Are you afraid or nervous about getting your first wax? Here is our beginners’ survival guide, packed with waxing tips and tricks that will help you get through your first waxing experience and get hooked on our products!

Waxing has rapidly become the most common service offered at beauty salons and spas over the last several years. Most people choose waxing as a more longer-lasting hair removal option for their eyebrows, upper lip, armpit or even some more intimate places. But for those who have never done it before (or who’ve done it once and had a bad experience), it can seem a bit frightening. That is why we have put together a survival guide with some tips and tricks for those of you thinking about giving waxing a try so that you can get the inside scoop on everything from preparation and pain to what kind of results to expect.

With Harley Wax you can expect more than just a wax.

Who Should Wax

Waxing is a great substitute for shaving if you have hair you’re uncomfortable with. People of all ages and genders can have a wax. It is also recommended that people start getting wax treatments at a young age, when the hair is fine and will be less painful to remove; anyone can get it done, regardless of age.

Waxing vs. Shaving

Waxing is a better option as it removes the hair straight from the root. When you shave you are just cutting the hair, so two hours later, you can see the hair again or the blue shadow (the hair follicle below the skin). On the other hand, not only can waxing last up to a month, but it’s a more permanent option—over time it thins the hair so less grows back. As a bonus, it also exfoliates the skin which leaves you feeling silky smooth. Read more about this topic on out waxing vs shaving blog post.

Tips to Prepare for a Wax

If you’re worried about pain or discomfort, you should ensure that your waxing technician only uses Harley Wax as it is proven to be 98% effective against pain. It is important to scrub 48 hours before a wax treatment. Our Harley Pre-Waxing Oil is used with our Harley Hot and Film Wax as it enables the wax to shrink wrap to the hair and not the skin. It is also advisable that you do not apply body lotion the day of the wax. We recommend antiperspirant deodorant for underarm waxing as it comes off easier.

How Often should you Wax?

If you’ve shaven recently, you should wait five days before waxing. The time also varies between waxes, as it depends on how quickly or coarsely the hair grows back. We would recommend a 3-6 week timeline depending on the rate of the hair growth.

What to Expect

Your waxing technician will first clean and disinfect the area with something like the Harley Cleanser/Toner. After that, they’ll apply Harley Pre-Waxing Oil which is followed by the wax.. There are two different kinds of wax, soft wax and hard wax. Soft wax is done with paper or muslin strips, and hard wax is removed without strips. Hard wax is used to remove hair in the bikini, underarm and face area; soft wax is used on larger areas of the body such as the legs, arms or back. Afterwards, she’ll remove any waxy residue and apply cream or post-wax product such as Harley After Wax Oil or Harley Aloe Soothing Gel.

The Pain Factor

Waxing is uncomfortable because the hair is being pulled all the way out. If the roots are not pulled out, the discomfort is minimal but the results are also minimal. Discomfort is only felt at the time of service and stops immediately after. The Harley Pre-Waxing Oil reduces the pull on the skin, thus reducing the pain, redness and lowers the possibility of any ingrown hairs so if you are using the Harley Hot or Film Wax, it is highly recommended. To ensure that it has been done right, you may want to check the strips to ensure the roots were also removed (you should see a small dark bulb on the hair follicle).

Post Wax Tips

Although the pain does subside as soon as the wax is over, the area can remain sensitive, which is why you should not use any scrubs for the next 48 hours and you should not expose the area to direct sun for at least 24 hours. Harley After Oil Care is highly recommended as it reduces skin irritation, redness and the possibility of any ingrown hairs. The Tea Tree also acts as an anti bacterial agent to cleanse any dirt and dead skin leaving your skin clean and fresh.

Maintenance

After the tenderness has subsided, it is recommended to exfoliate in the shower. Exfoliation is done to remove the dead skin so that the pores don’t become clogged, which causes ingrown hairs and bumps. If you are prone to ingrown hairs we have the perfect solution for you. Our Harley Ingrown Hair Solution  reduces the build-up of dead skin cells that can block pores, causing irritation and ingrown hairs. Use straight after waxing to soothe and treat skin, leaving a calm, refreshed and smooth result. If bumps do appear, you should definitely not tweeze them as this could damage the skin and leave permanent scarring.

Harley Wax has designed a wax that has a superior grip designed specifically for mens hair.

Waxing Hygiene

Most importantly, you should ensure that you go to a place with proper sterilization procedures. The technician should be licensed and she should not double-dip during the waxing session. Double dipping means that the technician used the same stick each time she dipped into the hot wax. Double dipping contaminates the wax and allows bacteria to spread from one client to another. You definitely wouldn’t want the wax used on your upper lip to have been mixed with a stick used on another woman’s bikini area.

The Bikini Wax

There is always special uncertainty when it comes to waxing the bikini area. However,it is actually very similar to the procedures for the rest of the body.

Bikini vs. Brazilian Wax Tips

A Brazilian wax removes more hair than a bikini wax. A bikini focuses on the front and sides (what would be visible in a your underwear or bikini) and the Brazilian removes the front, sides, back and everything in between, often only leaving a strip of hair in the front—or none at all. It is recommended that you leave your underwear on during a standard bikini wax, but for a Brazilian, you’ll have to be without your underwear.

Why Brazilian?

The top reasons for having a Brazilian wax are cleanliness, convenience and, of course, sexiness.

Does It Hurt More?

Some women can’t do the bikini wax, but they are perfectly okay with having their eyebrows. Others can do the bikini wax, but they can’t stand to wax their legs. Everyone is different. But the discomfort does become less the longer you do it. Eventually the hair becomes weak to a point where it doesn’t hurt at all.

Does It Matter What Time of the Month It Is?

Waxing usually hurts more the week before you menstruate, so it’s best to go in the week after. If you’re pregnant then waxing will be just like always, some days we are a little more sensitive than others.

Visit our Harley Wax online store to purchase your wax and oils now because once you go Harley, you’ll never go back.

The post Survival Guide to Waxing – Tips and Tricks for beginners appeared first on Harley Waxing.

Almost 30 years of experience in the beauty industry

On a visit to America in the late 80s, long before anyone knew that one day the name Harley Waxing would become a widely known and respected brand, the Knowler family found themselves intrigued by toning tables. Seeing a great opportunity, they brought these tables to a group of salons in the United Kingdom. A combined background in the beauty industry and sharp business acumen turned a calculated risk into a great toning table success story.

Harley Body Wrap is born

Around this time, the same beauty salons were using a body wrap as a slimming treatment. Though not a bad product, the Knowlers felt that there was potential to develop a better product. Again seizing an opportunity, the couple approached a biochemist-friend asking for advice. The product they were using in the salon was leaving a residue on clients’ skins forcing them to take a shower after treatments, thus cancelling any residual benefits the product could have, if allowed to stay on the skin.

The solution? Harley Body Wrap was developed with an Aloe Vera-based concentrate that not only detoxifies the body and tones the skin, but also showed tremendous benefits for clients suffering from skin ailments like eczema or psoriases. The combination of a significant loss in inches after just one treatment, combined with these added benefits, made the Harley Body Wrap an overnight sensation. Thus, another opportunity presented itself… The export market.

Going global

The Harley Body Wrap was an overwhelming success success. In no time at all, we were exporting it to countries around the world – and happy clients couldn’t get enough of it. The success of this fantastic product made other international cosmetic brands take note. Soon the Harley team had established great relationships with big brands from Italy, Switzerland and France (to name only a few) and the supply and distribution end of things grew very successfully as Harley agreed to distribute other product in addition to its own. Around this time a well-known beauty wax company approached Harley about the possibility of distributing their product as well. Not knowing it at the time, this would be the step that would kick-start a whole new adventure.

Sometimes an obstacle in the road is a blessing in disguise

Although the distribution of the beauty wax company’s product started off well, it unfortunately did not stay that way and due to supply problems the two companies eventually parted ways. But the exposure to the beauty wax industry had planted a seed in the minds of the Harley team and, never shying away from a great opportunity, they let it germinate.

After giving the idea a considerable amount of thought, the Knowler family approached a wax company. Their idea was to develop a wax range that would surpass the quality of any product on the market. However, they also envisioned a product that was affordable. To anyone looking on, this would have seemed impossible. But as it turned out, the Harley beauty wax range was not only a dream come true for the Harley team. It also changed the lives of those working for the company that manufactures the wax used in the formulation. The success of the Harley Wax range touched everyone involved.

The launch of Harley Wax

In 2007, more than a decade after the success of the Harley Body Wrap, the Harley Wax range was launched with Rose and Lavender Hot Wax, Rose and Gold Strip Wax as well as Pre & Post Products. In 2008 the Harley Cleanser & Toner and Natural Wax Solvent is added to the growing family of consumer trusted products.

Completely indispensable during this important time in the company’s history was Susannah Hewitt. Her financial skills as in-house accountant played such an integral role that she has since become a company director. Yet another life changed by the Harley Wax story.

Since those early days, the popular Summer Fruits range, as well as a variety of other products – most recently the Tea Tree Strip Wax with its soothing anti-inflammatory properties – has been added to the Harley Wax range of products.

Nothing but excellence will do

Since the launch of the Harley Wax product range, we have never had depleted stock levels. Additionally, supply has always kept pace with demand. We consistently deliver orders within two working days and client satisfaction remains the most important goal. Our clients, who return month on month, are proof that this is a winning formula. Thanks to a small, but dedicated team who deliver on exceedingly high standards, the Harley story is far from over.

We are proud of the Harley Wax story and our company’s achievements, but equally proud of the road we took to achieve its success. Whatever the future holds, this dynamite team is ready for it… Here’s to the next chapter of the Harley Wax story!

The post Telling the Harley Wax Story appeared first on Harley Waxing.

Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of 5 ways to spot a truly great wax therapist. So if you’re planning to do some landscaping before the arrival of the festive season (and in the southern hemisphere the arrival of the infamous “bikini season”), best make sure you pick a wax therapist worth their salt.

They ask questions

Sometimes, you should approach a wax treatment in a similar fashion to a doctor’s appointment. Your therapist should start your treatment with a few basic questions about your skin type, your waxing history, and to check that you’ve done all the applicable pre-treatment preparation. If you have any relevant medical conditions this would be a good time to mention it to the therapist. For instance, medication like Accutane (used to treat severe acne) thins the skin and when waxed, often results in the removal of the top layer of the skin (sometimes resulting in bruising and scarring). Responsible wax therapists won’t carry on with the treatment if they know that the client is taking this medication as it poses greater risk of injury.

They have all the necessary training

If you would like to have a specialised wax treatment, we strongly advise that you make sure you book your appointment with a therapist who has all the relevant qualifications and credentials. It might come as a surprise to learn that not all wax therapists who perform Brazilian waxes are qualified to do so. Yet, clients put their trust in a therapist because they assume that, since the therapist is performing the treatment, they must be qualified to do so. If, however, you have any doubts check, check again. And then, if still don’t feel satisfied, absolutely do not risk it.

They use the correct wax for the correct area

It is important that you get to know the different types of wax and their applications yourself. This will enable you to know if the therapist is using the correct wax. For most wax treatments, the three types you need to know are Hot Wax, Strip Wax and Film Wax. All three are heated before application, but Strip Wax is removed with a strip of paper whereas Hot Wax and Film Wax is removed by hand. For sensitive areas such as your face, bikini and underarms, the therapist should use either Hot or Film Wax.

They use only the best wax products

All businesses face the the same age-old challenge at some point in their journey. They must choose whether to switch to a cheaper product or supplier or up the price of their service. The same thing sometimes happens when suppliers introduce wax therapists to cheaper wax products. Suppliers often promise these will be as good as their more expensive counterparts. However, unfortunately, this is not always the case as wax products are not all of the same quality.

In most cases, companies manufacture cheaper wax products from low quality materials and they are only cheaper for this reason. Cheaper, lower quality wax products won’t grip the hair properly, snapping it below the skin surface. This results in uneven regrowth and ingrown hairs. Look for a salon that uses the best quality wax, especially Hot and Film Waxes that shrink wrap around the hair, resulting in a less painful wax and also smoother, longer lasting results.

They teach you about the proper aftercare

A truly great wax therapist won’t just send you on your way after a treatment without applying the correct post treatment products and then explaining any precautions you should take. They will usually take the time to explain these critical considerations. These include:

• Keeping the waxed area out of direct sunlight
• Whether or not you should apply sunblock to the area
• How long you should wait before visiting the beach or swimming in the ocean.

If your therapist doesn’t know how to answer any of your wax questions, this is not a good sign.

Ask for Harley Wax

Harley Wax is a superior quality wax used in salons all over the world. Our wax range is designed to shrink wrap the hair (and not the skin!). Consequently, they effectively remove hairs as short as 1mm with significantly less pain, irritation or redness. It’s suitable for all skin types – even sensitive skin – and our Harley Gold Strip Wax is perfect for men’s waxing. Ask your salon or spa if they use Harley Wax products and insist on only the best!

The post 5 Ways to Spot a Great Wax Therapist appeared first on Harley Waxing.

Have you ever felt that shaving between waxes just doesn’t “cut” it when it comes to summer?

Well that may be because a lot of women tend to fall out of their waxing routine during the Winter season which means all the hard work of waxing on a regular basis during the summer has now been forgotten by the hair follicles in your own skin. Follow this link to see why it is important to keep up your waxing routine in Winter. The greatest benefit of waxing is not having to shave continuously especially in Summer when the need for soft, hair free legs, and nether regions, is far greater than any other time of the year.

Everyone has heard of waxing, but some myths associated with waxing have been keeping a great deal of women away giving it a fair chance. Summer is just around the corner and if there was any better time for anyone to give either a leg or bikini wax a try it would be now. Whether you’re a soccer mom or an FHM model, you definitely want to be prepared to show off your legs in the summer.

Why You Should Get Waxed Just in Time for Summer

There are lots of benefits to waxing So with all that in mind here are 10 tips to get those sexy smooth legs you are looking for… just in time for summer:

1. Grow your hair to at least 1mm in length before you wax.
2. Don’t wax five days before or after your period.
3. Exfoliate before your appointment. We also advise your therapist uses Harley Pre-Waxing Oil before the wax is applied to the skin.
4. Don’t go to gym after a wax. (Tender skin can chafe.)
5. Wax at least 2 days before any planned event such as beach day.
6. Find out what style suits you better (Brazilian, Bikini, etc.) If you are unsure which style is best for you follow this link for more information.
7. Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of your appointment.
8. Make sure you are clean (everywhere) before arriving to an appointment.
9. After care is very important. Harley Waxing has a great retail range to prevent those pesky ingrown hairs.
10. Know that over time it will get better as your hair follicles weaken each time.

So now that your legs are looking sexy and smooth, you can keep them that way by waxing regularly. You can book waxing treatments in advance at your salon. 

The post Get Waxed Just in Time for Summer appeared first on Harley Waxing.

Harley Aloe Soothing Gel contains powerful antioxidants, which belong to a large family of substances known as polyphenols. Polyphenols, combined with several other compounds which can be found in Aloe Vera, can help slow down the growth of specific bacteria which is known to cause infections.

Aloe moisturizes the skin without leaving a greasy residue, thus making it perfect for anyone who suffers with an oily skin complexion. Aloe Vera also acts as a moisturizer for women who use mineral-based foundation and is a great substance to use on the face prior to the application of foundation as it prevents skin from drying.

Harley Aloe Soothing Gel contains two very important hormones named Auxin and Gibberellins. These hormones provide wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce skin inflammation. The Giberellin acts as a growth hormone which stimulates the growth of new cells. It allows the skin to heal quickly and naturally with reduced scarring. Consequently, Harley Aloe Soothing Gel is an effective post-waxing treatment that minimizes skin irritation and redness. This is what makes it an ideal treatment for those with extra sensitive skin. The soothing gel reduces skin irritation, redness and the possibility of any in-growing hairs.

Aloe can also fight aging as it contains various antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E. These nutrients improve the skin’s natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated.

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Client Consultation Cards protect you in the unlikely event of a client making an insurance claim against you. They strictly show that you took all the steps required as a therapist and provides you with the necessary health information of the client. Based on their answers you can make the informed decision to either proceed with the treatment, suggest an alternative treatment that would be better suited toward the client or completely avoid the treatment.

Client consultations are a crucial part of being in the professional beauty industry. They protect both the client and you, thereby ensuring that you do not perform any treatments on a client that may be detrimental to their well being.

Consultation forms are part of a criterion for standard legal operating procedure in the Beauty Industry. Therefore, they should be drilled into any beauty professional’s routine from day one. A consultation card is used to find out if there are any contra-indications which may prevent the beauty therapist from carrying out a treatment. All salon professionals carrying out treatments must keep their client’s consultation cards safely stored them in a lockable cabinet to comply with the data protection act.

Download your Free Waxing Client Consultation Card

The client consultation information should include:

You should also remember to:

• Personal details
• Medical History
• Contra-Indications
• Clients lifestyle
• Treatment record
• Have the client sign the form
• Review the form
• Question anything that is unclear

You should only carry out a treatment after surgery if a written letter from a doctor is given to you before the treatment is carried out.

When carrying out a client consultation you should be looking for contra-indications to the treatment. Contra-Indications are health conditions that the client may have which mean you should be cautious or possibly avoid working on those specific areas of the body. In more extreme cases you may need to avoid treatment altogether.

Download The Waxing Consultation Client Card

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Waxing is better than shaving for a multitude of reasons. Those of you who currently wax on a regular basis will agree. Everyone needs a quick and reliable solution for removing body and facial hair and waxing is definitely the best way.

If you’re not already convinced, here are 7 reasons why waxing is better than shaving:

1. There are no razor burns

Not only are razor burns painful and itchy, but it also looks terrible. No one wants to put on a bikini or a tank top with red, bumpy razor burn on their bikini line or underarms. Waxing is better than shaving as it eliminates razor burn completely.

2. Waxing saves time

If you wake up late and don’t have time to shave your legs, you might have to rethink your entire outfit for the day. But if you’ve had your legs waxed, it doesn’t matter whether you have time or not. Waxing is better than shaving as it saves you a ton of time on a daily basis. Since shaving has to be done on a day-to-day basis, we all spend a lot of extra time in the shower each day. Waxing eliminates this time-consuming step in our daily routines as waxing is only required every 3-6 weeks.

3. Waxing is better than shaving because it reduces hair growth

If you repeatedly wax an area of the body, over time the hair growth will become less. This is due to hair papilla damage which waxing facilitates. The hair papilla is responsible for supplying nutrients to the hair in order for it to grow. Without the papilla, the hair can’t grow.

4. Hair grows back softer

When you shave, the re-growth is naturally stubbly and spiky which may be very uncomfortable. Additionally, you are cutting it off leaving a blunt tip. When you wax the hair, you remove it from the root, so when it grows back it has a fine tip that is soft and not sharp.

With Harley Wax you can expect more than just a wax. You can expect a nourishing skin treatment that will remove hairs as short as 1mm. Expect quicker delivery times, better customer service and a more superior wax.

5. Saves energy and money

Waxing is better than shaving as you don’t have to waste money on multiple razors and shaving cream. Razors get dull fairly quickly and they are expensive to replace. If you shave with a dull razor, you’re more likely to get razor burn. A waxing appointment typically takes 30 minutes (depending on the area(s) being waxed).

6. Waxing has longer lasting results

Results from waxing usually last 3-6 weeks while you need to shave on a daily basis. Hair still grows back during this time period but it grows back finer and softer compared to when shaving. Hair has to growth back again in order for you to wax again, but the hair is much less noticeable and doesn’t require you to shave it.

7. Waxing requires less effort

With waxing you get to pay a professional to remove your unwanted body hair instead of having to struggle with it by yourself. Make sure you always use a Hot Wax for smaller more intimate areas, a Strip Wax for larger areas or a Film Wax for both.

If you have never waxed your unwanted facial or body hair, then now is the right time to try it. You will love the results and will be very happy with the extra time that you get to save each morning when getting ready.

Visit our online store now and try out our incredible products!

The post 7 Reasons Why Waxing is Better Than Shaving appeared first on Harley Waxing.

1)    Don’t skimp.

Always use a high quality and professional grade wax, such as Harley Wax. Harley’s Waxes are for professional use only. Harley’s Waxes have an extremely low melting temperature. This means that the wax should become pliable at a low heat to avoid burning the client. Harley’s Waxes are ideal for sensitive skin as they are made with natural ingredients and essential oils. The products you use reflect the image of your spa or salon so make sure you’re creating a good image.

2)    Use a pre-wax oil before your waxing treatment.

Pre-wax oil prepares the skin for the treatment. Harley Pre-Waxing Oil creates a barrier on the skin, ensuring that the wax only adheres to the hairs and not the skin. This reduces drag and pull on the skin and makes for a more comfortable  treatment. It is also very important to check the ingredients used in your pre-wax oil to see that it is suitable for sensitive skins.

3)   Always use a after wax oil or soothing gel afterwards.

To reduce redness, rashes and prevent ingrown hairs use a After Care Oil such as Harley After Ware Oil or Aloe Soothing Gel. Your chosen product should have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, nourish and condition the skin after the treatment.

4)    Perform a skin sensitivity test first before the waxing treatment.

It is important to check that your client is not sensitive to any of the ingredients in either the wax or pre and post products. You can do a skin sensitivity test on the inside of the arm to test for any reactions.

5)    Know how to use different hair removal products and accessories.

Any good wax brand, such as Harley, should have a training manual and product guide available for all their products. Make sure you know your product inside out with the help of these guides.

The post 5 Essential Tips When Using Harley Wax appeared first on Harley Waxing.

Although it may be tempting to let the beauty regime slide a little in the winter times, there are drawbacks to not waxing in winter. The mornings are getting colder and the days that much shorter which leads to long sleeves, jumpers and those favourite wooly socks we all love to wear on those cold nights. Most women tend to neglect their hair removal routines at this time of year which is understandable because lets face it, no one is going to the beach in a bikini to brave the icy winds. This however is something that may unravel all that hard work you have put in at either the salon or for some who use our waxing kits at home. Either way, be sure to follow this guide on Pre & Post Waxing tips.

The thing about waxing is to try keep a routine. Although it may be tempting to let the beauty regime slide a little in the winter times, there are some drawbacks. Lets take a look at some of the Pro’s and Con’s of not waxing in the winter.

Saving on salon expenses

Although you might be saving money now, once it’s summer time again you could be spending more money getting back in to a waxing routine. Continuous waxing means your hair follicles are weakened and grow back at a much slower pace, resulting in longer periods of time before your next appointment with the salon.

You want a break where you don’t have to worry about it

Although you might enjoy your break now, once its over you will have to re-do all that hard work you put in, in order to get your appointments schedule from once every 3 weeks to once every 6 weeks.

In winter there are many things that could affect your skin. We all feel it. One of the more noticeable ones being dry skin. Waxing exfoliates and encourages the renewal of skin cells that can cause dry skin. Not only will waxing in winter keep your skin healthy but there won’t be a temptation to shave in order to tidy things up, reversing all the good work waxing has done for you over the summer. Remember to use a Hot wax on smaller areas, and a Strip Wax on larger areas or a Film Wax for both.

Let’s face it, waxing in winter is definitely something we should all try to not neglect and for that extra added bonus you’d always be ready to slip on that sexy black dress, dash out to any last minute winter parties and never have to worry!

The post Why should you keep waxing in winter? appeared first on Harley Waxing.

Hair Removal Methods

Tweezing

The basics: Tweezing is pulling out individual hairs one by one from the root.

Pros: Tweezing is great for small areas and lasts between 3 and 8 weeks. It is also good option for removing a stray hair after a treatment such as a wax.

Cons: This is a tedious, time consuming method of hair removal and if the hair breaks it could grow back under the skin causing painful ingrown hairs. Tweezers need to be cleaned with rubbing alcohol between treatments to reduce the risk of infections Bottom line: This is great for eye brows and stray hairs or for cleaning up stray hairs after a treatment.

Shaving

The basics: The hair is cut off very close to the skin with a razor. A disposable razor or blade is used on wet skin. Then using a soap or shaving cream the hair is cut in the direction of growth. Alternatively an electric shaver can be used on dry skin.

Pros: Shaving is a relatively cheap method of hair removal and can be used for most large parts of the body.

Cons: Shaving is not a long lasting method of hair removal, lasting between 1 and 3 days. It is not advisable for small areas such as eyebrows. Razors need replacing often for hygiene reasons. Ingrown hairs (especially in the bikini area) are also quite common. Razor burn, nicks and cuts are common place with shaving. Bottom line: Great for a classic men’s treatment but otherwise not really a good salon treatment.

Waxing

The basics: A depilatory Hot, Film or a Strip Wax applied to the skin depending on the area. A paper strip removes Strip Wax. Hot or Film Wax is removed once dried, in a quick and single motion. In order to prepare the skin it is important to apply Pre & Post Waxing Oils to prevent any irritation or ingrown hairs after the treatment.

Pros: It is possible to apply wax to most parts of the body, as specific waxes target different areas. Hot Wax is used for smaller more intimate areas. Strip Wax is used for larger areas. Film Wax can be used for both. A wax also last between 3 and 8 weeks. Good quality professional waxes are design to soften and nurture the skin during a wax. Hairs grow back softer after waxing. A good wax range is highly beneficial for the skin.

Cons: A professional waxing treatment requires training. One would also need the appropriate equipment and wax. The bottom line: Waxing is the most popular salon treatment available.

Laser/ Pulsed Light

The basics: A strong beam of light destroys the root of the hair.

Pros: Laser is the nearest form of permanent hair removal and can be used on most areas of the body.

Cons: It won’t work on white hair and doesn’t work well on blonde hair. It takes between 6 and 12 treatments before the client sees results and the client will need a touch up every 6 to 12 months. There are also possible side effects such as swelling, redness, burning and scarring. It is also a very expensive method of hair removal. This treatment requires extensive training and a licence registration. The step up costs are also high. The bottom line: Training and certification is essential for salons looking to offer this treatment. It also is a costly treatment to do however it can result in permanent hair removal after several sessions.

Chemical Hair removal creams and oils

The basics: Chemical substances in the cream remove the hair by breaking down the structure of the hair.

Pros: These products are relatively cheap and work quickly. This hair removal method can be done at home.

Cons: The same chemicals that dissolve the hair also affect the skin. This leaves the skin with a nasty glossy look and feel. Rashes and burns are common with these products. Hairs start to reappear after just a week. These creams are also infamous for their unpleasant smell. Bottom line: Due to the smell, availability for home use and effect on sensitive skins this is not a great option for a salon treatment.

Sugaring

The basics: This form of hair removal is very similar to waxing. With sugar, a pliable paste is produced that acts like a hot or a strip wax.

Pros: It is inexpensive to make and can remove very short hairs. It is made from natural ingredients, therefore, is great for sensitive skins.

Cons: This method of hair removal can be quite painful and is not a popular salon treatment so it is difficult to find salons that offer it. Bottom line: As an alternative treatment this is an interesting one to offer. It is almost as effective as waxing but really good for sensitive skins.

Treading

The basics: A strand of knotted cotton tread is used to remove the hairs. Twisting the thread removed individual hairs from the root.

Pros: It is a great method of hair removal for small areas.

Cons: It is not an option for large areas and can be very painful for people with large hair follicles. Bottom line: This treatment is great for shaping eyebrow but not a good option for large areas. To do this effectively training is required, however it is a cost effective treatment.

Epilating Devices

The basics: An Epilating device looks a lot like an electric razor only instead of cutting the hair it pulls it out.

Pros: It can be done at home and lasts 3-8 weeks.

Cons: This is quite a painful form of hair removal and can leave little welts behind on the skin. Epilating devices can also be costly. Bottom line: These are suitable for home use but not good for a salon treatment.

Electrolysis

The Basics: Therapists use a fine, needle-shaped electrode to apply an electrical current to the hair follicle. This destroys the hair-producing cells.

Pros: Great for small areas and can permanently remove hairs after multiple sessions.

Cons: Electrolysis treats each hair follicle individually so it is time consuming and expensive. If you do not implement this method of hair removal properly it can leave scarring and skin discolouration. Treatments can be very uncomfortable and cause a stinging sensation. Only certified professional can carry out his type of treatment. Bottom line: Electrolysis can provide permanent hair removal after several sessions. Only certified professionals can apply this treatment and the equipment can be costly.

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