Hair Removal Services: Waxing, Tweezing, and Sugaring
The growth cycle
Anagen is active growth, catagen is transition, and telogen is resting. Waxing is most effective on anagen hair, so schedule clients every three to four weeks and set realistic expectations: regrowth becomes finer and sparser only over repeated cycles.
Technique
Cleanse and powder the area, then test the wax temperature on your inner wrist. Do a patch test 24–48 hours ahead for first-timers or sensitive clients. With soft wax, apply in the direction of hair growth and remove against it while holding skin taut. With hard (stripless) wax, apply against the direction of growth and remove in the direction of growth - the reverse of soft wax and a favorite exam question. Sugaring paste is applied against the direction of growth and removed in the direction of growth. Never double-dip, and never wax over moles, warts, varicose veins, sunburn, freshly peeled skin, or skin treated with retinoids.
Contraindications
Isotretinoin (about six months after stopping), topical retinoids and acids (several days off), diabetes (slower healing, possible neuropathy), anticoagulants, immune suppression, active herpes (a client's physician may advise prophylaxis), and pregnancy (increased sensitivity; avoid certain areas).
Aftercare and complications
No heat, sun, strenuous exercise, or tight clothing for 24 hours; gentle exfoliation after about 48 hours helps prevent ingrown hairs. Folliculitis and ingrown hairs are aftercare issues, not allergic reactions. With tweezers, work on clean skin, sanitize tools, and never tweeze over the eyelid.
Rule of thumb: when the integrity of the skin is in doubt, do not wax - reschedule.