New waxers may be hesitant to grow out their hair between hair removal sessions, but it’s an essential part of safe and effective epilation. So, how long does hair need to be in order to wax? Join us as we answer this question and discuss how hair length may vary based on your chosen treatment area.
How long does hair have to be to get waxed?
The general rule of thumb is that hair must be between a quarter- and half-inch — around the length of a grain of rice — for wax to adhere to strands without painful tugging and a risk of breakage. Here’s how that figure may vary by body part:
Brazilian and bikini waxing
For bikini and Brazilian waxing, pubic hairs require a standard ideal length of a quarter-inch to half-inch for effective hair removal. Since these strands are thicker than others, breakage can lead to painful ingrown hairs that are prone to infection.
Brow and face waxing
Facial hair is generally thinner and finer than strands on other parts of the body. As such, it may be possible to wax these wisps when they’re an eight-inch to a quarter-inch long without the risk of breakage and ingrown hairs.
Leg and body waxing
Just like Brazilian and bikini waxes, you’ll need to grow leg hair to between a quarter-inch and half-inch long before waxing.
How long does waxing last between sessions?
This is a question we hear a lot: how long does waxing last between sessions? Let’s get into it!
Average length of waxing results
On average, waxing can give you silky-smooth skin for three to six weeks, but we’ll discuss the many factors that affect this time period below.
Factors that affect how long results last
Hair growth cycles consist of three phases: anagen (active), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting and shedding). Genetic makeup, hormonal fluctuations, and treatment area can all impact the time your strands spend in each of these phases.
Hair on the face and underarms grows more quickly than strands on other parts of the body. You can anticipate more frequent waxing appointments for your upper lip than your bikini line. On the other hand, you can enjoy longer-lasting results from Brazilian, leg, and arm waxes since these hairs grow more slowly.
How can you make waxing results last longer?
A consistent waxing routine can drastically increase the longevity of your results. First, your hair will grow back thinner and finer after waxing, so it’s less noticeable. Next, waxing can damage hair follicles so they can no longer produce new strands. Over time, you’ll see less and less regrowth. Finally, waxing encourages your hair growth cycles to sync up, so you no longer see new strands appear within days of your wax.
Gently exfoliating can also extend your results. When you exfoliate several times a week, you’ll eliminate dead skin cells to encourage wax to adhere to hair more firmly and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs. Moisturizing daily, using growth inhibitors, and resisting the urge to shave between waxing appointments can also lengthen the time between waxing sessions.
Can hair be too long for waxing?
Hair longer than a half-inch can make the waxing experience more painful and less effective. Here’s what to consider about waxing lengthy strands:
Sensitivity during waxing
Waxing long hairs can be downright painful. When strands are over a half-inch long, getting a clean, even pull can be difficult. Since the wax can’t easily adhere to each strand, the risk of breakage and ingrown hairs increases significantly. You’ll also have to endure additional tugging and pulling and may require extra passes over the same area to remove leftover strands, further irritating your skin.
Is trimming necessary?
If your hair length has exceeded a half-inch, it might be wise to trim before your waxing session. However, you won’t want to risk cutting it too short. When in doubt, request a consultation with your waxing specialist for personalized guidance. In many cases, they may offer to trim it for you the first time to give you a visual of the ideal length.
Whatever you do, do not shave or pluck the treatment area before your wax! For the best results, use a trimmer with a guard to control the length without guesswork. You might also want to touch up your landing strip to prevent catching those hairs in wax.
How often should you get waxed?
Underarm and face waxing may be performed every three to four weeks, while legs, arms, and the bikini area may require a growing period of four to six weeks. Keep in mind that consistent waxers may be able to schedule appointments every six to eight weeks.
Start your waxing journey with high-quality waxes from Enso Wax!
At Enso Wax, we’re passionate about providing high-quality waxing supplies, including hard and soft waxes and our Enso Duo wax warmer. Browse our collection of specialty epilation products or reach out today to learn more!
