Lesson 2 Flashcards
Why is waxing better than shaving?
It removes hair with its roots, not just the skin surface
Waxing may destroy the hair follicle and weaken blood supply which softens hair & reduces regrowth
Regrowth of hair after waxing will be ready for removal in..
3-6 weeks
For best results, how long should the hair length be?
1/4 inch
Approximately 3 weeks after waxing OR 1 week after shaving
Types of wax
Hard wax
Soft wax
Roll ons
Hard wax
“No strip” method
Efficient long lasting results
Temperature and consistency should be like heavy honey
Gentle enough for face
Strong enough for coarse hairs
Generally used in small areas (eyebrows, underarms, bikini)
The heat of wax tends to relax nerve endings and soften the pores which result in a more comfortable and deeper epilation with less pulling to the skin
Easier than soft wax because you can work in small patches in any direction you wish which makes it better for facial hair removal
Never re-use the wax, apply with disposable wooden spatula, remove by hand, double check temperature before beginning , if there is bleeding clean area with witch hazel or toner before reapplying 
Soft wax
“Liquid” “cold” wax
Lower melting point
Uses strips to remove wax
More time efficient
Clients may find this method more painful as liquid wax tends to stick to the skin more than hard wax
Can be irritating to skin due to ingredients such as rosin
*removal has to be against the hair growth.
Removing Vellus hair may stimulate
Growth of coarser hair
Roll ons
Roll on applicator to apply wax
Strip used to remove hair
Less mess, more efficient
Concerns with cross contamination 
The applicator has to be replaced after each use
Tea tree oil wax
Natural antiseptic that calms and repairs sensitive skin
Ideal for delicate areas
Contains therapeutic properties
Azulene wax
Great for face and body
Gentle properties reduce redness and help the healing process
Azulene wax melts warm, not hot and is not sticky
Lavender wax
Ultra gentle wax
Smooth & creamy texture which makes application and removal sticky free
Chamomile wax
Anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, hypoallergenic
What is they key to application of hair removal?
Be sure that the wax (both hard or soft) is applied in the same direction as the hair growth and removed in the opposite direction
Hold skin taught to prevent pulling and bruising
The faster the wax is removed, the less pain for the client
Both hard and soft wax contain
Resin :
extract from pine trees - forms a smooth uniformed base for easy application
Beeswax :
Tolerates high temperatures, provides a mould/ structure
Paraffin :
Binding - holds wax together
Carnauba wax :
Extract of palm trees. Mineral oils, etc
Hygiene and sanitation protocols
Use fresh examination paper for each treatment
Keep fresh supplies available: alcohol, spatulas, pre/ post care, cleaner, etc
Thoroughly clean after service to eliminate possibility of cross contamination
Do not overheat wax, melt wax at medium temperature
Always test wax on your wrist prior to application on client to avoid burning
Protect clients clothes
Tools & supplies
Cleaners
Pre and post solutions
Tweezers
Scissors
Applicators
Cotton supplies
Gloves
Tweezers
Slant tipped are better for general tweezing
Pointed tip is ideal for ingrowns
Applicators
Single use wax applicators are wooden flat sticks, large medium or small
Used once, not double dipped
Wax strips (2 types)
1) cotton Muslin
which comes in rolls or pre-cut packets and
2) Pellon
A fibre like material
Linens/ roll paper
To keep area clean, place a clean sheet of paper on waxing table for each new client
Pre-post epilation products
Pre and post waxing solution may have antiseptic and calming ingredients such as witch hazel, arnica, chamomile, or calendula
Powder and other pre wax products protect the skin while waxing
Other post wax products are hair growth inhibitors
Precautions to be aware of:
Accutane : do not wax for 1 year
Retin A
Recent peels or laser treatments
Sun damage/ burn, redness, irritation
Tanning/ sun bed
Hypersensitive/ vascular skin (do not wax over varicose veins)
Cuts/ wounds in area
Herpes outbreak
Diabetic
Eczema, psoriasis, skin tags
Blood thinning medications
Auto immunize disorders (AIDS)
Contagious infectious diseases
Other methods of hair removal
Laser
Electrolysis
Threading
Sugaring
Depilatories
Laser hair removal
Available since mid 90’s
Selective photo thermolysis
Laser targets dark cells of the hair while avoiding damaging the surrounding skin cells
It applies controlled pulses of energy that reaches into the hair follicle
The energy heats the hair to the root which destroys the follicle
A safe procedure
Few people have side effects such as: short term local reddening
Laser destroys hairs that are in the active growth phase therefore repeat treatments are required to target hair that was not affected during the previous treatment (6-8/8-10)
Electrolysis
The use of electricity to remove hair
Short- wave electric current are applied to the skin to destroy the roots of the hairs and prevent regrowth
Can be used medicinally or cosmetically
Generally safe, avoid eye area if possible
Not recommended for use on large parts of body (leg, bc it is costly and timely)
Threading
An ancient method used in Middle East, India and Pakistan
Used to give clean lines and good shape to eyebrows
Removes hair from upper lip and other facial areas
Uses 100% cotton thread which is twisted and rolled along the skin entwining the hair which is then lifted from the follicle
Hair returns 3-6 weeks (same with tweeze/ waxing)
Effects on the skin are lessened in comparison to tweezing, waxing, sugaring - the skin may get a little red and sore but only a slight pinch is felt
Irritation and skin rashes are avoided with threading as the top layer of dead skin is not stripped off in the process
Sugaring
“Ancient art of hair removal”
Considered holistic therapy due to sugars pure and natural ingredients and the “hands on” method during hair removal
Used a paste made from pure sugar and natural ingredients to remove entire hair leaving skin soft, healthy and smooth for weeks
One of the least painful methods of hair removal
Sugar paste sticks to the hair pulled clean from the roots and not the skin
Paste is applied AGAINST direction of hair and removed WITH the direction of hair (opposite of waxing)
- This results in non distorted hair follicles and less ingrown hairs
Gentle removal slows down hair growth
Regular treatments results in a gradual diminishment of hair
Depilatories
“Chemical razor blade”
Available in gel, cream, lotion, aerosol and roll-on
contains a highly alkaline chemical CALCIUM THIOGLYCOLAYE which dissolves the protein structure of the hair causing it to separate from the skins surface
Important to do a preliminary skin test both for allergic reaction and sensitivity
- hair and skin are similar in composition so chemicals that’s destroy the hair may cause skin irritations or even chemical burns of left on too long
Contact with the skin is kept between 4-15 minutes depending on the hair
It is important to read the product label bc skin sensitivity varies on diff parts of the body
For example some depilatories are only meant for the legs which others are safe for sensitive areas (bikini, face etc.)
Avoid around eyebrows or eyes or broken skin
Should not be applied more often than the recommendation
Ingrown hair
Ingrown hairs may be a consequence of shaving and waxing
Ingrown hairs occur when a hair curls into the skin and grows in the wrong direction resulting in a red, irritated bump that can become infected
Waxing can distort the hair follicles because of the method of removing hair in the opposite direction
Relaxing the muscles during shaving and waxing is said to help prevent ingrowns
You may either leave alone to heal or use pointed tweezers to get hair and clean with peroxide
To help avoid ingrown hairs, exfoliate areas every time you bathe
Client consultation and analysis
What questions should you ask prior to the waxing service? 8
- Is this your first waxing tx?
- When was your last wax tx?
- Did you shave or use other methods of hair removal since last tx?
- Do you suffer from any skin conditions or diseases?
- Any open wounds/ cuts?
- Is your skin sensitive?
- Are you on medication/ including hormone medication? If so, please list
- Any injected treatments in area?
During the analysis what else does the esthetician need to do?
Analyze the area
- be observant if broken skin, moles, skin tags, cuts, severe varicose veins, etc
- note direction of hair growth
- explain how the treatment is performed and what the client can expect
What if the wax dries on the skin?
Hard: Re-apply wax to entire area and remove
Soft: press a clean strip onto wax residue
Is waxing permanent hair removal?
Waxing is not permanent hair removal but if done repeatedly over time it will weaken and slow down re growth
Results vary person to person
Return visits are recommended
Every 3-5 weeks
Clients must not shave or use other depilatories between visits
Tips:
Make sure the wax is fluid
Make sure the wax is only one side of the spatula
Apply the wax with the edge of the spatula
Application should be quick to avoid wax from drying on spatula
