How Long Does Your Hair Need to Be for Waxing?
Whether you are hoping to complete your first waxing session, or are curious about when to schedule your next appointment, it is important to understand that the best time to wax is based on the length of your hair follicle. Let’s take a look at why hair length is important and how it can affect your waxing session.
So, how long should your hair be?
When it comes to length, the consensus is that your hair must be a minimum of a quarter inch (about the size of a grain of rice) to provide a successful wax. As long as your hair falls between those two suggested lengths, you should be all set for your upcoming waxing appointment!
Why hair length is important for waxing
Believe it or not, having the appropriate hair length is crucial when it comes to achieving your best waxing results. Whether your hair is too long or too short, both can result in an uneven waxing job. This means that even if an esthetician follows waxing protocols perfectly, there is still a risk that some hair may remain following your session.
The last thing we want is for anyone to leave their waxing appointment unhappy. The good news is that here at Denver Waxing, we are happy to work with you and ensure you leave with the best experience possible.
What happens when hair is too short?
When your hair follicles are too short there is a risk of hard wax being unable to bind appropriately to the body hair. Because there is an inability to bind, any hair follicles that are too short will remain on the skin and not be removed with the wax, even if you have coarse hair. Waxing studios may turn you away and request that you come back later if they feel that your hair length is too short.
Remember: this isn't because they don't want to help you, it’s because they want you to have great results, every time. Our goal is to make sure you’re happy with the quality of your results and the service you experience.
What about if your hair is too long?
On the other end of the spectrum, there is the risk that your hair has grown out a little too long. Overall, if the length of your body hair is too long, there is a risk that the wax fails to adhere to the base of the hair follicle and results in breakage, rather than removal. When the strands of hair break, this means they have not been fully removed at the root and, as a result, will begin to grow back within days of your waxing appointment.
If you find yourself coming to your appointment and your hair's a little too long, don’t trim at home! Your waxer should assist you with a trim prior to starting the waxing process. Again, our goal is to make sure you get the best results and leave happy with your experience.
When to book your waxing sessions
Let's be real – everyone has different hair growth cycles. While your hair may take three weeks to meet the minimum required length, it may take someone else only two. It’s important to become familiar with your hair growth cycles so you can ensure you know when it’s the right time to book your next appointment.
Generally speaking, most hair growth cycles will have you at the minimum quarter inch growth mark around three to four weeks after your last hair removal appointment.
Other tips to prepare for your waxing session
Now that we have the basics down in regards to hair length and how it impacts your wax results, let’s go over a few other tips and tricks on how to best prepare so that you have a seamless waxing experience.
Preparation for your wax
Other than ensuring your hair has reached a certain length, it is important to prepare for your waxing session by completing the following suggestions prior to your appointment.
First, it is important that you keep your skin in tip top condition. This will include a regular routine consisting of exfoliating and hydrating your skin. Exfoliation is a key component to preparing for your next waxing appointment as it aids in removing any buildup of dirt, oils, and dead skin cells that may be sitting on the surface of your body. Not only does it remove the unwanted buildup, but it paves the way to ensuring your skin is free of ingrown hairs following your waxing session. Hydrating the skin, through consuming water and applying lotions, will reduce the speed in which that pesky layer of dead skin begins to form, providing soft smooth skin. While these steps are helpful, it is important you forgo applying any lotion or exfoliating within 24 hours prior to your next appointment.
Additionally, we highly recommend bathing or showering prior to your appointment. While not necessary, it is helpful! Throughout the day sweat and body oil can accumulate, causing your skin to be suboptimal for wax application.
Quick aftercare tips
If you enjoyed this quick reference guide on preparing for your wax, we also have our best suggestions for maintaining your skin's radiance following your waxing appointment. This quick reference guide will go over the best aftercare tips for all skin types – even sensitive skin!
Your next wax appointment with Denver Waxing
At Denver Waxing, our professionals are ready to help you meet your skincare goals. Contact us with any questions or if you would like to book an appointment. We hope to see you soon!