Facial waxing is a popular aesthetic treatment for removing unwanted hair, offering a longer-lasting alternative to shaving. While some people find it an effective method for maintaining smooth skin, others have concerns about pain, redness, and potential irritation. This article explores the pros and cons of facial waxing, separating fact from fiction to help you make an informed decision.
What is Facial Waxing?
Facial waxing involves applying warm or cool wax to the skin, which adheres to the hairs. The wax is then swiftly removed in the opposite direction of hair growth, pulling the hair out from the root. This method is used to target large amounts of hair at once, making it ideal for areas like the eyebrows, upper lip, and cheeks.
Benefits of Facial Waxing
Longer-Lasting Results
Facial waxing lasts longer than shaving because it removes hair from the root instead of merely cutting it at the surface. Depending on individual hair growth cycles, you can expect smooth skin for several weeks. Regular waxing can also weaken hair follicles over time. As waxing removes hair from the root rather than just cutting it at the surface, it takes much longer for new hair to grow back. You can enjoy smooth, hair-free skin for three to six weeks without frequent touch-ups. The more regularly you wax, the longer it takes for hair to grow back.
Finer and Softer Regrowth
Regular waxing gradually weakens hair follicles, leading to hair that grows back finer, softer, and less noticeable over time. Unlike shaving, which creates blunt edges that make regrowth feel rough and stubbly, waxing removes hair completely, resulting in a more natural and smooth texture. After each wax treatment, the hairs grow finer and less dense, and this comes as a very handy solution when we consider how hard it is to take people's attention away from errant facial hairs.
Exfoliation
Waxing removes unwanted hair and exfoliates the skin by eliminating dead skin cells that can clog hair follicles. This helps prevent ingrown hairs, a common issue with shaving since razors cut hair at an angle, increasing the chances of it curling back into the skin. Waxing can also help with shedding some of those dead skin cells by working as an exfoliant, too. A wax treatment involves many additional benefits. The formulas used during the session serve as powerful antioxidants and moisturizers. Also, the skin goes through a gentle exfoliation process that cleanses the outer layer, which is particularly exposed on the face.
Read also: Get Rid of Facial Hair
Reduced Risk of Cuts and Irritation
Unlike razors, which can easily cause nicks, cuts, and razor burns, waxing is a gentler option that eliminates the risk of these common shaving mishaps. Professional facial waxing services use high-quality waxes and techniques that minimize discomfort and protect sensitive facial skin.
Brighter and Smoother Skin
Waxing removes unwanted hair and brightens and smooths the skin by lifting away dry, flaky patches and dead skin cells. This gives your complexion a fresh, radiant look, making it an excellent option before special events or when you want an instant glow-up.
Precision
Removing hair on your face requires precision. Professional face waxing is performed with fine strips and a steady hand, so you can rest assured that you won’t end up with a patch of eyebrow missing. Because there's very little space to work with, removing facial hair entails a lot of attention to detail, and there are no second chances once you mess up. Through waxing, the chore of removing facial hair turns into a treat.
Cost-Effective
Waxing facial hair demands little time, minimal preparation and limited use of materials. It also wastes very small amounts of wax compared to other wax treatments so it's usually a very affordable choice and considerably less pricey than other options like threading and bleaching.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Facial Waxing
Pain
With any type of waxing, a small amount of pain is inevitable. This occurs when the strips applied to the wax are removed quickly - think of pulling a tight bandage off hairy skin. The amount of pain varies based on your overall skin sensitivity, pain tolerance, the amount of hair, and the areas of your face being waxed. For example, you might find your upper lip to be more sensitive than your chin. Some describe facial hair removal as painful; others refer to it as a mild discomfort. It really comes down to a variety of factors, including pain tolerance and skin sensitivity.
Read also: Choosing the right facial peel mask
Redness and Irritation
Facial waxing can also cause mild redness and irritation temporarily after use. You may notice that freshly waxed skin is pink or red, and slightly sensitive to the touch. Your everyday facial products may also burn so you should avoid alcohol-based toners after waxing your face. Redness should usually disappear by the next day. Apply a cool compress if it’s tender. The face is one of the most vulnerable and sensitive areas. A quality wax can go a long way to reduce a negative reaction, but irritation, rashes, and redness are always a possibility. Mild stinging may occur post-wax.
Rashes
Redness and irritation from facial waxing are often temporary. However, a rash is a possible side effect. This can last for a day or longer. If your rash is severe, or if it spreads, discontinue using the product immediately.
Temporary Bumps
After facial waxing, you may also notice some bumps. These develop on top of the pores where the hairs and roots are removed. You can apply a calming cream or balm to help soothe these bumps, but they’ll go away within a few hours on their own. After pulling on the pores, the waxed area can develop small bumps. They usually disappear on their own after a few hours, but natural balms and aloe vera are good ways to help the skin heal faster.
Ingrown Hairs
While you might associate ingrown hairs with shaving, these can occur with waxing, too. You have a lower risk of ingrown hairs if you pull the wax strips in the opposite direction of hair growth. You’re at a higher risk or ingrown hairs if the hair roots don’t completely come out and the hair shaft breaks below the skin. Ingrown hairs are a common outcome when the client ignores the previous point, and can also result from a poor wax treatment where the hair roots don't come out fully. If the hair lining gets disrupted, there will be bumps and whiteheads on the affected area.
Sun Sensitivity
You should never apply face wax to a fresh sunburn. At the same time, you should take extra care with sun exposure after you wax your face. The process lifts away parts of your epidermis (the upper layer of skin) along with the hair you’re trying to get rid of. In turn, the effects to your epidermis can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, just as a chemical peel would. The face is consistently exposed to all kinds of bacteria and infections. Limited Outdoor Activities After Waxing is required.
Read also: PRP Facial Recovery Tips
Allergic Reactions
Given the varying ingredients in face wax products, it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to them. To see how your skin will respond to the product at hand, try testing out a small area (about dime-sized) on your arm and remove hair as instructed. If there’s no rash within 24 hours, it should be safe to use. This way, you can see whether your face is too sensitive for that particular wax. Don’t use face wax if you notice hives, itchiness, or a red rash after testing it out.
Bleeding
Sometimes waxing can cause bleeding, but this is completely normal. This again has to do with parts of the epidermis being removed along with your hair during the waxing process. You should only see a small amount of blood, though. For those with more brittle or aging skin, choose a product that’s advertised as gentle or for sensitive skin. Continuous or significant bleeding should be addressed by your doctor. Mild Bleeding is another common result of stripping the outer layer of the skin surrounding the face and it's an obvious cause of alarm for some clients. This is a normal occurrence as long as there's only mild bleeding involved and it should stop soon after waxing.
Infection
In some cases, facial waxing can lead to an infection in an area where the bleeding or skin damage occurred. You’re also at risk if you use the wax over a fresh cut or wound. See your doctor if you experience swelling or oozing at the waxing site. Risk of infection (if not done correctly): Hair removal is associated with folliculitis, a common infection of the hair follicles that’s generally caused by bacteria. It’s usually treated with a basic self-care routine and clears up within a few days, but it can be uncomfortable and unsightly.
Scarring
While rare, it’s possible to get scars from facial waxing. The risk of this side effect is greater if you use the wax over cuts, get sunburnt shortly after waxing your face, or experience an infection.
Breakage
When waxing is not performed properly, breakage can occur. That means that instead of pulling the hair out by the root, it breaks off at surface level, causing it to grow back quickly (as if you’d shaved instead of waxed). Breakage tends to happen when the waxer lacks experience, either because they’re waxing at home or going to a novice aesthetician.
Contraindications
People with skin conditions must thread carefully if they want to wax any part of their body. When it comes to facial hair, there are more limitations and health risks to consider. Facial wax can bring disastrous results for people working through a breakout or taking medication for a particular skin condition. It can actually trigger the breakouts, as well as allergic reactions, if the client is prone to them.
Minimizing Risks and Side Effects
Follow Instructions Carefully
Carefully follow the instructions on the waxing product, and make sure it’s designed for your face only. Hence, avoid putting all-over body wax on your face.
Avoid Irritated or Damaged Skin
You can also prevent side effects by skipping out on a wax treatment if your skin is overly dry, irritated, or sunburned. Avoid waxing areas of the face with an active breakout, wound, or rash as well. You should also avoid applying facial wax over any warts or moles.
Consult Professionals
For the best results, consider getting your face waxed by a professional, such as a licensed medical esthetician. A Specialized Service: Much of the precision that makes waxing such a reliable method comes from the esthetician's expertise. A professional wax treatment will guarantee quickness and comfort, while saving the client a lot of stress.
Medical Advice
The FDA cautions against using wax products if you have circulatory issues or diabetes.
Post-Waxing Care
- Moisturize the night before.
- Avoid the sun (or tanning salon) before your appointment.
- Avoid the sun or anything that draws heat or drives you to sweat, i.e., saunas, steam rooms, the gym.
- Hands off.
- Try to avoid makeup for 24 hours post-wax.
- Book your next wax appointment-and make sure to gently exfoliate in the meantime!
Waxing vs. Other Hair Removal Methods
Shaving
While shaving is quick and inexpensive, the results are short-lived, typically lasting only one to three days. Shaving merely trims the hair, leaving the root intact, which leads to faster regrowth. It also carries a risk of inflammation, irritation, and cuts.
Tweezing
Tweezing is a precise method suitable for small areas like eyebrows. However, it can be time-consuming and painful for larger areas. Waxing is quicker and the smooth results last longer than if you tweeze.
Threading
Threading is another hair removal technique that involves using a thread to pull out hairs. While some prefer it, waxing tends to be quicker.
Areas Suitable for Facial Waxing
Facial waxing is commonly used for:
- Eyebrows: For shaping and definition.
- Lip: For removing unwanted hair.
- Ear: For a more exact hair removal option than trimmers.
- Nose: Waxing is quicker and less painful than tweezing nose hairs.
Types of Wax
- Hard Wax: Hard waxes are removed without the aid of a strip, but they are best to work with when removing hair from small areas that are more prone to irritation and skin problems.
- Soft Wax: When free of paraffin, soft waxes melt at a lower temperature and save clients a lot of discomfort. Strip waxes, however, leave more room for error because they work best on wider areas of the skin.
The person's skin condition and the thickness of the hairs will determine the best wax for them.