One of the few things in life that can always be relied upon is the appearance of unwanted body hair. It’s a natural part of being human, but that doesn’t mean it’s always a welcome sight. Many people use various methods of hair removal, as success varies from person to person depending on their budget, lifestyle, and at what rate their hair grows.
Below are a few different techniques estheticians can use to treat a case of stubborn body hair.
Studying Soft and Hard Waxing in the Esthetician Program
Hair removal is not as simple as it may seem, and requires technical skill in order for everything to go smoothly. The most popular method apart from shaving is waxing, which involves the application of warm wax on a selected area which is then removed, pulling the hair out from the root.
Waxing is a popular and effective form of hair removal
Students enrolled in an esthetician program will soon learn that there are in fact two methods of waxing: soft wax and hard wax. Soft wax is applied after it’s warmed, and then covered by a strip of fabric or paper before it’s pulled off, drawing out hair and dead skin. By contrast, hard wax is allowed to cool and harden, lifting the hair off the skin.
Both methods differ according to the area they are applied to. Soft wax tends to be better for large areas such as the legs, back, and arms, while hard wax should be used in places with more sensitive skin such as the bikini area, upper lip, and face.
Electrolysis, Thermolysis, and Laser Techniques
Developments in technology have also served to not only help estheticians rid their clients of hair, but keep it from growing back as well. Rather than offering a temporary solution such as shaving or waxing, the use of lasers provides more permanent results. A concentrated beam of light targets hair where it originates at the follicle, thus ensuring its full elimination.
Lasers both remove unwanted body hair and can inhibit new growth
Electrolysis is another form of hair removal that involves thermolysis, which breaks down hair at the molecule by using heat. As the name suggests, the process involves low-level electric energy which inserts directly into the hair wherever the current is applied. The process often takes more than one session to complete, but gives clients a longer period of smoother skin. Students who have earned their esthetician diploma will be trained to use these tools safely and responsibly to ensure the client’s full comfort.
Threading Your Way Through a Career in Esthetics
Threading is an ancient and efficient way of removing unwanted hair, and it involves using a twisted strand of thread to pull hair out. It is a method similar to tweezing, and pulls the hair out of the follicle.
This does not destroy the hair as lasers or electrolysis do, but simply removes it, meaning it will reappear with time. Due to the fact that it does not cause trauma to the skin, it is a recommended technique if the client is unable to use wax or electrolysis.
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