Things to Know Before Getting Your Face Waxed

Since ancient times, hair removal and cosmetics have been a large part of daily life. In fact, the earliest hair removal devices that we know of date back to 30,000 BCE. Hairless bodies were even worshipped in Ancient Egypt and Greece. 

Hair removal plays a significant role in contemporary society. Amid numerous cutting-edge ways to remove hair from your body, waxing remains a popular choice among consumers.  

If you want to remove or minimize hair on your face, face waxing is still a great option. Read on to discover everything you need to know before scheduling a session. 

What Happens During a Face Wax?

Your licensed esthetician or dermatologist will heat the wax and apply it to your skin with a spatula or knife. After the wax sticks on your skin, your esthetician will pull it in the opposite direction of hair growth. 

The sensation lasts a few seconds, but it can be painful in certain delicate areas like the nose. 

The face is a sensitive spot, so the pain from face waxing will be slightly more intense than arm waxing. However, everybody has a different pain threshold. Some people might find it highly uncomfortable, while others can even find it relaxing. 

How Long Does Waxing Results Last?

Unlike shaving, waxing removes hair roots, so results generally last longer. You can enjoy smooth and hairless skin for at least one to two weeks. This isn’t the case with shaving, as hair can start growing back only after a few days. Of course, the results will vary from person to person, depending on genetics, circumstances, and the waxing session.

Types of Facial Hair Waxing

Every person is unique. Some people have more hair around their ears, some have fluffy eyebrows, and others have a lot of nose hair. But there is a solution for every type of scenario. Wax can be applied to all areas of the face, from the eyebrows and lips to the chin, nose, ears, and cheeks.

There are two types of wax – soft and hard. Most cosmeticians use hard wax for facial hair removal since it is better for areas with more sensitive skin. You can also choose between fruit, chocolate, sugar and honey, or other types of wax with natural ingredients. 

The Benefits of Face Waxing

It’s no surprise why waxing continues to be popular, despite the rise of other methods. This option provides many benefits, especially when it comes to facial hair removal. 

Here are the key advantages of getting a face wax:

• Long-lasting results – Since wax takes out the hair roots, the procedure offers long-lasting results. Expect your hair to start growing back after two to three weeks. 
• Less risky – Face waxing reduces the chances of ingrown hair and skin irritation. It’s a straightforward procedure that has been practiced for decades.
• Quick and practical – All excess hair can be removed in the blink of an eye. There’s no need to spend hours plucking your eyebrows or shaving your cheeks. 
• Improves skin health – Waxing not only removes excess hair but it also gets rid of dead skin cells. The procedure will glow up and smoothen your skin. Plus, some waxes have additional nutrients that can detox and moisturize the skin.

Face Wax vs. Other Methods

Before you schedule a facial waxing session, it’s essential to consider the other options available. 

Here’s how other methods fall short when compared to waxing.  

• Face threading doesn’t provide long-lasting results and can damage hair follicles. 
• Depilatory cream contains chemicals that can irritate your skin.
• Laser removal permanently reduces regrowth and works only on dark hair and lighter skin.
• Electrolysis gives your cells small electric shocks and permanently stops hair growth.

Preventing hair regrowth may sound appealing, but one never knows what the future might bring. 

Later in life, you might regret reducing your hair growth for aesthetic or health reasons. 

Face Waxing is Not for Everyone

Even though it is beneficial, face waxing is not everyone’s go-to treatment. Waxing is not ideal if you have a skin condition like severe acne, psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea. It can further complicate your condition, especially during a flare-up. You should also avoid waxing if:

• You have a health condition that affects the skin, such as diabetes, lupus, or phlebitis.
• You are taking medications like antibiotics, blood thinners, and hormone replacement therapy.
• Your skin is wounded or has vulnerable areas with recent scars, warts, moles, or skin grafts.
• You use exfoliators such as alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, or retinoid.

The Side Effects of a Face Wax

Like every cosmetic procedure, facial waxing has side effects. As mentioned before, it’s normal to experience pain while waxing. However, the pain can be more severe in certain situations, such as when you’re pregnant, sleepy, or on your period. 

In addition, waxing can cause redness and skin irritation, especially when done by amateurs or when low-quality wax is used. But the redness should disappear after a day. To treat it, apply aloe vera cream and moisturize the skin frequently. Contact your health advisor if the redness persists after 24 hours.

The best way to avoid and reduce side effects is to listen to your body and take proper care of your skin. 

It is also important to schedule a waxing session with a licensed and experienced dermatologist or cosmetologist.

Choose a Renowned Cosmetic Surgeon

At Vargas Face and Skin, we specialize in cosmetic and plastic surgery, offering treatments that use the latest technology and ensure safety and comfort for our clients. With our face, body, and hair services, you can enhance the natural beauty you already possess.

Our hair and skin are a large part of our identity. Our very own Dr Hannah Vargas was voted “Top Doc” in Kansas City. She and the entire professional team at Vargas Face and Skin look forward to taking great care of your face and skin with the latest face waxing services and more. 

Schedule a consultation or contact us today to learn more about our clinic!