Hair Removal (Waxing, Sugaring, and Related Methods)
Methods
- Soft (strip) wax: thin layer, removed with a cloth strip against the direction of growth; good for large areas.
- Hard (strip-less) wax: applied thicker, sets on its own, removed against growth; preferred for sensitive areas, brows, bikini, and strong hair.
- Sugaring: water, sugar, and lemon; water-soluble and gentle; applied against the growth and removed with it.
- Tweezing and threading for brows and small areas; depilatories chemically dissolve keratin and require a patch test.
Growth cycle
Anagen (active growth) is the ideal stage to wax; catagen is transitional; telogen is resting. Hair grows roughly 1 cm per month, so clients return every 3–6 weeks with about ¼ inch of growth.
Contraindications
Isotretinoin within the past 6–12 months, topical retinoids, recent chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or laser, sunburn, broken or irritated skin, moles, warts, varicose veins, diabetes (physician clearance), blood thinners, and a history of cold sores near the treatment area.
Technique
Cleanse, powder the area, test wax temperature on your inner wrist, apply in the direction of hair growth, hold skin taut, and remove against the growth in one firm motion. Apply pressure afterward, soothe the skin, and advise no heat, sun, or strong actives for 24 hours.
Traps
- Waxing does not permanently stop hair growth - it temporarily damages the follicle.
- Never wax over a mole, wart, or sunburn.
Rule of thumb: "Grow it out, patch test, apply with the growth, remove against it."