Waxing Bellevue & Kirkland‍

The way humans have removed their body hair has all involved similar methods throughout the centuries. Various razors and materials have been used to shave or exfoliate off the hair, including copper razors, pumice stones, and even abrasive substances to remove unwanted body hair. In the 20th century, the modern, daily forms of hair removal developed: shaving and waxing remain two of the most popular at home methods. Still, at-home methods rarely live up to the results achieved through professional hair removal. Northwest Face & Body offers the best waxing Bellevue and Kirkland provide.‍

The Science Behind Waxing‍

The idea behind waxing is that instead of trimming or cutting the hair to match the level of the skin, it removes the entire hair from the follicle. This prevents the stubbly feeling that occurs within a couple of days of shaving that many people find unpleasant. Additionally, this begets more frequent hair removal.

Waxing uses a sticky substance, usually made of a combination of beeswax and rosin. Though, some waxes may add skin nourishing ingredients such as vitamins or essential oils. This will vary based on the supplier and provider. When applied, the it adheres to the skin and hairs. When pulled off, the wax pulls the entire hair from the follicle without damaging the skin.

The concept of waxing is centuries old and has roots in Ancient Egypt and India. However, the exact methods and substances used have varied across place and time. Today, traditional waxing and sugaring are the two most common methods for wax based hair removal. ‍

Types‍

When it comes to traditional waxing, there are two main types: hard and soft. Hard wax hardens on the skin and is removed with only the hands. Soft wax is applied and then typically your provider will press a strip against the wax and use the strip to pull it from the skin.

Both methods are widely used and acceptable for temporary hair removal. In some cases, providers may prefer one over the other. For example, soft wax is more malleable and better for shaping. Therefore, soft wax is almost always used for the brows where your provider needs to create a shape. Some providers may prefer a hard wax if the hair is particularly coarse, or for larger areas.

Benefits‍

Choosing to wax over other temporary methods does come with many advantages. While it does usually require going to see a specialist like a master esthetician, it often pays off in the long run by saving time and stress. Some of the benefits include:

• Thinner, finer hair
• Less to no annoying stubble during regrowth
• Hair removal that lasts an average of four to six weeks
• May grow back patchier over time
• Exfoliates the skin
• Ingrown hairs less likely
• Eliminates uncomfortable razor burn
• Damage to the skin is unlikely
• Often better for treating more sensitive areas
• Performed by an expert master esthetician‍

Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing‍

At Northwest Face & Body, we also offer laser hair removal which is a form of semi-permanent hair removal. This is appealing for most people since it would significantly reduce the amount of maintenance they need to perform in the future to maintain smooth, hairless skin. 

However, unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate for laser hair removal. Therefore, in many cases, waxing is a great alternative that allows for longer lasting results and may end up damaging the hair follicle over time, as laser hair removal does. The table below details the major differences between these two hair removal methods.‍

Laser Hair Removal

• Requires multiple sessions until desired results achieved
• Uses a laser to damage hair follicles
• Treatment area should be cleanly shaven
• Limited pain
• Final results can last years
  ‍

Waxing

• Requires multiple sessions to maintain results
• Uses wax to pull out hair and may eventually damage hair follicles
• Hair must be around ¼ an inch
• Mild to moderate pain
• Results last 4-6 weeks on average

At Northwest Face & Body, our master estheticians both perform laser hair removal and waxing, meaning they have a wide range of experience performing hair removal procedures. They can examine your skin, hair type, and area to get a good understanding of what technique is best for you. Sometimes, they may recommend both based on the areas you want to treat.‍

A Waxing Service From Beginning To End

Consultation & Preparation‍

Before undergoing waxing at Northwest Face & Body, you will meet with a master esthetician to discuss your goals and preferences. Some health conditions can make the surface of the skin more susceptible to tearing or irritation.  If you decide to proceed, you can likely undergo it at the same time. 

Once they determine you are a good candidate, they will provide you with instructions on how to prepare for your appointment. If not undergoing your wax same day, they may provide instructions such as:

• Cotton is best, but any, breathable fabric should suffice
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing
• Ensure hair is not too short before your appointment
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever before your appointment to minimize pain
• Gently exfoliate and moisturize the day before
• Shower
• Avoid shaving before or between appointments‍

Your Appointment‍

On the day of your appointment, your master esthetician will greet you and take you back to one of our treatment rooms. As they warm up the wax, your master esthetician will cleanse and disinfect the area. Once the wax is warmed, they will use a stick to apply it to the treatment area. 

Your master esthetician may use soft or hard wax. If using soft wax, they will apply the wax and then a cloth strip to remove the wax and hair. If using hard wax, they will simply remove it by hand. They will repeat the process until all of the unwanted hair in all of the treatment areas is gone.

Patients tend to remain comfortable. Pain and discomfort is temporary and can be curbed by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever beforehand. If you have concerns about the pain, talk to your master esthetician at your consultation and they can create a plan to keep you as comfortable as possible. ‍

After‍

Following your session, you can return to all of your normal activities, including work and errands. However, you will want to use caution and avoid anything that may cause sweating or your skin to get hot. It is also best to avoid applying makeup or products for the rest of the day. Generally, after 24 hours, you can expect the area to be healed and you can return to your full exercise routines.

Some patients may experience some redness or swelling. This is normal and should subside rather quickly. In rare cases, it may last more than a day or two. Still, after the first day, this can be covered with makeup. Your master esthetician is always happy to follow up and answer any questions or concerns you may have after your appointment.‍

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can I Have Waxing Performed?‍

Waxing can be performed nearly anywhere you have unwanted hair. Some of the areas we offer include:

• Brows
• Chin
• Nose
• Upper lip
• Underarm
• Arms
• Legs
• Chest
• Back
• Stomach
• Bikini
• Brazilian‍

Is It Unhealthy To Wax Your Body Hair?‍

Overall, no. While a full Brazilian wax can make patients slightly more susceptible to certain infections, the general risk is not too elevated for the average person. This is the only area where there is any real increased risk following hair removal. 

Body hair did and does still serve us some purpose, such as warmth and protection from certain germs. However, with modern medicine and technology, most of these uses are no longer major concerns for most people.‍

Can Waxing Permanently Remove Hair?‍

Generally, no. The hair will eventually return, albeit thinner and finer. In some cases, consistent waxing can permanently damage the hair follicles similar to laser hair removal. Though, this is fairly rare and tends to take a very long time.‍

What Areas Are The Least Painful?‍

Clients are often surprised to find that the underarms and legs usually are not too painful. The skin in these areas is not as sensitive as the skin on the face or in the bikini/Brazilian area. Ultimately, though, pain is subjective and some clients may find that waxing overall is not painful, while others may find it much more painful, regardless of the area.‍

What Is Sugaring & How Does It Compare To Waxing?‍

Sugaring is a form of waxing that uses an all natural mixture of ingredients. Like wax, it is spread on the treatment area and pulled off to remove hair. The sugar mixture is room temperature versus warm like wax and some may find the process more comfortable than waxing. Though, it can be a bit inconvenient for larger areas.

Otherwise, sugaring and waxing are extremely similar. One is not necessarily better than the other and if interested in both, it is recommended that you try both to determine which one you like more and what works better for you.‍

Are There Risks Of Waxing?‍

Waxing, in general, is extremely low risk. However, like anything else that is applied to the skin or performed in a similar environment, there are some minor risks. Some risks include:

• Allergic reaction
• Damage or cuts in the skin
• Burns
• Infection
• Rashes
• Unsatisfactory result
• Prolonged redness or swelling‍

‍The Best Waxing In Bellevue & Kirkland At Northwest Face & Body‍

Northwest Face & Body is a plastic surgery clinic and medical spa with a thirty year history. Having provided the top surgical and non-surgical procedures, the Northwest Face & Body team is expanding our surfaces to offer more traditional esthetic services to our patients and clients. As one of the top plastic surgery practices in Washington, Northwest Face & Body provides the best waxing Bellevue and Kirkland offers.

Our master estheticians have years of experience performing both traditional and medical esthetic services. Their combination of esthetic and medical knowledge allows them to both beautify the skin and treat concerns like aging and some skin conditions. During a consultation, they can discuss all of your desires and concerns and create a customized treatment plan based on you and your skin.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-576-1700. You can also reach out online via Price Simulator, chat, and contact form.