Does waxing make hair thinner? Let’s delve into the common belief that regular waxing can result in thinner and finer hair growth. Explore the science behind this notion and understand how the process of waxing may impact the thickness and texture of hair over time.
Does waxing make hair thinner?
When you engage in waxing, you’re employing the epilation method, essentially extracting hair from the root. With each removal from the root, the hair tends to become thinner over time. Approximately 90% of human hair is in the anagen phase, the initial stage of the hair growth process. The scientific rationale behind the thinning of hair post-waxing lies in the repeated damage incurred during this growth phase, compelling the generation of entirely new hair.
Research has indicated that individuals who underwent waxing before laser treatments exhibited less hair growth a month later compared to those who shaved before their treatments.
Things You Should Know About Waxing
1 Waxing Causes Micro Injuries
Waxing is a discomforting process as it forcibly removes hair from the roots. This action not only leads to the thinning of hair but also induces a delayed recovery due to the damage inflicted on the hair bulb. The process of ripping hair from the roots can result in minor wounds on the skin, contributing to the redness experienced post-waxing. While these micro-injuries typically heal on their own, they may take a few hours to recover, especially for individuals with sensitive skin. Over time, the repetitive damage to the hair bulb contributes to the gradual thinning and refining of hair texture.
2 Waxing Delays Hair Growth
As previously discussed, waxing involves forcefully removing hair from the hair bulb, causing damage during its growth phase, known as the anagen phase. When hair is plucked from the roots, the subsequent recovery period slows the overall hair growth. If waxing is consistently performed at regular intervals, the cumulative effect is a gradual reduction in the speed of hair regrowth over time.
3 Redness and Skin Irritation Are Common
Since hairs are a natural part of the body, their removal, whether through waxing or shaving, can cause skin irritation. In waxing, the hair is forcefully pulled from the roots, leading to potential increased irritation compared to shaving, where the hair is closely cut from the base. It’s advisable to wear loose clothing post-waxing, avoid sun exposure, and refrain from hot baths, harsh soaps, or exfoliants for a few hours. The redness typically subsides within a short period, and such reactions are entirely normal.
4 Post-Wax Care Is Essential
Your skin requires extra care following waxing. The process opens pores, leaving the skin more susceptible. It’s advisable to begin with the application of a quality after-wax lotion. Reputable parlors often apply a suitable lotion or moisturizer after the waxing process. Opt for loose clothing, stay away from direct sunlight, and resist scratching the waxed skin. In the next 2 or 3 days, cleanse your body with a gentle cleanser and follow up with a nourishing moisturizer.
How Often Do You Need To Wax To See Results?
If you’re new to waxing, it might take a few sessions before you notice a significant change in hair growth. To achieve optimal results, it’s recommended to schedule wax appointments every three to four weeks. This timeframe aligns with the regrowth phase of the hair growth process.
However, individual variations exist due to genetic factors influencing hair growth. If you’re targeting facial hair, you may return sooner, around every two weeks, as facial hairs tend to become more noticeable in the early stages. Following proper aftercare can further enhance the results of your waxing sessions.
What’s The Best Way To Maintain Less Hair Between Waxes?
Adhering to a consistent waxing schedule, coupled with proper aftercare, has the potential to impede the regrowth of hair. Since waxing also acts as a form of exfoliation, it’s advisable to avoid harsh skincare products containing potentially irritating ingredients like actives or fragrances, as they may compromise sensitive skin.
Loose clothing is recommended post-appointment to allow the skin to breathe. Additionally, integrating hair minimizers into your routine can slow hair growth.
It’s crucial to cease other forms of hair removal once you embark on your waxing journey. Shaving between wax sessions may intensify discomfort during subsequent appointments. It’s best to commit to a single method of hair removal for optimal results.
Why Do Some Women Prefer Shaving?
Waxing is not for the faint-hearted, particularly for those with a lower pain threshold. While bikini waxing can be notably painful, some women may endure higher pain levels in the front part of the calf region, thighs, and underarms. The pain experienced is also proportionate to the thickness of the hair; thicker hair removal tends to be more painful. However, the level of discomfort can vary based on the pain threshold of each individual, regardless of hair thickness.
5 Great Tips To Get A Smooth, Safe Shave
1 Exfoliate
Exfoliation is an often overlooked yet highly beneficial pre-shaving tip. By loosening the hair, removing dead skin cells, and unclogging pores, exfoliation paves the way for a closer, smoother shave. Whether using a chemical or physical scrub, thorough exfoliation helps prevent ingrown hairs, resulting in fewer razor bumps. For individuals dealing with strawberry legs, incorporating exfoliation before shaving or waxing is essential for achieving smoother, bump-free legs.
Additionally, when you neglect to exfoliate, dead skin cells can accumulate on the razor, leading to annoying razor burns. To address this, exfoliate damp skin gently in the shower, scrubbing for approximately 2 to 3 minutes before rinsing off. Follow this with your shaving routine.
However, it’s crucial to avoid exfoliating after shaving. Shaving or waxing can render the skin sensitive, and even gentle exfoliators may cause irritation and temporary redness. Especially for those with sensitive skin, it’s advisable to refrain from using any exfoliation products for 2 days after shaving or waxing.
2 Allow Your Skin To Soak In Water Before Shaving
While the temptation may be to rush into shaving right away—perhaps due to time constraints or a touch of laziness on a particular day—it’s better to let your skin soak in a warm bath or shower for about 3 to 5 minutes before shaving. This process helps to loosen the hair follicles, making them softer and resulting in fewer to no ingrown hairs. Even if you plan to exfoliate, adhering to this routine before exfoliation and shaving is beneficial.
3 Shave In The Direction Of Hair Growth
Opting to shave in the direction of hair growth minimizes friction, lowers the risk of ingrown hairs, and results in fewer razor bumps, itchiness, and instances of redness on the shaved skin. While there might be a temptation to shave against the direction of hair growth for a closer and smoother shave, doing so can lead to razor bumps, cuts, and irritated skin.
When shaving the legs, it is generally a good and recommended idea to shave in the opposite direction, especially since the hair on the legs is thinner. However, if the hair is thicker or if you have strawberry legs, it’s advisable not to shave in the opposite direction. For women without these concerns, shaving the legs in the opposite direction can be done. In the bikini area, it’s crucial to always shave in the direction of hair growth to avoid razor burns or cuts. For underarms, the direction can vary, so shaving in different directions is acceptable.
4 Avoid Excessive Pressure
Applying too much pressure doesn’t enhance hair removal and may result in dimples, leading to more ingrown hairs and prickly skin after shaving. For a closer and smoother shave, consider holding your skin taut with one hand while gliding the razor in a single, even motion after applying shaving cream.
5 Embrace Post-Shave Care
After softening the hair with warm water and opening the pores, use warm water to cleanse the skin. Follow this with cold water to close the pores, alleviating skin irritation or redness. Upon leaving the shower, gently pat dry and apply a soothing moisturizer to all shaved areas. Massage the product in and allow it to absorb. If you have extra-sensitive skin, avoid harsh soaps or exfoliants for a day or two. Instead, use a mild cleanser and follow up with a gentle moisturizer.
FAQs
What happens if you wax too often?
Frequent waxing weakens the hair follicles over time. After multiple sessions, you’ll notice that hair removal becomes easier since the follicles lose their grip on the root. Eventually, some follicles may change to the extent that they can no longer produce hair.
Why does my hair grow back so fast after waxing?
The hair may grow back rapidly after waxing due to breakage. If the wax doesn’t remove the entire hair at the root and breaks it off at the surface level, it results in faster regrowth.
How many waxes until the hair stops growing?
The number of sessions needed for permanent hair removal depends on factors such as the individual’s skin type, hair texture, and the specific growth cycle of their hair. In some cases, hairs may stop appearing after about 8 months of treatment, especially in areas where natural regrowth becomes finer or for individuals with fine hair.
To learn more about our available body waxing and spa services, please visit the L Spa Da Nang website.
