You have reached that point in your teens when you want to get rid of facial hair. Right? Whether it is for your upcoming farewell party or just an outing with friends, you want a clean face.
But, are you considering waxing your face for hair removal? If yes, you must know of all the side effects associated with it and ways to prevent them before you get to the salon.
What are you waiting for? Scroll down to find out.
Highlights:
What Is Facial Waxing?
Facial wax comes in two forms - hot and cold wax. The wax is applied on your face, which stiffens the unwanted hair. This makes it easy to remove the hair when pulled in the opposite direction.
The biggest advantage of facial wax is removal of hair from the root, giving you a smooth facial surface for at least 15-30 days, depending on your hair growth frequency.
Waxing removes a bulk of hair from your skin at once. Hence, most girls opt for waxing over other traditional hair removal procedures such as plucking, shaving etc. However, it also comes with a lot of discomfort and other side effects.
What Are The Side Effects of Facial Waxing?
1. Pain
Pain is a constant companion of facial waxing. When you pull the waxing strips to remove the hair from your skin, it causes a good amount of pain. But the pain varies from person to person and your tolerance levels.
If you have sensitive skin, you may feel more pain in comparison with other skin types. Also, your hair growth and the areas of your face plays an important role in determining the pain. Heavy hair growth and sensitive areas of the face like the upper lip would cause more pain.
2. Rashes
Skin rash [1] is a common side effect of facial waxing. Typically, it lasts for two to three days. In case your rashes stay for a longer time or become severe, check with your doctor. Also, stop using the wax product you were using.
3. Bumps
You may also experience small bumps after facial waxing. These bumps appear when you remove the hair from the root. Use aloe vera face cream or any soothing cream on the skin bumps. These bumps won’t stay for more than a few hours.
4. Redness & Inflammation
Another commonly witnessed side effect of facial waxing is mild redness and slight inflammation. Even though it stays for a short period, it causes discomfort. If you notice redness on your freshly waxed face, try applying some soothing gel on it. Avoid using any harsh chemicals for a few days.
5. Allergies
Not all products will suit your skin. There is a chance of allergic reaction [2] as a side effect of facial waxing. The best way to check if you are allergic to your wax is to test it on a small portion of your hand. If you face any kind of discomfort, then the product is definitely not for you.
6. Ingrown hair
Ingrown hair [3] after waxing is a rare scenario. Mostly ingrown hair is caused by shaving. However, these can occur with waxing too. If you don’t remove your hair from the root while waxing, there is a high chance of having ingrown hair.
7. Sensitivity
If you have sunburn or deep tanning on your face, you may face sensitivity while applying wax. Avoid facial wax when you have such issues. Also, take special care of your face (after waxing) if you are going out in broad daylight.
8. Slight Bleeding
Bleeding in certain areas is quite common, especially for the beginners. Even if you are pro at facial waxing, you may face slight bleeding as facial skin is typically soft and sensitive. In case you face abnormal bleeding due to facial waxing, immediately stop it. It may lead to infection.
9. Scarring
Generally, facial waxing does not cause scars. But still, it can happen. Taking extra care while waxing your face is important to avoid these kinds of scars.
How To Prevent The Side Effects of Facial Waxing?
Since there are multiple side effects of facial waxing, you may get worried. But we have got your back!
Here are a few methods that can help you prevent the side effects of facial waxing:
- Read the instructions on the product label before buying. Go for a product that is specifically formulated for facial use.
- People with extremely dry or sensitive skin should completely avoid facial waxing.
- Do not wax on acne breakout areas or wounds. Waxing on wounded skin may lead to severe infection.
- Keep the facial wax away from warts or moles if you have any.
- In case you have diabetes or circulatory problems, waxing products may cause harm. [4]
- If you are not confident about waxing your face, take professional help.
Tips For Facial Waxing
- Exfoliate your face a day before waxing to clear all the dirt and pollutants stuck inside your skin pores. It would make the waxing process smoother.
- Take extra care of your face the night before facial waxing. Cleanse your face thoroughly with soothing face wash and apply face serum.
- Keep a check of the wax temperature if you are using hot wax. Do not let the wax burn your skin.
- Do not shave your face as it may cause ingrown hairs and infections.
Wrapping Up
Even though facial waxing has side effects, it is an option worth trying. No one likes growing facial hair and waxing helps to remove them as cleanly as possible. Do keep in mind that facial waxing is not for sensitive skin and must be done by a professional. We hope that your next waxing session is irritation-free and effective!
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