Waxing is a method of semi-permanent hair removal which removes the hair from the root. New hairs will not grow back in the previously waxed area for two to eight weeks. Almost any area of the body can be waxed, including eyebrows, face, bikini area, legs, arms, back, abdomen and feet. There are many types of waxing suitable for removing unwanted hair. Paraffin is a waxy substance made from distilling a complex mixture of decomposed organic matter. Both decomposed plant and animal materials can be used to make paraffin although it can also be derived from certain types of stones and other elements (alkane series hydrocarbons) like coal, petroleum (crude) and shale oil. Once reduced, paraffin has a translucent, nearly colorless quality, and it is almost odor free. It has a somewhat greasy texture and it is not water soluble.