Should i wax my face

Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, board-certified dermatologist. Yanking hair out by the root doesn't feel great, but when done properly by a professional, it likely won't leave lasting damage behind. There are a few exceptions, though: "If you have an autoimmune disease like lupus , your skin is way more sensitive to getting burned or irritated," warns Dr.

More serious medical conditions can also play a part in whether waxing negatively affects you. If you're not sure whether your skin could be at risk, especially if you plan on doing a wax at home without an esthetician's expertise, consult with a dermatologist first. That said, the hair "will seem thicker if it's broken [a.

If you take precautions and follow all the directions properly, like doing a patch test to check for an allergy, waxing at home can be safe. Be very careful of heating the wax, though.

While burns can happen anywhere, even at a reputable spa, she warns that they're more likely when waxing at home. Ready to try at-home waxing? Depending on how fast your hair grows, a wax can last you a couple weeks or a couple months.

The annoying thing about shaving is that if you're particularly hairy , stubble will probably start cropping up within a day or two, which isn't so much of a problem with waxing. On the other hand, " Sugaring is a warm sugar and lemon mix that's applied to the skin and rolled across, thereby removing the hairs," she adds. Do not use moisturizer that is heavy with oils or fragrance, as they can clog your pores. Wax your face every four weeks.

To maintain your facial hair, get in the habit of waxing your face every four to six weeks. This will give your hair enough time to grow back. Your facial hair will also be easier to remove if you wax it more regularly. Avoid waxing acne prone areas or areas with breakouts. If you develop acne or a break out on your face, do not wax these areas. Waxing these areas can make them worse and lead to scarring. If you notice your skin breaking out due to waxing, you may want to consult a professional.

Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist. Laura Martin. Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6. Not Helpful 1 Helpful Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6.

Not Helpful 0 Helpful Not Helpful 2 Helpful 9. No, it doesn't. The wax pulls the hair from the root, and the hairs are more likely grow back thinner and shorter. In fact, if you wax regularly for a long period of time, the hair will stop growing back entirely. Not Helpful 14 Helpful Not Helpful 4 Helpful Waxing definitely doesn't cause any wrinkles or loosening of the skin unless a person were to wax their face every single day.

It may be because your skin is sensitive. Try a wax that is for sensitive skin. Not Helpful 2 Helpful 8. Yes, but it rarely happens. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 7. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Related wikiHows How to. How to. Certified Esthetician. Expert Interview. About This Article. Co-authored by:. Karina Villalta. Co-authors: Updated: August 21, Categories: Face Care Waxing.

Article Summary X Before you wax your face, wash your face with a cleanser and trim any hairs that are longer than 2 cm long. Italiano: Fare la Ceretta al Viso. Bahasa Indonesia: Melakukan Waxing pada Wajah. Nederlands: Je gezicht harsen. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times. Reader Success Stories L. This occurs when the strips applied to the wax are removed quickly — think of pulling a tight bandage off hairy skin.

The amount of pain varies based on your overall skin sensitivity, pain tolerance, the amount of hair, and the areas of your face being waxed. For example, you might find your upper lip to be more sensitive than your chin. Facial waxing can also cause mild redness and irritation temporarily after use. You may notice that freshly waxed skin is pink or red, and slightly sensitive to the touch. Your everyday facial products may also burn so you should avoid alcohol-based toners after waxing your face.

Redness should usually disappear by the next day. Redness and irritation from facial waxing are often temporary. However, a rash is a possible side effect. This can last for a day or longer.

If your rash is severe, or if it spreads, discontinue using the product immediately. After facial waxing, you may also notice some bumps. These develop on top of the pores where the hairs and roots are removed. While you might associate ingrown hairs with shaving, these can occur with waxing, too. You have a lower risk of ingrown hairs if you pull the wax strips in the opposite direction of hair growth. You should never apply face wax to a fresh sunburn.

Though both procedures are similar, waxing is often more effective at removing shorter hairs. Waxing can cause redness in sensitive areas that lasts anywhere between a few minutes and 12 hours. Redness caused by waxing will usually go away on its own, but aloe gel and coconut oil can naturally help reduce redness and irritation.

If you lack these ingredients at home, apply a cool compress to your face using equal parts milk, water, and ice to combat redness. Waxing will often damage hair follicles in the treated hair to result in thinner hair and less regrowth. With repeated waxing treatments, your unwanted hair will likely become noticeably thinner and more sparse. Waxing produces results that last anywhere between two and eight weeks, which is highly convenient for those who have fast-growing hair, and who typically lack time to tweeze or remove facial hair using other methods.

Oral medications like antibiotics and acne treatments can make your skin hypersensitive and more prone to redness, tearing, and peeling, as can most topical acne solutions.

Redness and irritation following waxing is normal, but keep an eye out for pimples, pus-filled bumps, swelling, and pain. Pimples and bumps can occur due to inflammation of hair follicles, while swelling and pain can indicate an allergic reaction to the waxing formula.

See your dermatologist immediately if you experience any complications after waxing your face. Double-dipping is when an aesthetician dips the application stick into the waxing formula, applies the wax to your skin, then dips again for another application.

This can cause dirt and bacteria to contaminate the wax, which can then be transferred to another person — increasing the risk for infection and illness. At-home wax kits may be effective for some, but often carry a high risk for burned skin, scarring, and infection.

People who wax at home also tend to combine facial waxing with at-home peels, scrubs, and masks that can lead to further skin irritation and complications.

For the best results, make your facial waxing appointment with a licensed, experienced aesthetician. Ready to benefit from smoother, softer skin free of unwanted hair?