Waxing for the first time? Here’s everything you need to know

The basic method of waxing is to apply a highly adhesive patch of wax to the surface of the skin, to let it set, and then to quickly remove it in a single fluid motion in the opposite direction of hair growth.

After a waxing treatment, hairs can take up to six weeks to become visible above the surface of the skin, although regrowth in just a week is possible if individual strands of hair were on a different part of their growth cycle when the waxing session was completed.

What types of waxing treatment are available for me?

Waxing is available in two different methods: Strip waxing and stripless waxing. Strip waxing comes in three general forms, namely hot, cold, or pre-made strip waxing.

Hot strip waxing is a method whereby thin layers of hot wax are spread over a specific area of the skin. Thereafter, a cloth or strip of paper is layered over the wax so that adhesion occurs. Once the wax is set, the strip, which is now firmly attached to the layer of wax below it, is quickly ripped off against the direction of hair growth, which effectively removed hairs trapped in the wax.

Cold strip waxing is nearly identical to this process, except the initial layer of wax is not heated before it is spread over the skin.

Pre-made strip waxing is a process whereby strips of cloth or paper come prepared with layers of wax attached to them. Pre-made strips come in different sizes to fit specific body parts. 

Stripless waxing is also known as hard wax and is thickly applied to the skin after being warmed, without the addition of paper or cloth. Once it cools and sets, the therapist quickly removes it in the same manner as a strip wax. Stripless waxing is often the first choice for those with sensitive skin because it is easier to remove from the skin than strip wax.