My First STRIP : Ministry of Waxing Experience
Hi! I’m back with another beauty review experience which would hopefully be as helpful as my First Belo experience blog years ago. This time, I tried one of the most trusted waxing salon in Asia since 2002,STRIP : Ministry of Waxing and I’ll be sharing my experience alongside some helpful information about waxing. I also included STRIP's history as to why their trusted, history of waxing, what is waxing, different types of wax and the difference of waxing, threading and sugaring which are used interchangeably sometimes.
When did STRIP Ministry of Waxing start?
STRIP: Ministry of Waxing was born in Singapore since 2002 and at a time when the local wax culture was, shall we say, medieval. We’re talking dodgy waxing studios dishing out unhygienic and painful waxes that left you unable to walk in a straight line. But our founder Cynthia Chua, the original smooth operator, believed that there was a place for body culture that’s practiced safely, hygienically and painlessly. So, she set about seeding the beginnings of a wax revolution.
Selflessly, she trialed and tested new techniques and experimented with new waxes. Eventually, she created a brand new set of Brazilian waxing techniques that was significantly less painful and embarrassing. She made waxing elegant.
From their boutiques in Shanghai to Bangkok, our pioneering HSQ mantra, symbolizes our devotion to the Holy Trinity of Waxing: Hygiene, Speed and Quality.
So fanatical are we that STRIP was the first salon to introduce the ‘No Double Dipping’ commandment. Their Hygiene Pack is just as legendary – each customer receives a new individually sealed pouch containing disposable waxing or semi-permanent hair removal equipment (including gloves, face masks, pH balance wet wipes and spatulas).
STRIP are particularly famous for our menu of secret-recipe lotions that treat waxed areas with an unrivalled tenderness as well as amazing post-wax products. In particular, our Ingrown Hair Cream, an emollient cream that wards off nasty ingrown hairs; and Ice Cream, a calming, moisturizing and protective post-hair removal cream.
And best of all, their team of super-nimble Waxperts can scythe through any errant bush in a record-breaking 30 minutes!
Today, STRIP: Ministry of Waxing has a hairless presence in 12 major capital cities from Singapore, Shanghai, to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Jakarta, Manila, Davao, Bangkok, Phuket, Mumbai and Vietnam.
What is Waxing?
Waxing is a semi-permanent hair removal procedure. Hair is extracted from the root during the procedure, and the growth of new hair takes three to eight weeks. In contrast to other methods of hair removal like threading and sugaring, waxing is a non-invasive procedure that may be performed on nearly any part of the body, including the arms, legs, back, face, brow, abdomen, bikini area, and feet.
History of Waxing
Encyclopedia of Hair reports that bronze razors dating back to 3,000 BC have been discovered in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Debby Herbenick, the author of Read My Lips, notes that paintings from the 1500s sometimes depict ladies with little to no pubic hair. In the meantime, women with flawless tiny triangles were shown in Egyptian art.
Having pubic hair was viewed as "uncivilized" in ancient Greece. Yes, we have all seen those statues of Greeks that appear to be hairless. Some women have tried to imitate this style by plucking or singeing off all of their pubic hair. According to archaeologists, Samoans used pointed seashells to scrape the hair from their skin in order to remove underarm hair. Another Middle Eastern procedure known as "sugaring" involved using boiled sugar and lemon to remove body hair, which may have been the first wax ever used.
Waxing vs. Sugaring vs. Threading
Waxing
Due to its long-term efficacy and ease of use, this is the most popular method of hair removal. A lot of individuals choose waxing to avoid ingrown hairs, which are often caused by frequent shaving, especially in regions that are difficult to reach. Additionally, waxing is known to last for quite a while, making it the ideal choice just before vacation.
The procedure does have a drawback, though, in that it hurts every time. Despite having a highly skilled professional who understands what they're doing, you are ultimately yanking the hair out of their roots. It's possible that this won't always be a problem because some people have stronger pain thresholds than others.
Moreover, the wax used sticks to the skin, causing discomfort and irritation long after the procedure is over. Not to add that ingrown hairs are a known side effect. Additionally, even though it's advised to wait 4-5 weeks between sessions for the greatest outcomes, this can be problematic if you have an event to prepare for in just two weeks following your most recent session.
Sugaring
For long-term hair removal, sugaring is a less painful and more natural alternative to waxing. Because all that's needed for the formulation is sugar, lemon juice, and water, this is a more gentler option that won't burn your skin. It doesn't stick to the skin like waxing does, and it even exfoliates your skin softly, leaving it smooth and radiant. You may be confident that you'll still look fantastic for the next several weeks because the procedure isn't any messier than waxing and lasts for roughly six weeks.
One drawback of the technique is that, unlike waxing, it doesn't result in finer and sparser hair regrowth over time, even though it does cause less and less hair growth overall. Additionally, it takes a little longer than waxing, so people who lead fast-paced lives may not always find it suitable.
In particular, hair that has been shaved in between treatments cannot be removed using this approach. This implies that if you are serious about sugaring, you must be willing to have some facial hair before your next session.
Threading
Unlike sugaring and waxing, threading works best on the face. The technique usually causes the hair to grow back more slowly than waxing and enables for fine contouring of the face's minor contours, such as the upper lip and brows. The greatest part is that it usually just takes minutes, so you can finish up in time for your errands or brunch with friends.
The primary drawback is that it hurts a little, which is frequently a turnoff for those with delicate skin or low pain sensitivities. Additionally, unless you have a few hours to spare and can tolerate the pain in some of your more sensitive areas, it cannot be utilized throughout the entire body.
The best hair removal method ultimately depends on you and how comfortable you are.
Benefits of Waxing
- Compared to shaving or using hair removal products, waxing has longer lasting results.
- Waxing has a tendency to cause sparser and thinner hair growth over time
- Comparing waxing to other hair removal techniques, waxing may cause less skin irritation.
- Frequent waxing can help the skin feel softer and smoother by exfoliating it.
- Nearly every body part, including the face, legs, bikini area, and underarms, can be waxed.
- Most waxing sessions run 15 to 30 minutes, and it's a rather quick and simple process.
- Waxing lowers the chance of infection because it doesn't result in cuts or nicks like shaving does.
- Ingrown hairs are ugly and uncomfortable, but waxing can help prevent them.
- Instead of using disposable razors or cartridges, waxing is a more environmentally beneficial choice.
- Finally, since you won't need to wax as regularly as you would need to shave, waxing can ultimately save you time and money.
Different Types of Wax
Warm Soft Wax
Strip wax is applied with soft, heated wax that has a cream or resin foundation. A tiny coating is applied to the skin after it has been gently warmed. The hairs are eliminated when a cloth strip is applied and removed. For covering bigger areas like the arms and legs, spreadable wax is frequently employed. Soft wax works incredibly well at capturing even the smallest hairs, but it also adheres to skin, so use it sparingly to prevent skin irritation.
Warm Hard Wax
Hard wax works well for both fine, thin hair and places with thicker hair. After being applied warm, the wax solidifies as it cools. Because it functions as the strip itself when solidified, it is often referred to as strip-free wax. Usually, the skin is washed before applying a little amount of pre-epilation oil to protect it from the wax. Shays says that once the wax has warmed up enough to spread, it "hardens to a flexible material that is pulled off by a 'lip' created by the provider."
Cold Soft Wax
Generally, cold, soft wax is available in jar or pre-made waxing strip form. To apply the ones that come in a jar or pot directly onto the skin, all you need is a craft stick to scoop it out.
The benefit of this kind of wax is that it doesn't burn your skin, which is one drawback of using hard wax. However, because it sticks to the skin, it might be difficult to apply a uniform layer and irritate sensitive areas if you apply it repeatedly.
Premade Wax Strips
The proper amount of cold soft wax is already bonded to pre-made wax strips, making them ready to use without the need for heating. This approach is the easiest to use and least messy; because there is no risk of applying too much product, it is ideal for novices.
While it's not necessary, it's advised to "heat" up the wax strips by rubbing them between your palms to increase their adhesion to the hair. It can also be required to take this step in order to separate the wax strips from one another.
Cold strips are by far the most convenient alternative for traveling, requiring the least amount of preparation and having fewer moving parts throughout the entire operation. Just like with any other cold wax, there's no chance of skin burns. Because pre-made strips aren't spreadable like heated wax, experts advises utilizing them for limited areas.
Fruit Wax
Fruit wax is uncommon, but because of its naturally moisturizing and exfoliating qualities, it actually provides a ton of skincare benefits. Fruit extracts from plum, papaya, and strawberry are rich with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Exfoliating fruit enzymes gently remove rough texture. Fruit waxes are practically skincare because of their various advantages.
Fruit wax is included in the hard wax category, so after application, a strip is not required to remove it. Furthermore, even extremely sensitive skin can safely use it. (Just in case, we still advise performing a patch test.)
Sugar Wax
Originating in the Middle East, sugar wax is among the earliest known waxing techniques. With just sugar, lemon, and hot water as the main ingredients, it's also one of the healthiest and most straightforward recipes. Sugaring is not a wax: It is a form of depilatory but doesn’t have the same base. Whether or not it is technically a wax, there's a reason this hair removal technique has been used for generations.
Compared to other waxes, it is quite delicate, making it perfect for skin that is reactive and sensitive. Because sugar wax clings to hairs without adhering to the skin, it functions similarly to hard wax. With this kind of solution, you may go over an area more than once without being irritated like you would with soft wax. Sugar wax comes in two forms: a soft wax that may be applied with strips, or a sticky ball that is applied with the fingers. Sugaring can remove hair from large or tiny parts of the body because it is so easily movable; nonetheless, it works best on fine to medium hair types.
Sugar wax dissolves easily in water, unlike hard or soft wax based on resin, making cleanup considerably simpler. Because the cream won't become stuck in open hair follicles and prevent hair regeneration, there are also less ingrown hairs as a result.
Chocolate Wax
Chocolate wax is regarded as one of the least painful varieties and is gentle on the skin. Almond oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, glycerin, vitamin E, and other minerals are among the calming and nourishing ingredients that make it moisturizing and full of nutrients. In addition to serving as an emollient in the wax, cocoa is high in antioxidants. Its anti-inflammatory qualities, derived from the almond oil, are much valued when hair follicles are being severed.
Chocolate wax is always applied warm, regardless of how soft or hard it is. It is unlikely to fire because of its low melting point. Although the opulent experience is expensive, many people find that the radiant complexion and spa-like enjoyment are well worth the cost.
The pleasant experience starts as soon as you book your session. I inquired if the date I want is free and indicated what service I want to avail and they told me yes so I booked that day. They also reminded me hours before my session that I have a scheduled appointment with them which can be very helpful for busy people who tend to forget.
The place in Abreeza branch is clean, quiet and cozy.First, the staff greets you and gives you a form where they have a couple of basic questions about yourself and are there certain specific questions about the kind of skincare you're using. Then they escort you to your assigned room where the magic happens. This waxing salon is on the pricier side but no worries since all the prices are indicated on the screen above the front desk with no hidden charges and they also put some mini posters about appointment etiquette like their cancellation policy, late arrival and non appearances and some reminders.
Miss Trish was the one assigned to me and I must say she's so soft spoken and knowledgeable about their services. Strip uses soft wax for not so sensitive parts of the body like legs and arms and hard wax for sensitive parts of the body like vagina. They have different variants of the hard wax depending on the needs of the customer.
What makes STRIP Ministry of Waxing different?
Unlike other waxing salon I have tried, they have a lot of processes and steps they follow. First they cleanse the part to be waxed, then they wax that part, after they put cleanser again to remove excess wax and use after wax lotion to moisturize your skin then lastly cleanser again to remove the wax lotion. Even though they used cleanser like 3 times it won't leave your skin dry and then they double check if they left some wax before you're done. I informed Miss Trish that I have sensitive skin beforehand so she asked my after every strip if the pain manageable.
I have super sensitive skin and I must admit the procedure was not pain free but Strip Ministry of Waxing made the waxing experience pleasant in a sense that I only experienced minimal pain and my skin was glowing after the session.
Before your session will end,they also remind you of Post Wax Care Guide which you need to follow for the next 24 hours like :
– No hot baths
– No swimming or sunbathing
– No heat or UV treatments like sun beds or saunas
– No tight clothing
– No application of perfumed products including deodorant, antiperspirant, self-tanner or makeup on the treated area
– No scrubbing or rubbing of the treated area (unless you want a bacteria infection)
– No intensive exercise
Do apply Ingrown Hair Cream to prevent & treat ingrown hair, 24 hours after your wax,once a day for 2 weeks.
Do exfoliate every 4 – 7 days, 3 days after your wax
STRIP Ministry of Waxing promises to use fresh towels, disposable gloves and disposable razor cartridges for each treatment.
Aside from Waxing, STRIP offers POWERPAC hair removal which is exclusive to STRIP, Powerpac uses the patented Advanced Fluorescence TechnologyTM, the next generation semi-permanent hair reduction technology, that uses beams of specially filtered light to weaken the hair follicles, causing delayed hair growth and a percentage of hair to not re-grow at all and STRIP ICE which is another laser hair removal that's fuss free, pain free and revolutionary experience for semi-permanent hair removal. STRIP ICE uses beams of specially filtered light to effectively stop hair growth at the root, preventing unwanted fuzz from sprouting back. They call on space-age technology which uses a variety of wavelengths to provide a tailored treatment for each customer.
They also sell some products that you can use after your session.
So if you’re looking for a waxing salon that will definitely change your waxing experience, come to STRIP.
Visit them at STRIP : Ministry of Waxing Davao
2F Abreeza Ayala Business Park, J.P. Laurel Ave Ayala Business Park, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur
M 09176280315
T (082) 333-6794
or book your session on their website at https://strip.yodelle.us/
References :
https://winkandwave.com/hair-removal-treatment/
https://www.cortiva.edu/blog/10-benefits-of-waxing/
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/body-grooming-history
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