There's no denying that eyebrows play a significant role in framing your face. After all, they are one of the most visible features on your face. Not everyone is blessed with perfectly shaped brows, but that doesn't mean you have to live without one. Waxing can help you achieve your ideal shape- whether you want to be a thick eyebrow queen like Lily Collins or enjoy the Y2K revival of thin brows like Christina Aguilera.
Eyebrow waxing is a simple, painless process that can leave your eyebrows looking great for weeks. But if you're new to the practice, the process can seem a bit daunting. Let's dive into it, to see what brow waxing is all about.
What is Eyebrow Waxing?
The process involves applying a thin layer of warm wax to the eyebrow area, then placing a paper strip over the top of the wax. The wax solidifies and traps the individual hairs in the strip. Gentle pressure is applied to the strip, and then it is swiftly pulled away, removing the hairs directly from the root.
You can try out different types of waxes for brow waxing, but soft wax is the best option. Soft wax is gentler on the skin and less likely to irritate it. It adheres to the hair better and Softens the hair follicles, so there are fewer chances of missing any stray hairs.
Also, it's no secret that eyebrow waxing can be a bit of a rip-off if you do it yourself. Eyebrows are hard to get right, and if you're not an expert, it's easy to mess up. You don't have to give up on getting the perfect brows, though! You need to find an expert who knows what they're doing.
Benefits of Eyebrow Waxing
Why you should consider brow waxing vs. some other methods, such as threading or plucking:
- Brow waxing is fast. It only takes about 10-20 minutes for each session. You can go in for your appointment, get your eyebrows done, and be on your way—it's that simple!
- You don't have to think about accidentally pulling out too much hair or hurting yourself while plucking or threading. Usually, waxing lasts longer.
- You can get rid of all types of hairs, including those that are hard to see, like baby hairs and peach fuzz.
- Waxing is less irritating than threading or tweezing.
- Waxing can remove all the hair from your brows at once, which isn't possible with threading or plucking.
Potential Risks of Eyebrow Waxing
The potential risks of eyebrow waxing are relatively minor. Still, it's essential to know about them before going ahead with the procedure.
- Irritation or redness in the area where you had your eyebrows waxed. This is usually temporary and will go away after a couple of days.
- Bleeding from the follicles where your hair grows out.
- Waxing can cause inflammation and even infection if the area is not adequately cleaned before and after the treatment.
- Some people are allergic to the ingredients in eyebrow wax, which can lead to redness, allergy, and swelling.
- Darkening and lightening of the skin around the eyebrow area is a common side effect of eyebrow waxing.
What to Expect Before Brow Waxing?
The first step in brow waxing is a consultation with your expert. They will ask questions about how you want your brows to look and what shape would work best on your face. For instance, if you have an oval-shaped or angular face, they may suggest a softer, more natural look. If you have a round face, they may recommend an angular shape that will elongate it. If you have an oval-shaped or angular face, your expert may suggest a softer, more natural look. Your esthetician will also discuss the tools they will use during the procedure and any aftercare advice they might have tailored specifically to your skin type.
The Waxing Process
After the consultation, it's time for the actual waxing process! The first step in eyebrow waxing is to trim the hairs to be waxed with a pair of scissors. Then the area to be waxed will be cleaned and prepared with an antiseptic solution.
After that, the technician will apply hot wax in a thin layer over the selected area. When it's time for your hair to come off, they'll use paper strips to gently pull away your unwanted hair at its base—leaving behind smooth skin and a perfect shape!
Your waxing specialist should be wearing gloves while doing your brows. This helps prevent any cross-contamination and keeps everything sanitary.
Brow Waxing Aftercare
Aftercare is pretty simple. Follow these steps, and you'll be good to go!
- Use a gentle cleanser to remove any wax residue left from the waxing process.
- Avoid using products with strong fragrances or exfoliants, as these can irritate the skin around your brows.
- Your skin needs time to recover after waxing, so don't put makeup on it for at least 24 hours. If you need to cover up redness or irritation, try using a light moisturizer or tinted sunscreen instead of foundation or powder.
- Always use sunscreen when going outside—even if it's cloudy! The sun's rays can still damage the skin around your brows even when they aren't exposed directly to the sun, so be sure to apply SPF 30+ every day and reapply often.
- You can apply cold compress on your brows after waxing them. This will help keep them from feeling too hot or itchy.
- Use Brow conditioning Oil to keep your brows looking and feeling great!
How Often Do My Eyebrows Need to Get Waxed?
It is hard to say how often you should have your eyebrows waxed, but most people generally go every four to six weeks. If you have thick or fast-growing eyebrows, you may need to go in a week or two.
Conversely, if your eyebrows are thinner or grow more slowly, you may be able to stretch out the intervals up to 8 weeks between waxes. It's up to you and your hair growth to decide how often to get your eyebrows waxed based on your personal preferences and needs.
The Cost of Brow Waxing
The cost of eyebrow waxing varies depending on where you go and what kind of service you get. You can expect to pay $20 or more for brow waxing in a salon.
If you don't know any eyebrow artists personally or have never had one work on your brows before, consider researching before booking someone for an event. You want to ensure that the person is skilled at their craft and can give you precisely what you're looking for!
FAQs
Does Eyebrow Waxing Hurt?
It can hurt, but the pain isn't unbearable. Many people find that they can tolerate it better than threading or tweezing.
How Long Does Eyebrow Waxing Last?
The effects of eyebrow waxing will last anywhere from four to eight weeks. If you have particularly thick or unruly brows, you may need to wax them more often.
Does Eyebrow Waxing Cause Drooping Eyelids?
No, waxing doesn't have any effect on the eyelid whatsoever. The two are entirely separate parts of your face. So if you're worried about drooping eyelids after getting your eyebrows waxed, don't be.
Does Eyebrow Waxing Cause Wrinkles?
Nope, just like drooping eyelids, wrinkles are not caused by eyebrows; they are caused by aging and sun damage