Hair removal techniques: waxing, threading and depilatories
Hair removal techniques: waxing, threading and depilatories
This domain tests safe hair removal by wax, thread and chemical depilatory, including the hair growth cycle, skin tension, temperature control and aftercare.
Core rules
- Hair grows in cycles; waxing removes anagen hair best. Regrowth is usually 3 to 6 weeks and hair may become finer, not permanently absent.
- Strip wax: apply thinly in the direction of hair growth, remove against the growth with supported skin. Hot wax: apply thicker, allow to set, remove against growth; better for coarse or sensitive areas.
- Check wax temperature on the inner wrist or a test strip; hot wax should be warm, not scalding. Never double-dip spatulas.
- Patch test 24 to 48 hours before first waxing, tinting or depilatory use; record the result.
- Avoid waxing over moles, warts, varicose veins, broken skin and recent sunburn, and within six months of isotretinoin.
- Threading uses twisted cotton thread to trap and lift hair; it is precise for brows and suitable for sensitive skin.
- Depilatories use thioglycolate to break disulphide bonds in keratin; pH is high, around 12, so patch test and never use on broken or irritated skin.
Worked example
A client with coarse chin hair and sensitive skin books a wax. The reasoning points to hot wax in small sections, with the skin held taut and pressure applied after removal. Strip wax could lift fragile skin; a depilatory may irritate. Advise no heat, exercise or perfumed products for 24 hours.
Traps
Waxing against the growth on application; testing temperature on the client; waxing over a mole; using a depilatory on the face without a patch test.