Nowadays, full body waxing has become quite a popular choice for many, mainly because we don’t really need to amount of hair like our ancestors did. Plus, nowadays, many people like to remove their body hair for aesthetics or other personal reasons.
The process of body waxing might be a little bit more time-consuming compared to other methods like shaving or using depilatory cream. However, waxing provides a longer-lasting result. Who doesn’t want to get rid of their body hair for a few weeks?!
Whether you’re considering a professional salon visit or exploring the option of body waxing at home, we’ve got you covered in this article.
From the benefits of waxing and how to properly prepare for a session to aftercare tips and debunking common misconceptions, this guide will give you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about whether full body waxing is the method for you.
Rest assured, by the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make the best choices for your personal hair removal routine.
What is Full Body Waxing
In short, full body waxing is a hair removal method where you remove all – or close to all – hairs on your body by using wax.
For this hair removal technique, you need a special wax that adheres to your hair for it to rip out the hair from the root when the wax is removed. I know this sounds a little cruel, but… This is basically what waxing is.
Because waxing removes the hair from the root, it offers a deeper, more thorough hair removal solution compared to shaving, plucking, or using depilatory creams because these methods cut or dissolve the hair at the skin’s surface.
Areas Typically Included in Full Body Waxing
Full body waxing basically covers a huge part of the body and is a great solution if you just want to have a hair-free body. Generally, the following areas are included in a full-body waxing session:
| Body Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Face | This includes eyebrows, upper lip, chin, and sideburns. |
| Arms | Both the upper and lower arms, including the hands and fingers. |
| Underarms | The often overlooked region that can benefit greatly from waxing. |
| Chest & Back | The upper body region and the whole back area, leading down to the butt. |
| Abdomen | The stomach area, leading down to the bikini line. |
| Legs | Both the upper and lower legs, including the feet and toes. |
| Bikini Area | This can range from a simple bikini line wax to a full Brazilian or Hollywood wax. |
However, it’s good to remember that full body waxing is customizable. You have the option to include or exclude specific areas according to your personal preferences or comfort level.
Regardless of your chosen areas, full body waxing provides an effective and longer-lasting solution to body hair removal.
Benefits Of Full Body Waxing
You might be wondering why you should choose full-body waxing over other methods like shaving or creams. Here’s a teaser: It can give you smoother skin, slower hair growth, and even exfoliation benefits! Intrigued?
No More Razor Burn!
This is probably the main reason to dislike shaving. Razor burn is one of those pesky problems that often come with shaving. With full body waxing, say goodbye to this issue!
Unlike shaving, which can leave your skin red and irritated, waxing eliminates razor burn altogether. You’re not continually agitating your skin through daily exposure to friction from clothing or exercise.
Avoid Ingrown Hairs
Switch from shaving to waxing, and you’ll notice a significant reduction in ingrown hairs. Why?
Because unlike shaving (which merely trims at the surface), waxing removes hair right from the root—decreasing the chances of getting those painful ingrowns significantly.
Slows Down Hair Growth
Another benefit of removing hair at its root is that over time, your hair will grow back more slowly and softer than before!
Forget about stubble sprouting up overnight; after a few sessions of full-body waxing, you’ll see an evident difference in both growth rate and texture!
Less Regrowth
With regular sessions over time, there’s less overall regrowth. Sounds amazing, right? That’s because it is!
As your hair follicles get used to the waxing process, they’ll produce less and less hair. This means you’ll find yourself needing fewer appointments as time goes on—a real win-win situation!
On top of that, waxing results in finer, softer regrowth. The hairs are pulled out from the root, and when they grow back, they’re less coarse.
No more prickly stubble—just silky smooth skin that lasts! It’s time to bid goodbye to rough, irritating hair regrowth for good.
Can Reach Every Area
Full body waxes aren’t just limited to legs and arms—you can get as much or as little done as you’d like!
This includes hard-to-reach areas like underarms or bikini lines where razors might not be effective. It’s especially beneficial for women who don’t want to shave their whole body every other day, for example.
Skincare Benefits
Think of full-body waxes as skincare treatments, too—they exfoliate by removing dead skin cells along with unwanted hair!
The result is that your pores are then open to receiving beneficial skincare treatments post-wax—the result? Unparalleled smoothness and a refreshed complexion!
Bonus Perks
There are even more advantages:
- No more accidental nicks or cuts when rushing through morning routines—professional waxes ensure no damage is done to your skin!
- And last but certainly not least—it’s an opportunity for some pampering ‘me’ time! Booking yourself in for a professional session gives you well-deserved self-care moments away from busy schedules while making yourself feel good—and looking great too!
Preparing for Full Body Waxing
As with any beauty regimen, preparation is key to achieving optimal results. This is especially true when it comes to full body waxing.
Let’s delve into the preparation process, which includes exfoliating, moisturizing, and letting the hair grow to the appropriate length.
Exfoliating
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. This process is crucial before undergoing waxing.
Dead skin cells can prevent the wax from adhering properly to the hair, thereby reducing the procedure’s effectiveness. For optimal results, it’s recommended to exfoliate your skin at least 24 hours before your session.
There are various methods of exfoliation, including using physical scrubs, brushes, or chemical exfoliants. Whatever your method of choice, ensure you do this gently to avoid irritating your skin.
Moisturizing
Just as important as exfoliating is moisturizing. Hydrated skin allows for a smoother and less painful waxing experience. You may wonder why?
Well, if you have dry skin, waxing can lead to breakage of the hair below the skin’s surface, and this would make the session not effective at all. This is something we want to avoid, of course.
So to prepare properly, it’s best to moisturize your skin daily in the lead-up to your waxing appointment.
But don’t use any creams or lotions on the day of your session, as this can mess with the wax’s ability to grip the hair.
Letting Hair Grow To The Appropriate Length
Now, you may not know this if you’re new to waxing, but it is important that your hair has the right length. One of the most made mistakes that many people make is waxing hair that’s too short.
This way, it’s hard for the wax to grip and remove the hair effectively, as it needs to be a certain length. This doesn’t mean you just need long hair – nope, that’s wrong too!
On average, the best hair length is around 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch long. If your hair is currently shorter, it’s best to wait a little bit for your hair to grow or to plan your session far ahead so you’re sure your hair has the right length.
However, on the other hand, if your hair is too long right before your waxing session, consider trimming it to the appropriate length.
| Hair Length | Suitable for Waxing |
|---|---|
| Less than 1/4 inch | No |
| 1/4 – 1/2 inch | Yes |
| More than 1/2 inch | Trim before waxing |
The Waxing Process
Now that you’re prepared for your body waxing session, it’s time to move on to the actual process. If this is going to be your first time, you might be wondering what the actual waxing process is going to look like.
The process may seem intimidating, but it’s generally straightforward and handled by a professional if you’re not waxing at home.
What To Expect During A Full Body Waxing Session
If you book your waxing session, you are in the hands of a professional that knows what he/she is doing. They’ll ask you to undress, and often times disposable underwear or towels are provided for your comfort.
The next step is the actual application of the wax. The person that’s waxing you might explain to you what wax they’re using, what you can expect for that area, etc.
The professional will then apply a thin layer of wax to the targeted area in the direction of hair growth. A cloth strip is pressed onto the wax and swiftly pulled off in the opposite direction of hair growth.
This method removes the hair from the root, ensuring a smooth and clean finish. The process is repeated until all desired areas are hair-free.
I know this sounds painful, but I promise it is not as bad as it sounds! The person waxing you will check in with you, asking how you’re doing – the person that waxed me even asked if I needed a little break.
Before you know it, you’re done! You can then put on your clothes and plan a new appointment – if you want to.
Different Types Of Wax Used
Actually, there’s not just one type of wax. Nope, there are options! What type of wax is best for you depends on different things, such as skin type, hair type, and the area getting waxed. Some of the waxing options are:
- Soft Wax: Also known as strip wax, this type is commonly used for larger areas like the back, chest, and legs. The wax is applied thinly and removed with a cloth strip.
- Hard Wax: This wax is ideal for smaller, sensitive areas like the bikini line and underarms. It’s applied thickly and allowed to harden before being removed, so a cloth strip isn’t necessary.
- Sugar Wax: A natural alternative, sugar wax is made from sugar, lemon, and water. It’s gentle on the skin and a popular choice for people that have sensitive skin.
- Fruit Wax: Enriched with natural fruit extracts, this type of wax is gentle on the skin and offers a nice scent. It’s often used for facial waxing.
Each type of wax has its unique benefits and suitability. The person that is waxing you knows what will work best for you and will recommend what he/she thinks you need.
The waxing process, while slightly uncomfortable depending on the area, is not as painful as some people paint it to be. Plus, it gives you a hair-free body for up to a few weeks (depending on your hair growth).
Aftercare Tips for Full Body Waxing
After successfully completing your body hair removal through waxing, it’s essential to follow a specific aftercare routine.
This regimen will help to maintain the smoothness of your skin, prevent irritation, and prolong the effects of waxing. Let’s delve into the crucial steps of aftercare.
Moisturizing
Keeping your skin hydrated is crucial following a full body wax. Freshly waxed skin can often be sensitive and dry; hence, the importance of moisture replenishment.
Invest in a high-quality, fragrance-free moisturizer to soothe your skin. Aloe Vera gel is also an excellent option because of its natural soothing properties.
A regular moisturizing routine helps to keep your skin soft, reducing the chances of ingrown hairs.
Avoiding Sun Exposure
After waxing, your skin may be extra sensitive to UV rays. Therefore, it’s beneficial to avoid direct sunlight on your waxed skin for at least 24 to 48 hours post-waxing.
If you really need to go out, make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful rays. Opt for at least SPF 30 or higher.
Wearing Loose Clothing
Freshly waxed skin needs room to breathe. Tight clothes can rub against the skin, causing discomfort and possibly leading to irritation or ingrown hairs.
Opt for loose, cotton clothing that will allow your skin to breathe and recover effectively.
Common Misconceptions About Full Body Waxing
When it comes to full-body waxing, many misconceptions and horror stories are going around that keep people from trying waxing. It’s time to debunk these myths so you feel comfortable to try waxing yourself!
Pain
The biggest misconception is the pain. Some people act like waxing is an excruciatingly painful procedure.
Yes, it’s true that it might cause some discomfort, especially for first-timers, but describing it as ‘unbearable pain’ is literally an overstatement.
Of course, the intensity of pain or discomfort varies from person to person and also depends on the body area being waxed. More sensitive areas might feel more uncomfortable than others.
However, you’ll find that with regular waxing for body hair; the pain reduces over time as your body becomes familiar with the process.
Skin Damage
Another common misconception is that waxing can damage your skin. While it’s true that improper waxing techniques can lead to skin issues such as irritation, redness, or ingrown hairs, these are not common outcomes when you opt for professional body waxing.
Experienced estheticians use high-quality body waxing products and employ safe, effective techniques to minimize skin reactions.
Hair Growth
Last but not least, there’s a widespread belief that waxing causes hair to grow back thicker and faster. It’s one of the main reasons for people not to get waxed. But the point is – this is a myth.
In fact, regular waxing can result in thinner hair regrowth over time, as the process weakens the hair follicle. So basically – it’s the other way around, and people are scared for no reason.
Just know that the rate of hair growth is largely determined by individual genetics and hormonal factors, and waxing does not accelerate this process.
Conclusion On Full Body Waxing
This popular method of body hair removal has become a go-to for many people, thanks to its ability to provide smooth, hair-free skin that lasts far longer than shaving or depilation creams.
Remember that whether you opt for a professional body waxing service or decide to try body waxing at home, the secret to a successful waxing experience lies in proper preparation and aftercare.
Full body waxing may require a bit of courage and commitment initially, but the benefits you get in return—smooth, hairless skin that lasts for weeks—make it well worth the effort.
So, are you ready to say goodbye to shaving and hello to smooth, hair-free skin?
Frequently Asked Questions
