Last Updated on March 3, 2021 by Janie Wilson
When you’re getting waxed, the first question that usually comes to mind is, how much does it hurt? A more important question might be, how long should you grow your hair to get waxed without difficulty.
Before you wax, your hair should be at least half an inch long, about the size of a grain of rice. This ensures that the hair is completely removed from the root.
If you’re waxing for the first time, you should try to let the hair from your last waxing grow for about two weeks.
Most people who wax usually think about how long they are going to remain hairless, not how long their hair should be. So you’re not alone if that thought never occurred to you.
Hair length is actually one of the many factors that can affect the outcome of waxing, such as hair type, skin type, and where you’re going to wax. Although tolerance to skin, hair, and pain varies from person to person, here is a general guide to hair length to maximize your waxing experience.
How long should hair be before waxing?
Generally, the length of hair to be waxed should be approximately ¼” on each part of the body prior to waxing. If it is too long, it will break off and be difficult to remove. If it is too short, the wax cannot be fixed properly, which will make hair removal longer and may cause more pain or irritation.
It can be very tempting to trim your hair before or between waxings, but if it’s already about half an inch long, avoid it. If the hair isn’t pulled out properly because of its length, it will grow back faster and you’ll end up in the waxing chair. If you want to make the most of the three to six weeks of hair-free time that waxing can offer you, you’ll have to leave it out, no matter how tempting it may be.
The importance of knowing what and where before waxing
Before waxing, you should also consider your skin type and where you plan to wax.
If you find that your skin is dry, there is a good chance that your skin will become more irritated and scaly if you don’t moisturize it before and after epilation. If you have oily skin, you may need to use baby powder and lighter moisturizers before you wax.
How you prepare your skin also depends on where you want to wax. In general, you don’t have to worry about oil on your arms and legs, but your face may need more attention. Hair also grows differently on different parts of the body.
What should you do before removing pubic hair?
Pubic hair is generally much thicker than hair on other parts of the body. This can make waxing easier because it provides a better grip, but it is also important to note the recommended length of hair before waxing.
If your pubic hair is longer than ¼”, trim it at home with a razor before your appointment or call to see if your local salon can trim it for you. The last thing you want is for your hair to be trimmed too short, which can lead to painful waxing.
How long should my hair be for Brazilian waxing?
Brazilian waxing covers the entire pubic area, including the front, back and the area in between. Most people think that this is the most painful waxing, but this is not necessarily the case.
Pubic hair is thick, and the length of hair after Brazilian waxing follows the general rule of ¼ growth. This allows for a gentler waxing session and longer lasting results.
How long does it take for leg hair to be effective for waxing?
If you are new to waxing, it can be almost painful to grow ¼” leg hair before your appointment. Remember that waxing takes much longer than shaving, with less hair. Hair can grow back slower and thinner over time.
How long does underarm hair removal take?
Underarm hair removal can be painful if you’re used to shaving every day. Remember, it’s really worth it to wax underarm hair if you don’t have to worry about shaving for a few weeks.
The benefits of visiting a professional
As you can see, there are many factors that come into play when waxing: hair length, hair type, skin type, sensitivity level, etc. It can be difficult to handle this at home, and there are some questions that only an expert can answer.
Unlike home hair removal kits, a professional can determine what type of hair removal wax is best for you. Soft wax requires the use of waxing strips and can remove the top layer of dead skin as well as fine hair, if used correctly. Hard wax only adheres to the hair itself and is suitable for areas where hair grows particularly large, such as the armpits and pubic area.
On the day of your appointment, the professional can answer all your questions and give you some advice based on his or her assessment of your skin and hair. He or she can also make sure that the hair removal is done correctly, using professional hair removal products and avoiding excessive skin irritation. If you have the time and money, consider consulting a professional who is a professional for a reason.
Does it depend on the area to be waxed?
You may notice that hair grows faster or thicker on different parts of the body. For example, hair under the arms or in the pubic area may be thicker than on the arms and legs.
In areas where the hair is thicker, you may need to let it grow more than a quarter of an inch so that the wax can adhere to the heavier hair and pull it out. This can also help prevent hair breakage.
Why is it so important?
The wax needs to adhere to the hair so that it can be pulled out from the root.
If the wax doesn’t adhere properly, it can break the hair in half, not pull it out, or cause external skin irritation.
Also, making sure that your hair has the right length will help you with future hair removal. If you make sure that all hairs are removed in the same cycle, you can be sure that they will grow back at the same time.
What happens if I wax when my hair is not long enough?
If your hair is less than a quarter inch long, the wax will not be able to adhere to the surface of the hair and pull it out completely.
Your technician is likely to ask you to reschedule your appointment. For one, this will allow your hair can grow a little longer.
If you wax while your hair is still not long enough, some areas of hair may be left behind. Some hairs may break, which can cause irritation.
Is it possible that the hair is too long?
Undoubtedly. If your hair is more than half an inch long, it may be too long to wax.
Before your appointment, you can easily trim your hair with clean hair scissors.
If you do not have scissors, you can leave them with the technician to be cut before your appointment. They should be able to measure the amount of hair to be cut.
What should be the interval between sessions be to ensure the right amount of time?
That depends entirely on how fast your hair is growing. It may grow faster in some places than others.
On average, it takes about 4 weeks for hair to grow back up to 1/4 inch long.
Some people say that with more regular hair removal sessions, the hair grows back slower and finer. If this is the case for you, you may be able to wait longer – about 5 or 6 weeks – before you schedule another appointment.
To promote gentle hair growth and avoid ingrown hairs between sessions, try applying hair oils and light moisturizers that won’t clog pores.
Is there anything else to consider at the time of your session?
Yes, try to schedule your session for a week when you are not menstruating. The skin around your hair may be more sensitive at this time of the month.
You may want to avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages that day.
An hour before your appointment or before waxing at home, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce pain.
Wrapping up
Before waxing, let your hair grow to a length of at least 1/4 inch – 1/2 inch maximum. If it is too short, you can reschedule. If it is too long, trim the area slightly or ask a technician to help you.
If you are not sure how long your hair is, or if you have other questions, ask your technician before your appointment.
If waxing doesn’t feel right for you, there are many other hair removal methods that may be more effective, such as sugaring, shaving, or threading.
Lastly, laser hair removal may also be an option if you’re looking for long-term results. It can be a bit costly but effective in the long run.
