What Is Facial Waxing?

Facial waxing is a method of temporarily removing unwanted hair on the face. Some of the most common sites of facial waxing are the eyebrows and upper lip, although some people might find it necessary to wax other areas such as the chin and sideburns. Many people turn to facial waxing because it lasts longer than shaving, is faster than tweezing, and is less expensive than laser hair removal. The procedure can be preformed at home or in a salon, but the subject should be aware of potential risks such as pain and irritation.

Hair is ripped out at the root during facial waxing, which means the hair will take longer to grow back than it would if it were shaven. People who only have a few stray hairs usually do not opt for facial waxing, because it is most effective at removing larger patches of hair. Waxing is quick and effective, but can be intimidating for some people. Fortunately for these individuals, facial waxing is common at salons and it should not be difficult to find an experienced professional. Individuals who are ready to take the process into their own hands can find a variety of at-home waxing kits in drugstores or beauty supply shops.

There are a few different methods of facial waxing, differing mostly due to the type of wax that is used. Cold wax strips are generally considered to be gentle and easy to handle because the cloth or paper applicators come pre-loaded with wax, but some people think hot wax is more effective for hair removal. When using either type, the wax is pressed over the unwanted hair, allowed to partially harden and grab on to the hair, and then quickly pulled off to rip the hair out at the root.

Waxing the eyebrows is a popular procedure for both men and women who are hoping to attain a neat appearance by having well-groomed brows. People with full, thick, or unruly eyebrows can use facial waxing to shape the brows into neat, symmetrical arcs that flatter their eyes and faces. Eyebrow waxing can also be a cure for the “uni-brow,” which refers to overgrown hair between the brows that makes them appear to be connected as one eyebrow.

Since most men routinely shave their unwanted moustache or beard hairs, waxing the upper lip is usually preformed by women who have excess or noticeable hair in this area. Waxing the sideburns is another option for facial waxing. Some people even go so far as to wax their cheeks to remove any very fine hair growing there.

Precautions should be taken any time facial waxing is preformed, but people removing hair from these sensitive areas should take particular care. Overheated wax can cause burns, but even properly heated wax can cause unpleasant side effects such as rash, sensitivity, or redness. A gentle, fragrance-free moisturizing cream or oil can be applied after waxing to promote healing and reduce redness, but harsh cleansers or makeup should be avoided until symptoms subside.