How long does waxing last? Does waxing stop hair growth? These are a few common questions that those new to waxing ask.

While waxing may cause discomfort, it’s still a decent hair removal option, especially compared to more expensive laser hair removal and the temporary results of shaving and depilatory cream. 

The answer to these questions depends on three factors: the hair growth cycle, the time between waxing appointments, and your hair type. 

But regardless of your hair growth and regime, waxing has many benefits. 

The Benefits of Waxing

Waxing is fabulous when you are looking for a quick, affordable, and safe way to remove hair.

Also, if you are looking for less hair growth over time, waxing is better than shaving because a professional wax can last up to as long as six weeks. 

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider waxing.

Less Regrowth 

One of the biggest benefits of waxing is its ability to delay hair growth. 

When you shave, the hairs are cut closely off at the skin level. As a result, the hairs remain just below the surface of your skin, waiting to reappear in just a few days. 

Waxing, on the hand, removes hair from its roots. Therefore, when you wax, you will get a beautiful smooth finish. There will be no unsightly or uncomfortable post-shower stubble or missed patches. And even if you experience faster hair growth, it is likely that you will still reap the benefits of waxing for approximately four weeks.

Over time, you will experience less overall hair growth. 

Finer Hair Growth

Shaving results in a blunt cut; this is why your shaving regrowth feels stubbly. 

Waxing removes hair at the follicle. It then grows back with a finely tapered end. Therefore, the ends of the hair is considerably finer and not stubbly like after shaving. 

Waxing Is Like Exfoliating 

A build-up of dead skin cells often leads to skin outbreaks and dryness. This build-up is one of the main reasons we exfoliate – to remove it all!

However, waxing removes this build-up as part of the process. As a result, your skin, after waxing, feels nice, smooth, and clean. 

To enhance this fresh, smooth feeling, we recommend using Harley’s After Wax Oil, which acts as a deep skin conditioning treatment. With powerful Tea Tree properties that act as an anti-bacterial agent, you can cleanse your skin further and remove any remaining dead skin to ensure a clean and smooth finish.

Less Risk Of Ingrown Hairs 

Anyone who has experienced ingrown hairs from shaving understands how painful and unsightly it can be. 

When you visit a professional who specialises in waxing, they will have the knowledge of how to remove wax, whether it is Hot Wax, Strip Wax or Film Wax, quickly and safely to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs. 

If you are more prone to getting ingrown hairs, let your specialist know and apply Harley Ingrown Hair Solution to alleviate any irritation and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs. 

Hair Growth Rate After Waxing 

To understand how waxing affects hair growth, you need to know how your hair grows. 

There are three hair growth cycles – the hair growth stage (anagen), the hair growth stagnation stage (catagen), and the shedding stage (telogen). 

The first hair growth stage occurs on approximately 90% of the body and can last between 3-5 years. This hair is actively growing, and you can usually wax it every 4-6 weeks. During this initial hair growth stage, the keratin builds up. Beauticians and estheticians prefer to wax hair in this stage at the roots as it leads to finer and weaker hair regrowth and long-lasting hair removal. 

The second stage lasts approximately ten days. At this point, the hair detaches itself from your body’s blood supply and the build-up of keratin stops. Waxing during this stage does not reach the root, but it does help remove loose hairs. 

The final stage (the dormant stage), which lasts around 100 days, is when your body sheds its hair. During this phase, the hair growth process temporarily stops. 

After this, the hair growth cycle starts again. 

Ethnicity and Hair Growth 

Some ethnicities have more hair that grows faster than others. For example, Asians typically have round hair follicles that result in straighter, faster and thicker hair growth. Asian people often experience hair that remains in the anagen hair growth stage for a longer time. 

On the other hand, African people tend to have flatter and more oval-shaped hair follicles. This often results in curlier, thicker, coarser hair that grows back at a slower rate.

European people generally have smaller hair follicles. Their hair is usually thinner and grows at a slower rate.

Therefore, the hair growth cycle is not one size fits all and can depend on your ethnic background. 

Climate And Hair Growth 

Another factor that affects hair growth is temperature. In short, your hair will grow quicker in a warm climate rather than in a cold one. Warmer climates stimulate blood circulation. As a result, blood flows more freely, making it easier to carry nutrients throughout our bodies. This increase in nutrients then enables the body to produce more keratin, which is the protein that makes up our hair.

So Does Waxing Stop Hair Growth? 

Yes, waxing can reduce hair growth. Waxing damages hair follicles, which alters the hair growth cycle and makes your hair thinner. 

Waxing impacts the final hair growth cycle stage. Repeatedly removing hair from the root causes your brain to send a message to your hair shafts stating that quick regrowth is unnecessary. Consequently, with regular waxing, the dormancy stage can last longer.

While waxing does not permanently remove hair, you can enjoy hairless and smoother skin for longer over time. In a nutshell, the more you wax, the slower the hair growth. 

Pre And Post Wax Care 

To improve your waxing experience and enjoy longer-lasting results, pre and post-care are also essential. 

Cleansing and prepping the skin prior to waxing is necessary. Use a product like Harley Cleanser and Toner to help get rid of bacteria and any residual oil from the skin. Not only will the Harley Cleanser and Toner prevent bacteria from entering the skin, but it will also help prevent post-waxing breakouts and irritation thanks to its Chamomile and Lavender properties. 

To create a comfortable experience with minimal pain, we also recommend using Harley Pre-Waxing Oil. The oil adheres to the hair and not the skin, resulting in far less discomfort when the wax is removed. 

Post-wax care is just as important. Our Harley After Wax Oil is a great way to remove any sticky wax leftovers. You will also benefit from smooth and shiny skin. Another benefit of using a reputable after-wax oil is that it helps reduce redness and irritation.

Final Thoughts

Waxing results and future hair growth can vary from individual. However, keeping up with a regular waxing routine, going to a  professional esthetician, and taking pre and post-wax measures, will certainly slow down your hair growth rates in the future.