挽 wăn 面 mìan －The Art of Hair Removal

Facial or bodily hair is not the exclusive problems of the western women.  We women in the east share the empathy to this embarrassing little obstacle to our mutual pursuit of the impeccable fairness.  Instead of razor blades, foaming hair removal gel and all the novelties can be found and purchased in the market, we - as women in the east - has one other privilege granted by our ancestor: the traditional art of 挽wăn面mìan.

挽wăn面mìan is also pronounced as挽män 面mìn in the Taiwanese tone.  The reason why I include the Taiwanese tone here is that this pronunciation is closer to what this craftwork is amount.  挽wăn in Taiwanese tone pronounces as män, refers to 'pluck'.  面mìan or mìn both refers to the 'face'.  To pluck the face simply refers to "pluck the hair(s) on the face".

How does this work?  First of all, this is done by trained specialists so don't think you can self-taught into it.  As the ever-famous quote suggests: "Don't Do This At Home".

The specialist first will apply a thin layer of special scented ointment on the face.  Then they will use a string of fine cotton thread to gently 'yank' the facial hairs.  This not only works on the face; in modern days, the act can also be applied in removing the other parts of the bodily hairs - be it calves, arms, armpits, etc.  Though I really don't recommend to have this one done in the very sensitive area such as the bikini line hair removal.  Won't go into detail, it's too personal even for me, but when you get a chance to try this for yourself, you'll understand.

Painful as it may sound, I actually really enjoy the process.  Sure it stings a little when the very fine hairs are plucked, but it has a special sensation to it.  In the old days, women only received such a treatment before their wedding day.  And this procedure was normally done by mother or the elder ladies in the family.  As the sting of cotton thread slides through the face, the love and blessing blended in.  The process not only removes the hair but also has exfoliating effect, which would leave the skin clean and smooth.  The process is actually, thus, very enjoyable.

As people picking up their nostalgia towards the good old days, 挽wăn面mìan stands can been seen either in the famous night markets or on the streets of the older districts.  Spend a little time to experience this ancient grooming treatment.  You just might like it.