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How Many Times Do I Have to Wax Before the Hair Stops Growing?

Waxing is typically considered a very effective form of hair removal, and it can be used on virtually every part of the body. The wax that is applied during waxing traps hair and pulls it out by the root, so that it takes several days if not even weeks for the hair to return. Waxing also leaves behind very smooth skin so that you’re not bothered by razor burns, ingrown hairs, skin irritation, or burns from bleaching or hair removal creams.

Another benefit of waxing is that pulling the hair out this way can weaken the hair follicle and its root so that the hair eventually stops growing back. This process can take some time and many repeated wax treatments, and is affected by your hair type, average rate of re-growth, and other such factors. To know how often you might need to wax before your hair stops growing back, note some additional details about hair growth, how to remove it, and how to keep it from growing back!

What Affects Your Overall Hair Growth

The type and texture of your hair on your head and elsewhere on your body is mostly affected by androgens, which are also called “male” hormones. Excessive amounts of male hormones can cause hair thinning and hair loss, which is why we refer to “male pattern baldness”. Men also usually have more body hair than women, and their hair is often thicker, coarser, darker, and more noticeable.

Genetics can also play a role in hair growth, as can stress, your overall diet and nutrition, lack of sleep, and the condition and health of your skin. Medications, health conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Cushing’s Syndrome, and harsh shampoos, lotions, and other such topical treatments can interfere with hair growth.

Benefits of Waxing Versus Other Hair Removal Options

All hair removal treatment options have their pros and cons, but there are several reasons why waxing is a favorite choice for many people. Note a few of those reasons here so you can determine if waxing is the best option for you:

• Waxing is an excellent choice for bikini areas, the areas around the buttocks, and other curves of the body that are difficult to reach with a razor.
• There is less risk of burning your skin with wax than with depilatory creams, bleaches, and other harsh chemicals. Wax is then a good choice for the upper lip, the lower back, and other areas with sensitive skin. You also don’t typically need to avoid sunlight, the chlorine in pools, and other such exposure for very long after waxing, as you often do with chemicals and creams.
• There are many waxing products available over the counter and which are easy to use on your own. The only drawback to applying and removing the wax yourself is when you need to reach the bikini area, your lower back, shoulders, and others areas of your body that are difficult to see! However, if you have a friend who knows how to apply wax, you can typically manage this treatment on your own and save on the cost of salon visits.
• Removing hair with a wax treatment lasts far longer than shaving. As said, hair might not grow back for up to six weeks after a wax treatment, making waxing a great choice if you don’t want to worry about hair removal when on vacation or other special occasions.
• Waxing can be used to sculpt and shape brows, as it’s easier to dab small bits of wax along the underside of brows and create an arch or curve than it is to try to pluck those hairs individually.

The Drawbacks of Waxing

While waxing unwanted body and facial hair is a very popular and effective option for many people, it does have its drawbacks. For one thing, you need to wait until the hair on your face or body is long enough to get trapped by the wax for this treatment to work! This can mean having to wait a few days after hair begins to show before you can remove it with waxing.

Also, while most people can sunbathe, swim, and otherwise go about their normal activities after waxing, other people might notice that their skin is somewhat sensitive to sunlight, heat, hot showers, lotions and creams, perfumes, and even rough clothing for a full 24 hours after waxing. Overheating the wax can also burn the skin and cause redness and irritation.

Note, too, that someone inexperienced with waxing might attempt to pull out too much hair at once, which can be downright painful. If you’ve never waxed an area of your body before, start with a small amount, perhaps an inch wide and two inches long, and note the sensitivity of your skin. You can always apply a larger patch of wax if you’re not bothered by this treatment, but never start waxing any area of the body with an oversized patch!

How Many Times Do I Have To Wax Before the Hair Stops Growing?

Pulling hair out by the roots can weaken the hair follicle so that it doesn’t grow back as easily, according to some people. Others even say that their hair grows much thinner and wispier after every wax treatment. However, it is not scientifically proven that if you wax frequently, your hair growth will stop completely. More likely, as you age, the hair growth on your body might be slowing down too, especially after menopause.

If you’re a bit more impatient for permanent hair removal, you might discuss your options with a dermatologist  or hair removal expert at a local spa or salon. Laser treatments and electrolysis are faster and more effective choices for permanent hair removal, and can usually be applied to virtually any area of the body.