How are you? Summer is upon us! Are you ready? To hit the beach? Or the pool? Tired of shaving everyday? Sick of stubble? Let me tell you all about sugar and wax!
Both sugar and wax remove hair from the root. This means your skin will stay hair-free and smoother for a longer period of time, typically two-three weeks. This takes time and results do vary. The skin is prepped, sugar or wax is applied. One of the big differences is how it's removed (see below.) Both sugar and wax is contraindicated if you are using certain medications, especially those used to treat acne, including accutane and retin-A.
Sugar is applied in a ball with the hand, no strips or sticks. It's also applied in the opposite direction of hair growth and gets into the follicle. With a quick flick of the wrist, the hair is removed in the direction of hair growth. This results in less breakage. Plus, sugar only lifts dead skin cells so it's gentler on the skin. Sugar can be used on most any part of the body (no beards for the guys) and can be reapplied because it is so gentle!
There are some things to consider when getting waxed. Some waxes have a pine resin and some people have seasonal allergies to it. Some wax is scented. I have a rose wax which is hydrating for the skin. I also prep with an light oil to protect the skin.
Q: Does it hurt? A: Well, it doesn't not hurt. With routine appointments, it hurts less and less, honest! The hair becomes finer and less dense making it a little less painful.
Q: Am I the hairiest person you've seen? A: No! Everyone says that. Honestly, I don't even pay attention.
Q: What do I need to do before my appointment? A: Let your hair grow! It needs to be a good ¼" long! Also, no tanning for 24 hours BEFORE AND AFTER your appointment.
Q: What about after? A: After care is very important to get the best results. Immediately after, don't exercise or work up a sweat, it can lead to breakout. Wear loose clothing after to avoid friction, whether it's your bikini line or underarm, some shirts can cut into your underams. Gently exfoliate between appointments and moisturize too. Make sure to wear your SPF! Q: I keep getting ingrowns! Help! A: There are a variety of ways to tackle the problem of ingrown hairs. Gentle exfoliation, gentle scrubs, or even an AHA or BHA may be needed! I have mud masks and treatment serums. We can talk about what's best for you at your appointment! PLUS: it's important to moisturize too. The more you sugar and the hair gets finer, it needs to grow through your skin, and if it can't break through layers of dead skin, an ingrown can form. Also, curly hair is more prone to ingrowns. But don't worry:
There are products to help!
Grace+Clay Esthetics offers a variety of after-care products to help you maintain smooth skin. Mud Puddle is a mud-mask to soothe and calm skin. It also pulls double duty as a face mask. True Smoothing Serum, a botanical blend using AHAs and BHAs to help with ingrown hairs. And, BRAND NEW: PFB VANISH.There are different formulations to treat ingrowns and the hyperpigmentation that can come with them. Ask about them at your next appointment!