Hair Removal Techniques
What the exam tests
Hair removal questions test wax chemistry and temperature, the hair growth cycle, patch testing, contraindications, sanitation, and post-care. Ohio scope allows temporary removal by waxing, tweezing, threading, and chemical depilatories; laser, IPL, and electrolysis are outside the esthetician scope.
Core rules
- Hair cycle: anagen is growth, catagen is transition, and telogen is rest. Waxing works best in anagen; hair length should be about one-quarter inch, or 6 mm, for soft wax.
- Soft wax is thin, strip-removed, and low temperature; hard wax is applied thicker, removed without strips, and suited to sensitive areas. Follow the manufacturer's temperature and test on the inner wrist.
- Patch test and screen for contraindications: isotretinoin, retinoids, blood thinners, recent peels, sunburn, active infection, diabetes caution, pregnancy sensitivity, and keloid history.
- Sanitation: single-use spatulas and strips; never double-dip; disposable gloves; clean and disinfect tweezers; cover wax pots; do not wax over moles, warts, or broken skin.
- Post-care: soothe, avoid heat, sun, tight clothing, and fragrance for 24 hours; exfoliate gently after 48 hours; use SPF.
Worked example
A client on tretinoin wants a brow wax. Reasoning: retinoids thin the stratum corneum; wax can remove skin, causing burns and scarring. Decline, document, and suggest she ask her prescriber when to pause; offer tweezing only if safe.
Traps
- Waxing over a client's recent chemical peel.
- Reusing a spatula because it only touched wax.
- Applying wax too hot and calling redness normal.
- Ignoring ingrown hairs or folliculitis.