Hair Removal - - How Waxing & Sugaring Works

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Question: Hair Removal -- How Waxing & Sugaring Works

Answer: Waxing is the application of a sticky substance to skin. The resin binds hair to a strip of cloth, which is yanked off (usually in the opposite direction of hair growth). Hair is removed from the roots and will eventually grow back. Sugaring, an alternative to wax, is made up of a mixture of lemon juice, sugar and water. Hair needs to be longish for the waxing to work because the wax needs to bind on the hair in order for it to be yanked out (notice how we refuse to use the tamer word, 'pull'?). The pain factor here is high. But the first time hurts the most. Hair grows in thinner. (We swear). So after a couple times it hurts a bit less. Waxing and sugaring lasts about 2 to 6 weeks and costs $10 U up for upper lips to up to $75 for legs.

How To Wax Your Own Legs

Time to start waxing yourself?

Gary John Norman // Getty Images

In this step-by-step, I show you how to wax your own legs. Waxing your own legs can be tricky and sticky. But do it right and you can save yourself a lot of money at the salon.

I have several friends who wax their own legs and have done so for years. They report it's quite easy and the more you do it, the more you get a hang of it. Also, they SWEAR the hair grows in less over time.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: I hour

Here's How:

1. Ensure hair is long enough to wax. Hair needs to grow out 1/4 inch (the wax needs hair to stick to). If the hair on your legs is too long, you can use an electric hair trimmer (like guys use to get their own buzz cuts).
2. Two days before, exfoliate legs to remove dead skin. Don't do this right before the leg wax, because you run the risk of inflammation.
3. Apply a light amount of baby powder to skin. Baby powder removes oils helping the wax stick better to hair.
4. You'll need a waxing kit that comes with a wooden applicator, strips and wax. You can find good Sugar washes off easier, so you might consider a sugaring kit. You can also shop for good
   

   Heat wax in microwave or by immersing container in warm water (follow the package instructions because methods vary widely).

5. Work in small sections. Apply wax in the direction of hair growth. For proper application hold the stick at a 90-degree angle and apply a smooth, thin layer.
6. Before wax cools, firmly press strip to wax in the direction of hair growth. Smooth the strip with your hand.
7. To remove strip, peel it in the opposite direction of hair growth. Don't pull straight up, it's less painful to keep the strip as close to skin as possible. If the area stings it can help to apply pressure on immediately after the strip removal.
8. Apply a lotion containing salycylic acid to prevent ingrown hairs. Try Bliss ingrown hair eliminating pads
9. To remove excess wax on skin use a body oil. Do not try to remove wax with hot water. Also consider a sugaring kit. Sugar washes off much easier than wax.

Tips:

1. If you're using Retin A Renova or Accutane don't wax that area of the skin. You're much more susceptible to rashes and irritation.
2. Take 2 ibuprofen pills an hour before your treatment to cut down on the pain.

What You Need:

• Wax kit (comes with the spatula, wax and strips)
• Hairy legs
• Post-waxing cream (see Step 8 above for product info)

How To "Brazilian Wax" (Or, What to Expect When You Sign Up to Get One)

Brazilian bikini waxes were introduced to New York in 1987 by seven Brazilian-born sisters and remains a popular hair removal method in the US.

The "Brazilian" differs from a regular bikini wax because hair is removed in the front, back and everything in between. A "landing strip" is typically left in the front, but some clients opt for everything removed.

The "Brazilian" has prompted many below-the-belt beauty trends including "Vajazzling," a temporary crystal tattoo placed in the bikini area ( Vatooing, temporary ink tattoos for the nether regions.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 15-30 minutes

Here's How:

1. Most waxings occur in a private room with a door. You'll be left alone to remove your pants and underwear and you'll be asked to lie on a table with clean paper or sheets. It is possible that you may be provided with a paper thong and you can certainly ask for one.
2. Because you only need 1/4 inch of hair for the wax to grab onto, your waxer may trim pubic hair to the correct length. A general rule of thumb is that hair needs to be a quarter-inch if it's fine, a half-inch if it's coarse, according to Cindy Barshop, owner of Completely Bare spas. Any shorter and it's too hard for the wax to grab onto. You'll be sent home if hair isn't long enough.
3. The waxer will liberally apply talcum powder to the skin. Talcum powder keeps hot wax from sticking to skin.
4. The best waxers are fast, which means less discomfort for you.

   The waxer will dip a wooden waxing stick into a pot of hot wax and then spread it onto your skin and hair. She will then apply a cloth strip over the still-warm wax, pressing firmly so the cloth, hair and wax adhere to one another. When the wax has cooled, she will pull the strip off, in the opposite direction of your hair growth, pulling the hairs out by the root.

   You might request a hard wax, which is thicker and is peeled off when cooled. It can be less painful, according to Barshop.

5. If the waxing is too painful, ask the technician to apply strips to smaller areas at a time.

   Waxing usually starts in the front and moves toward the back. You may be asked to help hold skin taut.

6. Since the Brazilian means everything off except for a "landing strip" in the front, don't be surprised when the technician removes the hair between the buttocks. Yes, for most people, hair grows there. If you want to be completely bare, this is called a "Hollywood" wax.
7. Once the waxing is complete, the waxer will tweeze any stray hairs and she may trim the remaining landing strip, or even create designs (if there are patterns for this, I do not know where they exist). Some women even opt to dye the remaining pubic hair.
8. The waxer will spread soothing lotion over the waxed areas. Apply aloe lotion or a hydrocortisone cream if you develop bumps, redness or ingrown hairs. I hear great things about Bliss ingrown hair eliminating pads:
9. Don't forget to get the name of the waxer so when you make another appointment you can get the same person so you don't have to bare all for another complete stranger (wink). Typically, you'll need to wax every 2 to 4 weeks and the more you do it, the less painful it becomes.

Tips:

1. The procedure, like any waxing, can be very painful at first, but frequent visits usually cut down on the pain factor as does 2 Advil an hour before your procedure. You can also apply a topical anesthetic, such as minutes before the procedure.
2. The downside of a Brazilian wax... while it lasts 3-6 weeks, the hair will grow back -- albeit finer and lighter -- and you'll have to do it again.
3. Another downside... hair has to be a certain length before it can successfully waxed. Hair needs to be a quarter-inch if it's fine, a half-inch if it's coarse.
4. Another down side... you might experience red bumps or ingrown hairs, caused when hairs grow curled under the skin. Avoid ingrown hairs with regular exfoliation and a scrub that contains salicylic or glycolic acid. Treat existing ingrown hairs with an acid-based solution. Good ones include Vaniqa, by prescription. Get rid of burns or rashes with a hydrocortisone cream, which soothese irritation.
5. Book the appointment for at least a week after your period. As for the embarrassment factor -- we like to think getting a Brazilian can't be any more embarrassing than a typical visit to your gynecologist's office. These technicians have seen it all before.

Top 10 home hair colour tips

Top 10 home hair colour tips

Pro tips on thinking inside the home hair-colour box

By Janine Falcon

You just can't beat the convenience and budget advantages of home hair colouring—unless you somehow give yourself green or orange hair and have to run screeching to a salon for a rescue-911. Happily, that's unlikely to happen. Home-colour formulas have improved and the companies who make them have expert online step-by-step and video tips as well as toll-free help lines in place for consumers. To get you started on the road to perfect home hair colour, here's our list of top tips.

1. Think quality and quantity

If you have super-thick or super-long hair, pick up two boxes of hair colour so you have the extra on hand in case you discover halfway through that you don't have enough.

2. Take precautions if you're expecting

"Despite the cautioning, there are expectant mothers out there who just don't want to give up their hair colour," says Christopher Martin, colourist and co-owner at Shagg Salon in Toronto and consultant for Clairol Canada. He advises using an ammonia-free formula, or going with highlights, because highlighting colour doesn't touch the scalp.

3. Know your limits

Want to make a big change? Note that you can't go from brunette to blonde in one step. "A box colour won't significantly lighten previously dyed hair," says Nicole Dupuis, technical manager for L'Oréal Canada. If you do want to make such a change, she adds, "you need a specific lightening kit designed to bleach colour out."

4. Assemble your backup team

If you're uncertain how to proceed, you're starting with very dry or damaged hair, or you're trying something new, call your chosen brand's toll-free help line or hit the related website for tips before you begin. They can help with a myriad of issues, from choosing a hair colour formula to counteracting brassy blond tones.

5. Do your homework

"Read the instructions very carefully," insists Eric Del Monaco, official hair artist and colourist for L'Oréal Paris Canada and stylist at O Sole Salon & Spa in Toronto. Hey, read them twice (they're important!), and follow them faithfully. The package insert will tell you everything you need to know, such as how to do a proper strand test (using the hair at the nape of your neck, Del Monaco emphasizes)—and why you shouldn't skip it!

6. Wash your hair a day or two before

"You need the natural oils on your scalp to protect it," says Dupuis—so let your hair get a little dirty before you dye. "Don't comb or brush vigorously before colouring either," she adds. "You don't want to start with an irritated scalp." If you're a swimmer, use a lot of styling products in your hair or have been colouring for a long time and your hair lacks shine, consider using a clarifying shampoo a couple of times leading up to the week you want to colour.

7. Hydrate extra-dry hair

Dry, brittle hair is more porous than healthy hair and absorbs colour more readily. A strand test is a big must so you know how long it'll take to develop the shade you want, but also consider deep-conditioning hair beforehand. (Yes, you still have to do the strand test on your hair afterward, ideally 48 hours before you plan to colour.)

8. Let your inner neat-freak take control

"Be as tidy as possible," says Del Monaco. "The neater and more orderly you are, the less likely you are to make mistakes, and the better your results will be." Del Monaco also suggests being methodical about the process. For example, make a sketch on paper of the pattern you want for highlights before getting started.

9. Maximize new colour with the right hair care products

Start by not shampooing within 24 hours of colouring; washing immediately will wash out some of the colour, too. Instead, notes Martin, "A lot of my clients like to use the enclosed deep conditioner as a treatment post colour." For the best results, he says, instead of immediately rinsing out the conditioner, wrap your hair in plastic, use your blow-dryer for about five minutes to heat it up (from a safe distance!), then leave your hair wrapped, with the conditioner still on, for another 20 minutes.

And when it comes to daily products, adds Del Monaco, "Take care of your new colour with the right shampoo and conditioner." Use colour-friendly shampoo and conditioner and deep-condition weekly to help lock colour in. To boost fading colour, try colour-enhancing shampoo/conditioner or a rinse-out colour treatment.

10. Know when to think outside the box—that is, hit the salon instead

Although it's possible to handle almost any colour situation at home, sometimes it's more efficient—and effective—to let salon experts take control. Such situations include drastic colour changes, such as going from dark brunette to pale blonde as well as going from pale blonde to brunette (you don't want green hair!); starting with already overprocessed, damaged hair; and fixing dye disasters. Sometimes, peace of mind equals piece of wallet.

If you do go ahead with a DIY dye, after all that effort don't forget to tip your fabulous home colourist—that's you—for a job well done. And yes, let all those compliments go to your head.

Janine Falcon is the founder and editor of , a blog about the best beauty products and how to use them to your advantage.

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First Rule Of Color - Hair Color Is Not Hair Paint

First Rule Of Color - Hair Color Is Not Hair Paint

Color, as we perceive it, is actually the reflection of light off of the colored pigments in the hair shaft. This "reflection of light" is what we see as "color".

The shade of color is made up of the different combinations of reflections of light off of the colored pigments.

This is why hair color appears different under fluorescent lights than in natural sunlight - whether it is color from nature or from a bottle.

Levels: What They Are And How They Impact Hair Color

Levels are the degree of "lightness or darkness" of a color that is "reflected or seen" by the eye. Hair color is assigned a Level 'number' from1 to 10 with 1 being black and 10 lightest blonde.

Hairs colors options are wide and various for black people. The goal is not only to have beautiful color, but to have pretty hair.

Hairs colors options are wide and various for black people. The goal is not only to have beautiful color, but to have pretty hair.

Today, more than ever, African-American women have plenty of options when it comes to . Many options are temporary, and some are permanent. Some are harmless, and some are potentially dangerous. is an option that can offer radiance and beauty as well as irreversible damage.African-American women have many considerations when using hair color. Since many African-American women also chemically straighten or curl their hair, they are layering one chemical alteration on top of another. Relaxers and permanents use chemicals that breakdown the protein bond in the hair shaft. This break down leaves the shaft in a vulnerable state. It requires extra maintenance to restore moisture and suppleness that has been loss. When a woman then applies a , it is possibly robbing the hair of more moisture.

Many hair colors on the market contain ammonia and hydrogen peroxide in their base. Hydrogen peroxide is used as a bleaching agent, and is extremely drying. This can lead to dry, brittle hair that breaks off. At best, if it does not break off it will become dry, and take on the texture of straw. Because of the dryness, there will be dullness to the hair color. Care must also be taken when deciding the timetable of applying hair color. One should not apply a relaxer and hair color on the same day. The hair will be too vulnerable from one application to withstand the chemicals of another. Relaxing and coloring should be done at least two weeks apart. It is preferable to relax the hair first, and then follow up with the coloring. The reason is that the sodium and calcium hydroxide found in relaxers tend to subtly strip the hair of color during the relaxing process. If one color's first, and then relaxes, the chances of having a lighter color than desired is increased. Pre treatments are beneficial when coloring the hair. Washing the hair with a protein only (no shampoo) helps build additional bonds and strength within the hair shaft. Immediately following a coloring service, a deep conditioner should be applied to restore moisture that is lost.

Not all color options are as dangerous as permanent color. There are rinses that do not contain ammonia or peroxide, yet provide effective hair color. But rinses are more of a coating, than a penetrating color. Thus an African-American woman with dark hair cannot get a lighter color than her Rinses limit you to your own natural shade range. Also, rinses are semi-permanent, thus they will fade more and more with each consecutive wash. The advantage of a rinse is, because it does not penetrate the shaft, it may be applied immediately following a relaxer treatment.Another safe and semi-permanent color option is henna. Henna is a natural dye that is plant derived. It contains no peroxide or ammonia, and like a rinse it the shaft, more than penetrates it. Henna is available in limited colors. The most popular colors are black, indigo and clay red. Henna, like a rinse may be applied to the hair immediately after a relaxer, without adverse affects.

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Hair color options are wide and various for African-Americans. Being cautious to coordinate this service with other chemical services is the key to strong, healthy hair. There are permanent hair color products without ammonia and peroxide bases. These are the safest for Afro hair type. Even safer, are semi-permanent options such as rinses and henna. The goal is not only to have beautiful color, but to have too.

Cover or Enhance Grey

Cover or Enhance Grey

To get yellow out of gray hair use a highlighting shampoo with a cool base color like blue or violet. These colors minimize that brassy, yellow look. Look for shampoos that contain vegetable dyes.

Potatoes: Boil potato peels in water, strain, and cool. Use the strained water as an after-shampoo rinse to darken grey hair.

Sage covers the grey when used consistently over a period of time. Simmer 1/2 cup dried sage in 2 cups of water for 30 minutes. Steep for 2-3 hours. Strain, use as rinse on clean hair. Leave on until hair has dried, then rinse out.

Mix 1 oz. sage, 1oz. rosemary and 1 pint of water. Simmer for 30 minutes and strain. Massage into the scalp and grey hair.

Mix 1 tablespoon of apple-cider vinegar with one gallon of warm water, use as final rinse.

Use an infusion of hollyhock (blue-purple flowers) to remove the yellow cast from grey hair.

Use betony as a rinse to cover yellow in grey hair.

Tips for Natural Hair Coloring

Tips for Natural Hair Coloring, Natural Dark Hair Color, Natural Red Hair Color, Cover or Enhance Grey.

Tips for Natural Hair Coloring Do you want to add highlights to your hair without using all those damaging chemicals? Here are some fabulous hair coloring tips to add just a bit of color without ruining the condition of your hair.

To bring out highlights and lighten blonde hair, steep 1/2 cup of chamomile tea in one quart of boiling water. Strain and cool slightly. Shampoo hair until oil free, and then rinse with the tea infusion. Marigold gives golden highlights to light hair and brings out red and gold highlights in light brown and red hair. Saffron, turmeric, calendula, mullein, privet and yellow broom in addition to any yellow blossomed herb or flower also add color and highlights for blondes. Rinse hair with a solution of 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to one gallon of water after shampooing. To restore hair that was once blonde, mix 10 grams of licorice root with 10 grams of oat straw, add a pinch of saffron. Cover with water and boil to make an infusion. Strain and use a s a rinse after shampooing. It should be allowed to soak into the hair and not rinsed out. Add 4 tablespoons of chopped rhubarb to 3 cups of hot water, simmer for 15 minutes. Strain, cool, and then use as a rinse after shampooing.