
Waxing removes the hair from the follicle. When done by a professional esthetician, waxing is often a quick procedure, even for more difficult areas of the body. The wax is melted and applied directly to the body. The wax sticks to the skin, and a cotton strip is applied and quickly removed in the opposite direction of the hair growth.
Professional estheticians use a special wax heater that keeps the wax at a correct temperature and consistency throughout the day. At-home waxing products can be melted in warm water in the microwave or, depending on the manufacturer, may not need to be heated at all.
Depending on how fast your hair grows and what stage of growth your hair is in, areas may stay smooth and hairless for up to six weeks. As the hair grows back, it often appears thinner and less noticeable than it would be after shaving. Possible side effects include discomfort, ingrown hairs, skin irritation and infection.
Waxing is often used to remove hair from the eyebrows, lip, chin, bikini area and legs. Many men also choose waxing to remove unwanted body hair from the chest and back.
Common reasons not to choose facial waxing:
Leg waxing shouldn't be performed on people with varicose veins or phlebitis.
Make sure to reveal any allergies, medications and skin conditions to your licensed esthetician during your hair removal consultation, and he or she will let you know if you can safely receive treatment.

Hair should be at least 1/4-inch thick to get the best waxing results. Never pull up on the skin while removing the waxing strip, as this may cause the skin to rip or tear. Although a bit more costly, it may be best to start with a professional waxing to see how a licensed esthetician removes hair before trying the method at home (this is especially helpful if you plan on waxing your own eyebrows).
Waxing should not be performed if you have certain skin conditions or are taking certain medications.
Below are some typical scenarios where you should not remove hair by waxing if you are taking:
At-home waxing kits can cost anywhere from $5 to $45 and are sold in several forms, including microwave-safe wax, no-heat wax, wax strips, roll-on wax, or simply a tub of wax sold with disposable applicators.
Professional waxing is often performed with hard or soft wax. The cost varies depending on the body part, the amount of body hair and the spa or salon. Expect to pay around $10 for a lip wax, $20 for an eyebrow wax, $50 for a bikini wax, $70 for a Brazilian wax and up to $100 for a full leg wax.
The waxing hair removal method is similar to sugaring hair removal. Continue to the next page to find out if sugaring might be the right choice for you. Get the details on the next page.
Waxing is often used to remove hair from the eyebrows, lip, chin, bikini area and legs. Many men also choose waxing to remove unwanted body hair from the chest and back.