Everything you ever wanted to know about hair removal - how to prep, what to expect, and advice from
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Everything you ever wanted to know about hair removal - how to prep, what to expect, and advice from the pros
It's always swimsuit season somewhere, and when it comes to getting bathing suit-ready, hair removal is typically our clients' #1 concern. With so many methods available, there's no shortage of ways to shed unwanted body hair – what's missing is the knowledge surrounding them! Here's our complete guide to hair removal and everything you need to know before you book your first trip to the treatment room.
Your depilatory vocabulary.
Waxing:One of the most popular hair removal methods, waxing involves the use of heated wax to remove hair at the root. Warmed wax is first applied to an area of hair growth followed by a wax or paper strip. The strip is then pulled off to remove hair at the root.
Soft Wax:This is the wax most people think of when it comes to hair removal. Applied after it's warmed, it's then removed with paper or cloth strips. Because it clings to dead skin cells and removes them along with hair, it's best if this wax is only applies to an area once. This is a great wax to use for larger areas such as the legs or back.
Hard Wax: This wax hardens to lift the hair off the skin as it cools so less dead skin cells are removed. Rather than using a cloth or paper strip for removal, your esthetician will lift a small "tab" of the wax covering the area of hair removal and pull the rest of the strip off using it. Hard wax is best for removing hair from smaller sections as it becomes brittle once it hardens and can break if applied in larger sections – great for more sensitive skin found in the bikini area, upper lip, or other sensitive skin on the face.
Electrolysis:A method of hair removal that can use either the production of heat (Thermolysis), a chemical reaction (Galvanic electrolysis), or a blend of both through low-level electrical energy to destroy hair growth cells. Because ultra-fine needles are inserted directly into individual hair follicles where the current is applied, this method of hair removal can be more time consuming depending on the size of the area you are targeting.*
Laser: A concentrated, pulsating light beam targets hair follicles to damage them and inhibit future growth. While it can take several sessions to see long-term results, Facebook fan Alyssa says after 6 sessions, "I literally don't have to shave – it's amazing."
Sugaring: Similar to waxing, a sugar-based paste that's just above body temperature is applied against the hair growth, clings to follicles, and is pulled off in the same direction of growth to remove hair at the root. Esthetician and Facebook fan Bev Moore loves sugaring for hair removal because of its exfoliating benefits without the risk of a burn.
Threading: A thin thread is doubled and twisted so it can be rolled over the area of hair that needs to be removed. Hairs are removed at the root individually with each pass of the twisted strand.
We asked Bioelements Facebook fans which method they prefer for getting bathing suit-ready skin, and in-spa waxing was the #1 choice! To make sure you're ready for your next (or first) waxing appointment, and beyond, we turned not only to the pros that follow Bioelements Facebook page, but also Jeanette and Elaine, owners and estheticians at Bioelements World Class Spa Sisters Skin Care & Waxing. Over 30 years of practicing the art of waxing has given these women immense insight into the world of hair removal, so we asked them to share some of their expertise to help first-timers and frequent waxers alike.
Your pre-wax to-do list
Seek out a pro.Sure, there are plenty of a