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The Different Types Of Wax: unveiling the varieties, and choosing the best option for your skin.

What is waxing?

To start off, let me briefly explain what waxing is and how it really works.

Waxing is a hair removal method that involves applying a warm or cold wax to the skin, which adheres to the hair. When pulling off the wax, it actively removes the hair from the root, leaving the hair follicle empty, resulting in smooth hair and skin free from visible hair for a certain amount of time until it regrows.

Types of wax in the industry

Not all wax types are the same, nor are they all equipped to work on the same skin type and hair type. Understanding the wax options in the industry and who they are most suited to, is key to achieving optimal results.

Cold Wax: also known “strip wax”, is an ‘all-rounder’ wax, suitable or large and small areas on the body. It involves applying wax onto the area with a spatula, and then removing it with a fabric strip or paper strip. This versatile wax is commonly used on larger areas of the body, such as the legs, arms, or back. It has a strong adherence to the hair, making it suitable for fine or course hair alike.
Hard Wax, also referred to as “hot wax,” differs from cold wax in that it hardens as it cools and requires manual removal by hand, using the patch of wax itself to peel off the skin, rather than being removed with strips. Hard wax is gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation, making it ideal for sensitive areas like the face, bikini line, and underarms.
Sugaring: Sugaring is a natural alternative to traditional waxing, and believe it or not, all it involves is sugar, lemon juice and waxing to make. Sugaring, similar to hot wax, doesn’t require a wax strip for its removal from the skin. Sugaring is gentle on the skin and less painful than traditional waxing, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
Cartridge Wax: This is essentially the same as cold wax, with the key distinction being its utilization of pre-loaded wax cartridges for convenient application. It’s specifically designed to fit into a handheld device, streamlining the process and reducing messiness for the therapist. Like cold wax, it’s ideal for larger body areas such as the legs, arms, and back.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of wax that are available is important, because it can help you better know which one suits your skin, and how you can reap the best results from it. If you are somebody that has very sensitive skin, you would probably do well with hard or hot wax, whereas, if your skin is resilient and your hairs are tough, strip wax would remove the hair from your body effectively. Don’t be afraid to request a certain type of wax that you know will suit your skin type best!

Vitamin C: Why The Skin Needs It

Welcome readers, to Vitamin C (and no, I’m not talking about that delicious smoothie from your local juicer) I’m talking about the powerhouse topical skincare ingredient, professionally known as L-ascorbic Acid.

As an acne sufferer my whole life, you can image the amount of ingredients I’ve gone through to help reduce the scarring, redness, and oiliness on my skin. Without a doubt, vitamin C is a constant, and one of my favorites in my routine. So, what exactly makes Vitamin C as great as I say? Let’s get straight into it!

BENEFITS OF VITAMIN C

Protection Against Free Radicals

“Free rad-What does that even mean?” Unfortunately, environmental stressors, such as UV radiation (sunlight) and pollution can damage our skin. These stressors generate little troublemakers, called Free Radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage our perfectly healthy cells, contributing to premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and dullness. So then, how do we stop this? – enter Vitamin C – a powerful antioxidant that fights off these free radicals and stops them from damaging the skin.

Brightens The Skin’s Complexion

Melanin, the pigment responsible for giving our skin its color, can sometimes work overtime and create too much pigment, resulting in hyperpigmentation on the skin. Believe it or not, Vitamin C works directly with the cells that produce melanin and aim to put a stop to this process. By reducing melanin production, the skins complexion is improved, revealing a more radiant, healthier looking skin.

Stimulates Collagen Production

Collagen is what keeps our skin looking young. But as we get older, our bodies make less of it, resulting in skin that looks saggy or wrinkled. Luckily, with regular use, vitamin c actually tells the skin to make more collagen, helping maintain the skins elasticity and firmness.

Protects Against UV Damage

While sunscreen will always be the main defense against sunlight, vitamin C acts as a supportive buddy. When used in conjunction with a sunscreen, Vitamin C enhances the protection against UVB Rays, which causing burning to the skin. So, incorporating Vitamin C into your morning routine will maximize the protection against the sun, keeping the skin healthy and strong.

Reduces Inflammation & Redness.

Regular use of Vitamin C can help calm redness, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Whether you’re like myself and battle with post-acne flare ups, or you have sensitivity from the sun, Vitamin C will work with your skin to promote healing and repair.

HOW TO USE IT IN YOUR ROUTINE

Serums: apply a few drops in the morning, onto clean, dry skin. Don’t forget to use SPF after.
Moisturizers: look for moisturizers with a Vitamin C infusion, or ones with an “added brightening boost”. This can be used morning and night.
Masks: treat yourself weekly to a Vitamin C mask, whereby you leave it on for 10-15 minutes before washing it off.

In conclusion, not only does Vitamin C taste great, but it has a powerful effect on our skin. It fights off free radicals, improves the youthfulness of the skin and keeps our skin looking even, healthy and glowing!

Salon Sanitization: Protecting yourself & your clients.

Studies have shown that high-touch surfaces in public settings, including those found in beauty salons, can harbor significant amounts of bacteria and viruses. For example, one study found that common salon tools such as nail files, foot files, and buffers can harbor bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa if not properly sanitized between uses.

Similarly, viruses such as the influenza virus and rhinovirus can survive on surfaces for varying lengths of time, depending on factors such as humidity and temperature. This means that surfaces in beauty salons can potentially harbor viruses if not adequately cleaned and disinfected.

This is the scary reality of working in a space that has many people coming in and out. We never know what sort of hygiene practices someone has so it becomes empirical to have proper sanitization practices to run and maintain a beauty salon.

Here is a list of Sanitization practices you should have in your beauty business.

Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect all surfaces that come into contact with clients and staff, including countertops, chairs, tables, and door handles.
Sanitize Tools and Equipment: Disinfect all tools and equipment used between clients, including scissors, combs, brushes, nail clippers, and tweezers. Use EPA-approved disinfectants or implement an autoclave or UV sterilizer for certain tools.
Wash Hands Frequently: Encourage staff to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before and after each client interaction, after handling money, and after using the restroom.
Provide Hand Sanitizer: Make hand sanitizer readily available for both clients and staff to use throughout the salon.
Use Disposable Items When Possible: Whenever feasible, use disposable items such as disposable gloves, towels, and capes to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Clean Towels and Linens: Launder towels, capes, and linens using hot water and detergent after each use. Store clean linens in a clean, dry area away from potential contamination.
Maintain Clean Floors: Regularly sweep and mop floors to remove hair, dust, and debris. Pay special attention to areas where hair clippings tend to accumulate.
Sterilize Multi-Use Tools: For tools that cannot be disposed of or adequately disinfected with chemical solutions, such as metal implements, use methods like autoclaving or UV sterilization to ensure they are free from pathogens.
Regularly Clean and Disinfect Foot Spas: If your salon offers pedicure services, ensure that foot spas are cleaned and disinfected between each use according to manufacturer guidelines.
Educate Staff on Sanitization Protocols: Provide training to staff on proper sanitization procedures and ensure they understand the importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment.

By implementing these sanitization practices consistently, beauty salons can help protect the health and safety of both clients and staff while maintaining a professional and reputable establishment.

Gravity-Defying Facts: Why Waxing Won’t Make You Sag.

Kia Ora, welcome to this week’s blog!

As a seasoned waxing specialist, I’ve heard all sorts of misconceptions about waxing over the years. One of the most persistent myths? One word, three letters – SAG.

The Myth:

“I don’t like to wax because it makes my skin sag.” Ah, the infamous belief that waxing leads to skin sagging. It’s a misconception I’ve encountered time and time again, and let me tell you, it’s time to set the record straight.

The Truth

Let’s debunk this myth once and for all. There’s simply no scientific evidence to support the claim that waxing causes skin sagging. In fact, waxing can actually have some surprising benefits for your skin.

The Benefits

Stimulates Collagen Production: Say hello to firmer, more elastic skin! Waxing removes hair from the root, which can stimulate collagen production. And as we all know, collagen is key to maintaining youthful-looking skin.
Exfoliates the Skin: Who doesn’t love a good exfoliation session? Waxing doubles as a form of exfoliation, helping to slough away dead skin cells and reveal fresh, radiant skin underneath. It’s like hitting the reset button for your complexion.

The Tips

Now that we’ve debunked the myth, you might be wondering how to ensure a smooth waxing experience without any skin pulling. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Choose a Skilled Wax Specialist: This is extremely important, and I cannot stress it enough. Believe it or not, waxing is not as easy as it looks, and it involves skill. A well-trained specialist knows the ins and outs of proper waxing techniques, minimizing discomfort and reducing the risk of skin pulling.
Use Quality Waxing Products: Quality matters when it comes to waxing products. Look for formulations that contain skin-soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile to minimize irritation and discomfort.
Communicate Your Concerns: Last but not least, don’t be afraid to speak up! Your wax specialist is there to ensure a comfortable experience, so don’t hesitate to communicate any concerns you may have. They can adjust their technique and use gentle, controlled movements during the waxing process to minimize pulling as much as possible.

The Conclusion

And there you have it, folks! The truth about waxing and skin sagging, straight from the mouth of a seasoned waxing specialist. Remember, don’t let myths hold you back from enjoying the many benefits of waxing. With the right approach and a skilled professional by your side, you can achieve smooth, radiant skin without any sagging in sight.

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