Hair Removal (Waxing, Sugaring, and Threading)
Hair removal questions cover waxing, sugaring, and threading, hair growth cycles, temperature control, and contraindications. Safety and skin integrity matter more than speed.
Core rules
- Hair should be about 1/4 inch for wax to grip. Hair grows in anagen, catagen, and telogen phases; waxing does not permanently destroy the follicle.
- Soft wax is applied thin and removed with strips; hard wax is applied thicker and removed without strips. Test temperature on your wrist or a small area.
- Apply wax in the direction of hair growth; hold skin taut and remove against the growth direction.
- Contraindications include isotretinoin, retinoids, blood thinners, recent peels, sunburn, varicose veins, moles, and active infection. Avoid waxing over moles or broken skin.
- No double-dipping. Use a fresh applicator each time.
Worked example
A client using tretinoin wants a lip wax. Refuse the wax, explain that retinoids thin the epidermis and can cause skin lifting, and document the advice. Reschedule only after the client's physician approves and the skin has normalized. Reasoning: the risk of injury outweighs the cosmetic benefit.
Traps that cost marks
- Waxing against the hair growth direction.
- Using wax that is too hot.
- Double-dipping the applicator.
- Waxing over a mole or varicose vein.
- Failing to ask about acne medications.