Waxing
- Procedures
- Face
- Waxing
There are many different forms of wax for hair removal. Waxing can be performed with hot wax that is removed with a cloth strip, hard wax without the need for a cloth strip, and many other iterations from chocolate to fruit wax.
E
Written By: Erin Storm, PA-C
Published: September 15, 2021
Last updated: February 18, 2022
Procedure Overview
Concerns
Ideal Candidate
Recovery
Side Effects
Results
Average Cost
Pros
- Removes More Hair At Once
- Longer Lasting Results
Cons
- Hair Needs To Be Longer To Remove
- Painful
Invasiveness Score
mildmoderatesevere
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
The Skinny
Average Recovery
0 days
Permanence
Temporary
Application
Topical
Surgical
No
Cost
$8 - $120
The Specifics
What is waxing?
Waxing is a safe, effective, inexpensive, and efficient hair removal procedure that can be used on both the face and body. There are two main types of wax: soft wax and hard wax. Soft wax adheres to skin more so than hard wax so it is better suited to finer hair removal. Hard wax does not adhere to the skin cells so unlike soft wax it can be repeatedly applied to the same waxed area for complete hair removal. Hard wax and soft wax for hair removal can prevent ingrown hairs and lessen hair growth.
What cosmetic concerns does waxing treat?
: Waxing can effectively remove eyebrow hair in a safe manner.
Unwanted Hair: Unwanted or excessive body hair can be quickly and effectively removed with hard or soft waxing treatments. A Brazilian wax for bikini waxing can be used to remove unwanted pubic hair for a clean bikini line.
Who is the ideal candidate for waxing?
The ideal candidate for a Waxing procedure has unwanted facial or body hair that is an appropriate length for waxing. Waxing is not recommended for candidates currently taking Accutane® or Retin-A, those who have received dermal injections, laser treatments, or chemical peels within the previous two weeks, and those with sensitive skin or other skin diseases.
What is the average recovery associated with waxing?
Most patients do not experience any downtime following a waxing procedure. Redness and sensitive skin usually resolves in less than one day. Skin irritation like bumps or pimples may occur following the procedure.
What are the potential side effects of waxing?
Side effects from waxing are typically minimal and resolve within a few hours to one day following the waxing session. Redness, sensitive areas, irritation, and, less commonly, burns are usually mild.
What can someone expect from the results of waxing?
The results of a Waxing treatment are immediately noticeable following the procedure. Properly following the aftercare skin care instructions can extend the results of the waxing sessions. Maintenance treatments are generally needed every four weeks.
What is the average cost of waxing?
The average cost of waxing is $8 to $12. The actual cost of the waxing will vary by waxing service, waxing area, provider, and individual candidate needs.
Pros
- Removes More Hair At Once
- Longer Lasting Results
Cons
- Hair Needs To Be Longer To Remove
- Painful
Invasiveness Score
mildmoderatesevere
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
What to Expect
There are many different forms of wax for hair removal. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after waxing.
Before Treatment
- Hair must be at least 1/4 inch in length to be waxed
- Exfoliate the areas to be waxed
- No Accutane for 6 months
- No Retin-A for 1 week
- No injections, peels, or resurfacing treatments for 2 weeks
During Treatment: Soft Wax
- Skin is cleansed
- Wax is applied in direction of hair growth
- Cloth strip is applied on top of the wax
- Once hardened strip is removed
- Repeated until all of the hair in the area is removed
During Treatment: Hard Wax
- Skin is cleansed
- Wax is applied in direction of hair growth
- Wax hardens on skin and is removed
- Repeated until all of the hair in the area is removed
Immediately After Treatment
- Redness and swelling for up to 1 day
- Possible skin sensitivity for up to 1 day
1 Day After Treatment and Beyond
- Avoid touching the area for 24 hours
- Avoid situations that may introduce bacteria into the open follicles such as sweating
- Make-up and perfumed products should not be applied for 2-4 hours
Result Notes
- Immediate
- Maintenance treatments every 4 weeks
- Proper aftercare can extend results
Before Treatment
- Hair must be at least 1/4 inch in length to be waxed
- Exfoliate the areas to be waxed
- No Accutane for 6 months
- No Retin-A for 1 week
- No injections, peels, or resurfacing treatments for 2 weeks
During Treatment: Soft Wax
- Skin is cleansed
- Wax is applied in direction of hair growth
- Cloth strip is applied on top of the wax
- Once hardened strip is removed
- Repeated until all of the hair in the area is removed
During Treatment: Hard Wax
- Skin is cleansed
- Wax is applied in direction of hair growth
- Wax hardens on skin and is removed
- Repeated until all of the hair in the area is removed
Immediately After Treatment
- Redness and swelling for up to 1 day
- Possible skin sensitivity for up to 1 day
1 Day After Treatment and Beyond
- Avoid touching the area for 24 hours
- Avoid situations that may introduce bacteria into the open follicles such as sweating
- Make-up and perfumed products should not be applied for 2-4 hours
Result Notes
- Immediate
- Maintenance treatments every 4 weeks
- Proper aftercare can extend results
Before Treatment
- Hair must be at least 1/4 inch in length to be waxed
- Exfoliate the areas to be waxed
- No Accutane for 6 months
- No Retin-A for 1 week
- No injections, peels, or resurfacing treatments for 2 weeks
During Treatment: Soft Wax
- Skin is cleansed
- Wax is applied in direction of hair growth
- Cloth strip is applied on top of the wax
- Once hardened strip is removed
- Repeated until all of the hair in the area is removed
During Treatment: Hard Wax
- Skin is cleansed
- Wax is applied in direction of hair growth
- Wax hardens on skin and is removed
- Repeated until all of the hair in the area is removed
Immediately After Treatment
- Redness and swelling for up to 1 day
- Possible skin sensitivity for up to 1 day
1 Day After Treatment and Beyond
- Avoid touching the area for 24 hours
- Avoid situations that may introduce bacteria into the open follicles such as sweating
- Make-up and perfumed products should not be applied for 2-4 hours
Result Notes
- Immediate
- Maintenance treatments every 4 weeks
- Proper aftercare can extend results
The Takeaway
Hair removal with soft or hard wax can be used to effectively and quickly remove unwanted hair. Soft wax will remove skin cells, and is good for finer hair removal. Hard wax is better suited for use on freshly waxed skin as it does not adhere to skin cells. Side effects are typically minimal, and may include skin irritation and sensitive skin.
Is this article helpful?
To learn more about our content creation practices,visit our Editorial Process page.
Source List
+
AEDIT uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Related Procedures
Learn More About
Waxing in The AEDITION
Find Top Aesthetic Providers Near You
Providers by Locations
- Alpharetta, GA Providers
- Bardstown, KY Providers
- Birmingham, AL Providers
- Cockeysville, MD Providers
- Fort Lauderdale, FL Providers
- Lake Bluff, IL Providers
- Lone Tree, CO Providers
- Metairie, LA Providers
- More Locations
- New Haven, CT Providers
- Prairie Village, KS Providers
- Scottsdale, AZ Providers
- Springdale, AR Providers
- Washington, DC Providers
- West Hollywood, CA Providers
Providers by Specialties
- Aesthetic Medicine Providers
- Cosmetic Dentistry Providers
- Cosmetic Dermatology Providers
- Cosmetic Surgery Providers
- Dermatologic Surgery Providers
- Dermatology Providers
- Esthetician Providers
- Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Providers
- General Surgery Providers
- Hair Restoration Surgery Providers
- Head and Neck Surgery Providers
- Medspa Providers
- More Procedures
- Oculoplastic Surgery Providers
- Other Providers
Providers by Procedures
- Acne Scar Treatment Providers
- Acne Treatment Providers
- Birthmark Removal Providers
- Blepharoplasty Providers
- Botox Providers
- Brow Lift Providers
- Buccal Fat Removal (Cheek Reduction) Providers
- Cheek Augmentation (Cheek Implants) Providers
- Cheek Surgery Providers
- Chemical Peels Providers
- Chin Surgery (Mentoplasty) Providers
- Dental Treatments Providers
- Dermabrasion Treatment Providers
- More Specialties
