Waxing is one of the many temporary ways of removing hair. Before waxing, hair needs to be around ¼ inch long to make treatment effective. A thin layer of wax is applied to the skin in the direction of the hair growth, and then a small strip of either paper or material is pressed on top and smoothed down in the same direction.  The strip is quickly ripped off in the opposite direction; this then pulls the unwanted hair from out of the root leaving the area treated hair-free for up to 8 weeks although some people may see a regrowth a lot sooner. After a long period of waxing, hair tends to grow finer and sparser and treatments may not be needed as often. This type of waxing is commonly known as strip wax or warm wax.

Another type of waxing is hot wax; this type of waxing is achieved by placing the wax onto the skin in quite a thick consistency. The wax then cools and hardens and is ripped off without any strips. This type of waxing is mostly used for smaller areas such as the bikini line.

All areas of the body can be waxed although some areas are more uncomfortable than others.

Waxing can also be done in the comfort of your own home although this can prove to be quite messy and the home wax strips tend to break the hair rather than pull them from the root.

Waxing can also cause ingrown hairs, bleeding and red bumps. Any red bumps and irritation of the skin should resolve within a few hours. To help prevent ingrown hairs, exfoliation is recommended after the sensitivity of the skin has improved.  If done incorrectly waxing can also cause bruising and burning if the wax being applied is too hot.

Patients taking Isotretonoin, Renova, Differin or Retin-A are advised not to have receive any waxing treatments as these drugs thin the skin and tearing of the skin may occur.

Also waxing should not be carried out if you have varicose veins, diabetes or poor circulation. Any warts, moles, spots, sunburn or broken, irritated skin should be avoided.