Depilatories, Waxes and Warmers for Professional and Home Use

Epilation

This term means that the hair is removed below the surface of the skin. The advantage of epilation over depilation is that it will take longer for the hair to grow back if the hair is removed by epilation. Also if epilation is performed repeatedly on the same area over a prolonged period of time, the quantity of hair will be permanently reduced. Examples of epilation include waxing, tweezing, Epilady Hair Removal System and electrolysis.

Waxing is the most effective method of removing unwanted hair in both large and small areas. Hair can be removed with a minimum amount of discomfort. There are two types of waxing techniques. The first and most common method is warm waxing. The second method is cold waxing. Cold waxing is the method that most people use at home. Cold wax can be bought at any drugstore and it usually comes in tubes. The directions on the package are easy to follow. Warm waxing is more effective then cold waxing and is the type of hair removal that we perform in this salon. Any hair baring area can be waxed including the mustache, chin, eyebrows, legs and bikini line.

Warm Waxing:

1. First the esthetician will discuss the hair removal process. She will examine the areas you want treated.

2. The wax is heated in a warmer until it is just melted and then it is applied to the skin with a small wooden spatula. Next, the esthetician will place a strip of muslin cloth or a cotton cloth over the wax. The wax is allowed to cool and then she will remove the strip of cloth quickly. The cloth is pulled in the opposite direction of the hair growth. This sounds painful but it only lasts a few seconds.

3. Once the cotton strip has been removed, hand pressure is applied to the area to minimize the discomfort. The area will be red and sensitive for a few hours.

4. Caution!! If you are using Retin-A, let your esthetician know. You should stop the medication 3-4 weeks prior to the treatment. Otherwise, you may be left with a sore area which could heal with a brown spot.

What are depilatories?

A depilatory is a preparation in the form of a liquid or cream that is used to remove unwanted hair from the body. The word depilatory, pronounced "di-pila-toree", literally means "to deprive of hair" (Latin pilus, hair).
What is the difference between a depilatory and an epilatory?

A depilatory removes hair on the skin's surface. An epilatory such as waxing or tweezing (plucking) removes the hair from below the skin's surface taking out the hair follicle.
How does a depilatory work?

Depilatories contain chemicals with a high degree of acidity (low pH) such as sodium thioglycolate, or calcium thioglycolate. They react with the protein structure of hair breaking it down. Depending on the coarseness of hair, within 5 to 15 minutes, the hair is dissolved into a gloopy mass which can then be washed away.
Why does skin feel so smooth after applying a depilatory?

A depilatory acts as an exfolient which means it removes dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. These dead skin cells accumulate every day and they often feel rough. After removal the skin feels softer and smoother. Many depilatories contain moisturizers such as Baby Oil, Almond Oil, Green Tea Extract and Aloe which contribute to softer smoother skin.
Which is best - a depilatory cream or liquid?

A depilatory lotion or liquid is designed for larger areas of the body such as the legs, underarms and bikini area. A depilatory cream has a thicker consistency so it can be applied to specific areas without the risk of it running on to skin you don't want treated. A cream is therefore ideal for the face.
How long do the results last?

This varies with the individual but usually for many days even up to around two weeks. Generally the results last longer than using a razor. The chemicals in the depilatory reach down into the pores of the skin thus removing hair below the level of the skin. As a result, the hair takes longer to grow back.
What are the pros and cons of depilatories?

PROS: Easy to apply, widely available over the counter, quick.

CONS: Possible allergic skin reaction to the strong chemicals, messy application, unpleasant odor, results vary widely. 

Use a waxing or sugaring solution in conjunction with a hair inhibitor. The hair inhibitor is very gentle on the skin and in time will stop hair growth completely.

Test a small area of skin first for sensitivity. Waxing should not be done on people with diabetes or with varicose veins, or with moles or warts at the area of hair removal. Never use on nipples or male genital organs; neither on skin that is broken or inflamed. Hair to be removed must be at least 1/8", preferably 1/4" (one quarter inch= 6 mm long). If shorter, wait a few days longer (best results are obtained letting the hair grow for 2-3 weeks).

Supplies
Wax, cloth strips, spatula, moist small towel.

Preparation
Wash area of hair removal with soap and water and dry well before starting. Any lotions or makeup on the skin may prevent the wax from removing the hair. The wax can be used at room temperature, without heating it, or heated a few seconds in the microwave to make it easier to apply. To heat it: Remove the cap and disk and place jar in microwave oven. Heat on full power for 20-30 seconds. If cap is hard to remove, heat the closed jar 5-10 seconds, then it should come off easily. Microwave ovens vary, so heating time must be determined for your unit.

Apply a very thin layer of the hair remover in the direction of hair growth. Smooth a cloth strip on top of the wax. Remove strip with a very rapid motion against the direction of hair growth, while keeping the skin taut with the other hand. Always pull as close to the skin as possible . If strip is peeled off too slowly, wax will remain on skin and hair will not come off.

Wash area with moist towel to remove any excess wax. Temporary redness in the waxed area is normal. Icing the area immediately after cleaning reduces redness and irritation. Avoid exposure of waxed skin to the sun for 12 hours. Pure Aloe Vera Gel (99%, found in good drugstores) can be used on the area to soothe the skin. Avoid using make-up and skin products for a few hours after waxing, except the mentioned Aloe Vera or a touch of moisturizing lotion.