Hair talk, hair removal
Updated: Feb 13, 2019
Let’s talk hair. No, not your crowning glory or careful facescaping. Let’s talk about the hair you wish you didn’t have or are surprised that you do – the stuff you want to go away and never come back.
Whether talking about the hair on our heads or in our noses, there was a biological purpose for us to have it. Hair cools or warms us, protects our delicate membranes and shields us from the elements, overexposure, dust, pollen, microbes and other pathogens. Our hormones and heredity dictate our hair growth, whether we like it or not.
No amount of shaving, plucking and waxing will permanently make it go away – neither will sugaring, threading or buffing. Laser and electrolysis treatments can greatly reduce and potentially eliminate the unwelcome hair, but they can be timely and expensive. Chemical depilatory gels/creams dissolve hair at the surface, but do quite a number on your skin. Shaving is economical, but you have to worry about nicks, bumps, burns, stubble and ingrown hairs as well as it requires frequent attention.
Many people choose waxing, a process with hard or soft heated wax or soy product that removes the hair from the roots. It can be painful at first (over the counter pain relievers prior to the appointment can help), but it gives you a longer hair-free time than shaving. Regular waxing can greatly reduce number of hairs in the follicle. Less hair + finer regrowth = less discomfort. Finally, waxing is not as costly as electrolysis or as damaging to the skin as harsh gels and creams.
When you search for a hair removal businesses, whether waxing or other, you’ll find the industry is mixed with mad skilled specialists and those new to the profession who are just developing their skills. It’s important to find the right therapist for you, someone to ease your concerns and who knows what they’re doing.
Here are five things you need to consider when you pick the best specialist for you. Be sure your specialist:
1. Practices correct sanitation guidelines, i.e. table and sheets are clean, tools are sanitized, gloves are used, no double dipping into the wax, etc.
2. Takes time to evaluate if your skin is prepared for the process. Is your hair too short or too long? Think ¼”. Did you lightly exfoliate two days before? Is your skin broken or inflamed? If your skin is not ready, for best results, you’ll need to put off your appointment.
3. Applies and removes the medium safely to minimize trauma to the skin (burning, bruising, lifting, ingrown hairs, etc.)
4. Correctly treats any ingrown follicles from past shaving or other hair removal treatments.
5. Advises you on the most appropriate post removal skin care, including immediate care, between waxing maintenance and next appointment prep. They should also talk to you about when to schedule your return appointment for comfort and skin health.
There are also a number of things you can do to make your hair removal appointment successful:
1. If you are a new client, call the business or check their website to find out what you can do to prepare for your service.
2. Be on time. It’s important to respect the time of other clients after you.
3. Book your next appointment as advised to ensure most effective hair growth maintenance and to be sure you are able to see your therapist.
4. Follow post treatment recommendations.
And as always, ask questions about other skin concerns you might have. The more the therapist can know about your skin, the better they are able to serve you. I’m happy to discuss any questions you might have. Go to lustreskincarempls.com to connect or schedule a skin care appointment.
Through the month of June 2018, Lustre Skin Care, Minneapolis, MN, is offering a waxing deal. Book one hair removal service and add one of lesser value for no additional cost. Check @lustreskincarempls on Facebook for more information.