To Wax or Not to Wax

Feminine or masculine, the decision to get waxed (or not) is a personal one. Some prefer the convenience and smoothness of being hair-free, while others choose to keep their body hair in a more natural state. And some, like it someplace in-between. There’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to body hair, and we celebrate whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident in your skin.

WAXING 101

For the uninitiated, waxing is a method of removing hair from the body by using wax to pull the hair out from the roots. Aside from the look and feel of waxing, the service is popular as the results can last for several weeks. The procedure involves applying warm wax to the area specified using a small spatula, and then removing the wax quickly with a strip of cloth or paper.

Waxing can also be a painful process, especially for first-time clients, but some people find it only uncomfortableHowever, there are ways to minimize the pain and discomfort associated with waxing. See below for ways to reduce discomfort during waxing service.

Different kinds of waxing services

Boketto believes body hair is a personal preference: smooth & sleek, au naturel or someplace in the middle. Wherever you fall on this spectrum, as an add-on to a service or stand-alone, we provide waxing services free of polymer & chemicals that sticks to hair, NOT skin.

  • Bikini wax This is a popular waxing service and involves removing hair from the sides and the top of your natural, pubic area “triangle.” Typically, this is up to a finger’s width inside most underwear lines, and is especially popular during swimsuit season.
  • Brazilian Wax This is a type of bikini wax that involves removing all the hair from the pubic area, including the labia and to the buttocks. 
  • Leg wax This type of waxing involves removing hair from the legs, from the ankle to the thigh. A leg wax can be further classified into a half-leg wax, which involves removing hair from the lower or upper part of the leg, or a full-leg wax, which involves removing hair from the entire leg. The buttocks are not included in a full leg wax.
  • Arm wax From the wrist to the shoulder, or a half arm wax which can be applied to the upper or lower part of the arm, this waxing service is particularly popular with men and women, and/or for occasions like weddings, or vacation.
  • Underarm wax This type of waxing service is particularly popular during the summer season, or when you want to prevent/reduce odor.
  • Facial wax There are many options when removing hair from the face, including the brows, upper lip, chin, and cheeks. There are equally many reasons for wanting to wax your face. All of them are valid.
WAXING & PAIN

Discomfort and pain during waxing services vary, depending on your tolerance through where you are in your cycle. There are several things that you can do to reduce the pain associated with waxing before your appointment:

  1. Avoid caffeine Consuming caffeine before waxing can increase your sensitivity to pain. It’s recommended that you avoid coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages for at least two hours before your appointment.
  2. Take a pain reliever Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen 30-60 minutes before your appointment can help reduce pain and discomfort.
  3. Exfoliate Exfoliating your skin a few days before your appointment can help to remove dead skin cells and make it easier for the wax to adhere to the hair. We do not recommend you exfoliate the day of your waxing appointment.
  4. Avoid moisturizing It’s important to avoid moisturizing the area to be waxed on the day of your appointment, as this can make it harder for the wax to adhere to the hair. However, it is recommended to moisturize the area regularly in the days leading up to your appointment to keep the skin hydrated and healthy.
  5. Stay relaxed Anxiety and tension can make the pain of waxing feel more intense. Try to stay calm and relaxed during the process by taking deep breaths or listening to calming music.
  6. Wax after your period ends Hormonal changes can impact the sensitivity of the skin and nerves— and generally, women tend to experience more pain during waxing in the days leading up to and during their menstrual period due to the increased sensitivity of the skin. Therefore, it is recommended to schedule appointments during times when the skin is less sensitive, such as in the week following a menstrual period.

Be sure to communicate with your waxing technician and let them know if you have any concerns or questions about the process. A good technician, (like ours at Boketto ;-) will be able to provide tips and advice on how to minimize pain and discomfort during your waxing appointment.

The big question

When scheduling a waxing appointment, you’ll want to have a certain amount of hair grown out for best results. The ideal length of hair varies depending on the area being waxed and your hair growth rate. BUT! Generally, hair should be between 1/4 to 1/2 inch long.

If the hair is too short, the wax may not be able to adhere to the hair properly, making it difficult to remove. On the other hand, if the hair is too long, it can be more painful to remove and may require more time and effort.

In defense of NOT waxing

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of women and men choosing not to wax their body hair. This trend is commonly known as the “body hair positivity” or “body hair acceptance” movement. This movement aims to challenge societal beauty standards and promote self-acceptance, regardless of whether or not an individual chooses to remove their body hair.

The movement has received mixed reactions from the public, with some praising it as a step towards more inclusive beauty standards, while others view it as unhygienic or unattractive. However, the body hair positivity movement is not just about rejecting societal beauty standards but also about empowering individuals to make their own choices about their bodies.

Again, the decision to wax or not to wax is personal, and everyone should be free to make that choice without judgment. Whether you choose to embrace your body hair fully, partially, or remove it all, we’re here for it.