8 weeks. Less hair grows after waxing and the hair is generally finer as well. Eventually some hair never re-grows.   

Q.     What does waxing do to the skin?

A.      Dead skin cells are removed during the process leaving the skin quite smooth       afterwards. Waxing causes a slight sting to the skin (Aloe Vera based gels or creams are helpful). Some people find the skin reacts with redness or bumps which disappear after a few hours (slightly longer for sensitive skin).

Q.    Will I get ingrown hairs?

A.   It’s possible. Wax removes the entire hair from the follicle. Your skin naturally     hardens/thickens over the area that was waxed so it’s important to keep the area exfoliated. Use a gentle scrub over the area about 2 days after waxing and then 1-2 times a week until the hair can be seen to be growing above the skin.

Q.    What do I do if I have ingrown hairs?

A.  As above but in addition an exfoliating mitt is helpful along with an ingrown hair lotion. Our favourite is Tend Skin – great for ingrown hairs but also suitable for razor bumps or razor burn.

The Perfect Shave

The Perfect Shave

 

The shave should be seen as an important morning ritual preparing you for the day. To make sure it is a painless and hassle free routine choosing the correct product makes all the difference.

 Steps: 

1.   Use a hot towel to soften whiskers and to open up pores or shave straight out of the shower.

2.   Use a fresh blade to achieve the smoothest glide. A blunt blade is the major cause of irritations. If you suffer from razor rash or severe ingrown hairs, a fresh blade will help prevent cross infections.

3.   For sensitive skin that suffers from razor burn use a shave oil (Vitaman Shave Oil) accompanied by good shave cream or shave gel (Vitaman Shave Creme or Gel). Do not use foams or aerosol creams. They contain alcohol and propellants which irritate the skin. Always use a bristle brush to lift hair from the face and soften the hair shaft. The use of a brush also gives a better lather to ensure the protection between your skin and the blade meaning fewer irritations. Take around 1 minute prepping.

4.   Shave with the grain on the first pass. Let the weight of the blade do the work. Never apply to much pressure, otherwise you promote razor rash.

5.  The secret to the closest shave possible is shaving twice using your fingers to feel for the areas you missed on the first pass. Also apply much lighter pressure and shave across the grain this time (but never AGAINST the grain) Shaving against the grain will result in ingrown hairs. Make sure you a use a little more water on the brush to apply additional lather.

6.   Wash the face with cold water to close the pores.

7.   Finish with a high quality aftershave (Vitaman Aftershave Balm) to clam and soothe the skin. Never spray aftershave fluid or fragrance. They contain alcohol which dries the skin.

8.   For men who suffer from ingrown hairs apply a spot treatment (Tendskin) This product contains salicylic acid which prevents the skin from growing over the pore allowing the hair to grow out naturally.