Should you or shouldn’t you wax your face, that is the question. And we answer it here

Hair removal is a confusing process. When it comes to arms and legs, everyone from your grandmother to your local parlour lady won’t stop raving about the benefits of waxing.

The reduced hair growth, soft skin and that silky feeling when you slip into your pyjamas after are few of the many plus points. But talk about the same gooey wax on your face, and chances are they’ll shake their heads in uttermost disbelief.

The truth is there are so many different forms of hair removal–from waxing to threading and even shaving­—and navigating through all the choices to find the right option for you can get confusing.

If you’ve ever considered getting your face smothered with chocolate wax, here’s the answer to all the questions you ever had in your head.

1. Will waxing make my hair grow back thicker?
Let’s start with the one question that bothers most of us real quick. The answer is a big, bold NO. Although most people have their own self-made theories or old wives tale about it, waxing takes out the hair from the root, usually reducing regrowth, which means your hair looks thinner.

The thickness only comes from shaving because hair appears thicker when its broken from the middle.

2. Does the wax I choose matter?
It’s a legit question to ask when the wax varieties on the salon menu resemble a luxurious grocery list. The truth is, no matter what you choose¬–chocolate, green apple, charcoal or honey¬–the results remain the same.

Also read: 8 natural home remedies to get rid of ingrown hair–now and forever!

3. Can I wax my face if I have acne or any severe skin condition?
No way! If your skin is prone to breakouts, stay away from the hot liquid and consider others options like lasers.

We advise this because topical acne medication as well as oral medication contains ingredients like retinoids and accutane that make skin hypersensitive and prone to peeling.

4. How often can I wax my face?
Depending on the speed of your hair growth, waxing can last you anywhere from two to six weeks. The results last longer as compared to threading or shaving your face, where stubbles might grow back in two-four days.

If you do end up waxing more frequently than this, chances are that your skin will keep stretching and sag before you hit those dreaded 40s.

5. Will my face have any redness after waxing?
Probably, but that’s only cause you’re applying a hot liquid and pulling your skin to tear out hair. Redness can last anywhere between two to 12 hours and will settle down soon after.

You can also apply aloe vera gel to help the redness reside faster. But be cautious when you try it for the first time or at a new salon, and give yourself two days of a lead time in case you have any big event to prep for.

Also read: The not-so-good, bad, and ugly of getting a bikini wax

6. How do I know if I’m having a bad reaction to waxing?
If you notice tiny pimples and pus-filled bumps on the area you’ve waxed, chances are that your face is not best friends with wax.

This happens because waxing removes hair from the follicles, and they may inflame and react from this trauma, especially when you do it the first time. Visit a dermatologist immediately and they will help you with a topical cream.

7. Are there any other things I should tell my aesthetician before waxing?
Make sure she’s using clean strips and gloves to avoid spreading bacteria, as the skin on the face is more sensitive. Also, ensure she doesn’t double dip the knife or stick into the pot of wax.

Double dipping is when the stick is dipped into the wax, applied the wax to the skin, and then dipped into the wax again for the next application. This is a big no-no because bacteria from one client can get transferred to the pot of wax and passed on to the next person.

On the day you wax your face, make sure you’re not indulging in other treatments like facials or scrubs, as this can irritate the skin further.

Follow these ground rules and you should be good to go.

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You can also follow Dr Kiran Sethi at @DrKiranSays on Instagram and YouTube