How Long Does Waxing Last?

Waxing is one of the most popular methods of removing unwanted hair. With fewer complications than shaving or creams, it’s only growing in popularity.

One of the biggest questions people new to waxing ask is how long they can enjoy the results.

Today, we’re going beneath the surface to answer that question and discover why waxing doesn’t last forever.

How long does waxing last after your first appointment?

Removing unwanted body hair through waxing is a process. Your first appointment is more painful and doesn’t last as long as future sessions. But, before you get discouraged, it takes some time before the true benefits of waxing shine.

Several factors affect how long a waxing session lasts. Different parts of the body have hair that grows at different rates. And depending on sun exposure, hormones, and age, you’ll experience varying results.

Generally speaking, you can go three to six weeks between waxing appointments at first. Then, as your hair growth gets on the same cycle and the hair thins, you could push it out further. In the beginning, though, your hair growth cycle will yield inconsistent results.

The four phases of hair growth

Hair grows in a four-phase cycle, and when you first go in for a waxing session, this affects how long it lasts.

The first or anagen phase is when hair grows from the root. Different kinds of hair have different growth rates. Pubic hair, for example, has a three to four-month growth phase. At any point, 30 percent of your hair is in this phase.

When it reaches the end of this phase, it enters the catagen or transition stage. Here, it detaches from the follicle and its blood supply. This could last up to ten days, during which the hair continues to grow. Around 5 percent of your hair is in this phase.

Next, hair enters a resting or telogen phase. During this time, hair doesn’t grow but doesn’t fall out either. At this point, the follicle grows a new strand of hair behind the resting piece.

Finally, hair is shed from the body during the shedding or exogen phase and falls out.

Waxing removes hair in the final three stages. But because your hairs are in different parts of the growth cycle, you’ll have uneven results until they are.

How to make waxing results last longer

While the hair growth cycle isn’t something you can change, there are some things you can do to make your results last. Following these tips will help you get the most out of your session.

Never shave in between waxing sessions

It’s common for hairs to pop up between waxing sessions, and the urge to shave them is strong. Remember, though, that they’re in a different phase of the hair growth cycle. Shaving them simply cuts them off below the skin, leaving most of the shaft in place. By letting them grow between appointments, you’re helping get them on the same cycle as the rest of your hair.

Book consistent appointments

Staying consistent with your waxing appointments is necessary to get the best results from this process. As hairs grow out and are removed, usually after two or three sessions, they start to thin out.

Follow proper pre and post-wax care instructions

Pre and post-wax care instructions help you get the most from the waxing process. Proper exfoliation before helps ensure that your skin isn’t as irritated after. Likewise, letting your skin breathe and relax afterward means you’re less likely to experience ingrown hairs or swelling. Following your esthetician’s directions, you’ll have smoother skin with fewer complications.

Dry skin post-waxing can lead to complications, so stay hydrated! And the exfoliating power of a session can make you sensitive to direct sun exposure. So cover up and use sunscreen.

Does the area being waxed affect results?

As we mentioned, different body parts have different hair qualities. These all have different growth rates, which affect how long you can expect your results to last.

How long does leg waxing last?

Leg hairs have a longer growth cycle than other body hair and can take six weeks to enter the anagen phase. That means if you wax instead of shave, you could have smooth skin from four to six weeks.

How long does Brazilian waxing last?

Pubic hair has a shorter growth cycle, so it usually won’t last as long. For most people, a Brazilian wax lasts three to four weeks after your first session. Again, this varies depending on how quickly your hair grows.

How long does facial waxing last?

The delicate hairs on your face have a short growth cycle. Most people need to book sessions every two to three weeks for the best results. Eyebrows grow slower because they have a different texture than vellus hair. On average, you can expect eyebrow waxing to last anywhere from three to six weeks.

No matter where you want hair removed, The Wax Room has you covered!

For the best waxing experience in Surprise, Arizona, The Wax Room is here to meet all your beauty needs. Our estheticians specialize in full-body waxing and use only the highest-quality products. Building lasting relationships with our clients is one of our top priorities. We want you to know you’re in good hands!

Check out our complete list of services and book your first session today!