Achieving smooth, long-lasting results with waxing isn’t just about using the right technique or high-quality wax. One of the most overlooked aspects of professional hair removal is understanding how hair grows. Many clients, and even some waxing professionals, believe that all hair grows at the same speed or that waxing will permanently stop hair growth after a few sessions. In reality, hair growth is influenced by multiple factors, including hormones, genetics, and even environmental conditions. Knowing how the hair growth cycle works allows professionals to choose the perfect timing for waxing, reducing discomfort and ensuring that hair is removed at the root rather than breaking at the surface. Understanding hair phases also helps prevent common problems like ingrown hairs, patchy regrowth, and unnecessary irritation. When clients are properly educated about their hair cycles, they are more likely to stick to a consistent waxing routine, leading to finer, sparser regrowth over time.
List of Contents:
- The three stages of hair growth & their impact on waxing
- How hair growth differs between men and women
- Hair growth patterns by body area - What waxing professionals should know
- The science of waxing - How hair growth affects hair removal success
- Does waxing reduce hair growth over time?
- Factors that influence hair growth speed & thickness
- How to educate clients on hair growth & waxing cycles
- Pre-wax & post-wax care for healthier hair growth
- The future of hair removal - Trends & advancements
The three stages of hair growth & their impact on waxing
Hair doesn’t grow all at once. Each individual strand is in its own phase of the growth cycle, which means that during any given waxing session, some hairs will be in the perfect stage for removal, while others will be in transition or nearing the shedding phase. The three main stages of hair growth are anagen, catagen, and telogen, and each affects the waxing process differently.
The anagen phase, or growth phase, is when hair is actively growing from the follicle and is firmly attached at the root. This is the ideal time to remove hair because waxing during this phase ensures the longest-lasting results. Since the hair is pulled directly from the follicle, it takes longer for it to grow back, and consistent waxing during this phase weakens the hair over time. However, not all body areas have the same anagen duration—leg hair, for example, has a much longer growth phase than eyebrow or facial hair.
The catagen phase, or transition phase, is when the hair stops growing and begins detaching from the follicle. Since the root is no longer firmly anchored, waxing during this phase isn’t as effective. Some hairs may still be removed from the root, but others might snap off at the surface, leading to quicker regrowth.
The telogen phase, or shedding phase, is when hair naturally falls out to make way for new growth. Waxing during this stage doesn’t remove the root because the follicle is already empty or in the process of pushing out the hair. Many clients get frustrated when they notice hair growing back shortly after a wax, but this is often just telogen-phase hair that was already beneath the surface and not visible at the time of the appointment.
How hair growth differs between men and women
While the basic growth cycle is the same for everyone, men and women experience hair growth differently due to hormonal influences. Testosterone plays a major role in hair thickness, speed of regrowth, and overall hair distribution. Men typically have thicker, coarser body hair that grows back faster after waxing. This means they may require more frequent sessions, especially for areas like the back or chest.
Women, on the other hand, have higher estrogen levels, which slow down hair regrowth and lead to finer, softer body hair. However, hormonal fluctuations, such as those during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can cause sudden changes in hair texture or density. Some women develop thicker hair in new areas due to shifts in hormone levels, requiring adjustments in their waxing routine.
Hair growth patterns by body area - What waxing professionals should know
Not all body hair follows the same growth pattern. Facial hair, for example, has a much shorter anagen phase than leg hair, meaning it needs more frequent maintenance. This is why eyebrow waxing often needs to be done every two to three weeks, whereas leg waxing can last four to six weeks.
Bikini and underarm hair have some of the fastest regrowth rates due to their unique growth cycles. These areas tend to have a higher percentage of hair in the anagen phase at any given time, making them ideal for regular waxing. However, because the hair is coarser, using a strong, flexible wax like Mae Mae Hard Wax can help ensure effective removal without irritation.
The science of waxing - How hair growth affects hair removal success
Waxing disrupts the natural hair cycle by removing hair at the root rather than cutting it at the surface like shaving does. Over time, this weakens the follicle, making hair finer and sparser. However, skipping waxing sessions allows hair to grow back at different rates, leading to patchy results. Encouraging clients to stick to a consistent schedule ensures that more hairs are in the anagen phase during each session, resulting in smoother, longer-lasting results.
Does waxing reduce hair growth over time?
One of the biggest myths about waxing is that it permanently stops hair growth. While regular waxing weakens the follicle, hair will continue to grow unless the follicle is completely destroyed (which only happens with methods like laser hair removal). That said, frequent waxing does lead to noticeable reductions in hair density over time, especially for people who start waxing young.
Factors that influence hair growth speed & thickness
Hair growth is influenced by a combination of genetics, hormones, and lifestyle factors. Ethnicity plays a big role in hair texture - some people naturally have finer, slower-growing hair, while others have thick, fast-growing strands. Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy or menopause, can also trigger shifts in hair growth.
Lifestyle choices like diet and hydration can impact hair health as well. Poor nutrition can lead to weaker, more brittle hair, while a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and water promotes healthier regrowth. Even environmental factors like climate can make a difference, hair tends to grow faster in warm, humid conditions.
How to educate clients on hair growth & waxing cycles
Helping clients understand their hair growth cycles is key to managing expectations and ensuring they stick to a regular waxing routine. Explaining why they should wait the correct time between waxes prevents frustration when regrowth appears too soon. It’s also important to warn against shaving between waxes, as this disrupts the cycle and makes hair grow back unevenly.
Pre-wax & post-wax care for healthier hair growth
Proper skin care before and after waxing makes a huge difference in results. Exfoliating before a wax helps remove dead skin cells, allowing the wax to grip hair more effectively. Hydrated skin also leads to better removal, so using a pre-wax cleanser like the one in the Starter KIT - Hard Wax + Cosmetics is a great way to prepare the skin.
After waxing, applying soothing products helps reduce redness and prevent ingrown hairs. A post-wax oil or lotion keeps skin hydrated and smooth.
The future of hair removal - Trends & advancements
Choosing the right wax is just as important as understanding hair growth cycles. A high-quality wax ensures smoother removal, less irritation, and longer-lasting results. Black Coral Wax offers a range of premium hard waxes designed for professionals who want top-tier performance.For professionals handling thick, coarse hair, Kai Hard Wax provides the flexibility and grip needed to remove stubborn hair in one go.
Investing in Black Coral Wax means investing in client satisfaction. Their waxes melt evenly, adhere well without excessive stickiness, and remove hair cleanly without breaking. Whether you're a seasoned waxing professional or just starting, using the right products makes all the difference. Explore the full range of Black Coral Wax products and elevate your waxing services today.