So many of my clients come to me because they want to make their sporting lives easier. The range of disciplines it helps has been a surprise to me over the years, from the Mum undertaking a charity long distance walk to the semi professional rugby player. As it’s rare to see an athlete questioned on their hair removal techniques, it can mean that people are unaware of the benefit that it can have and the reasons why.
Runners and cyclists often come to me for the very simple reason that waxing hair, particularly in the intimate area, prevents chafing. The repeated motion of the legs coupled with the abrasive nature of the hair can produce some quite uncomfortable patches, and having completely smooth skin with none of the stubble associated with shaving is an easy and reliable way of preventing this issue.
Cyclists, as well as swimmers also report an increase in performance when hair free, and according to the Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, hairless bodies can save up to 5.7 seconds during a marathon! The natural exfoliation that occurs during the treatment also helps, with the removal of the top layer of dead skin cells the surface of the skin is smoother and sleeker, contributing again to the lack of air or water resistance.
Medical care is not necessarily something we would immediately associate with waxing, however this also come into play when thinking about the benefits of waxing in sports. Wound healing is much safer and faster, with less chance of infection, on hairless skin with oils and creams easier to apply too, not to mention the obvious issues associated with dressings sticking effectively and being removed easily.
Many athletes also undergo regular massage treatments to relax their muscles.This can be especially true for long distance runners or sprinters, and of course the experience is far more relaxing without hairy legs that can get pulled and tweaked, with oils and lotions clogging up in the fuzz!Some marathon runners even stop midway for a quick massage to relieve legs cramps, and this is far more comfortable with long hairs becoming knotted up in the process!
While many athletes to steps to feel as comfortable as possible during their event, this strategy does not have to be restricted to professional athletes or triathletes. Casual runners, cyclists, or occasional swimmers will also benefit from hair removal method and avoid the common discomforts that often go hand in hand with practicing sports with hairy skin.