To wax or shave, that is the question
When it comes to shaving, one area is certainly more sensitive than the rest. Shaving down there can be quite the challenge, especially with the ever-changing styles and trends - think "vajazzling." Because of all the hype, some women may be wondering, "is it better to shave or wax?"
A new report conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, may have some ladies leaning toward waxing. The study indicated that grooming injuries jumped substantially from 2002 to 2010. In 2010, there were a reported 2,500 shaving mishaps, ranging from cuts and burns to rashes and serious gashes.
A second study published in the medical journal Urology found that grooming down there is growing in popularity. Between 70 and 88 percent of young women in the U.S. partially or fully remove the hair in the lower regions. In terms of injuries, razors were the cause of 83 percent of problems, scissors resulted in 22 percent of injuries and waxing accounted for just 1.4 percent of problems.
With shaving injuries on the rise, some ladies may turn to waxing as a safer option. Despite its benefits, waxing can come with a bit more of a sting, which is why it's important to learn the best way to use the products. TotalBeauty.com reports there are certain steps that can make the ordeal easier to handle.
Always exfoliate
One perk of waxing is that it cuts back on the chances of developing ingrown hairs. However, you can lower your odds even further by exfoliating your skin before and after waxing. Bliss Products like the Bliss Ingrown Hair Eliminating Pads could be an even easier option since the pads not only soothe the skin, but get to the root of the problem fast.
Start with the perfect length
When you wax, the hair should be between 1/4 and 3/4 of an inch long for best results. Hair that is too short will not stick to the wax, while hair that is too long will make the process harder, and no one wants that. When the hair is the perfect length, dab on a bit of baby powder to absorb excess moisture.
Check the temperature
After you've prepared the area, it's time for the main event. When using wax, always check the temperature prior to putting it on your skin. It should be comfortable, but warm enough to remove the hair.
Finally, always remember to apply the wax in the direction the hair grows and then smooth the cloth strip over the area to help it adhere. Next, hold your skin tight and quickly pull it off in the opposite direction the hair grows in. When finished, apply a soothing oil to ease the site.
