Hair Removal Techniques
Hair grows in three phases: anagen (active growth, deepest follicle, the target of permanent methods), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting, then shedding). Vellus hair is fine and unpigmented; terminal hair is coarse and pigmented, and androgens convert vellus to terminal hair at puberty and in some hormonal conditions.
Waxing mechanics
Choose soft wax with fabric strips for larger areas and hard wax, which shrinks and lifts without a strip, for the face and bikini. Warm the wax - never hot - and test it on your inner wrist before it touches the client. Apply a thin, even layer in the direction of hair growth, hold the skin taut, and remove against the growth with a firm, parallel pull. Press the area afterward to reduce discomfort.
Sanitation
Never double-dip. Use a fresh single-use spatula for each application or pour single servings into a disposable cup, then discard. Cover wax pots, never reuse strips, and discard all used materials in a covered container.
Contraindications
Current or recent isotretinoin, topical retinoids, recent AHA use, chemical peels, laser, sunburn, active herpes, moles, warts, varicose veins over the area, keloid history, and thin or fragile skin all argue against waxing. Diabetes, blood thinners, and pregnancy call for caution and often physician clearance.
Aftercare
No sun, heat, sauna, tight clothing, fragrance, or scrubbing for 24 to 48 hours. Recommend gentle exfoliation after that window to prevent ingrown hairs.
Scope and traps
Threading and sugaring are alternatives; sugaring is water soluble and adheres less to live skin. Electrolysis and laser are outside the esthetician scope. The classic trap is re-dipping the spatula after it touched skin.