Waxing: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What waxing is

A waxing technician removes unwanted hair from areas such as the face, underarms, legs, bikini line or back using warm or hard wax. Results last several weeks, and the work is best done on hair that has grown out enough to grip the wax.

Signs you need it

  • You want smooth skin for a special event or a vacation
  • You want longer-lasting hair removal than shaving gives you
  • Your hair has grown back to a length that is hard to manage at home
  • You have sensitive skin and want a method you can keep up with
  • You want a regular waxing schedule with a technician who knows your skin

What the pro does

  • Asks about your skin, medications, recent sun exposure and any past reactions to wax
  • Checks the area for cuts, rashes, moles or other issues before waxing
  • Cleans the skin and applies a thin layer of pre-wax or powder if needed
  • Applies warm or hard wax in the direction of hair growth
  • Removes the wax quickly and firmly against the direction of growth
  • Soothes the skin afterward and gives you aftercare steps for the next few days

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The area waxed, such as the face, underarms, legs or full body
  • Whether a single area or several areas are included in the visit
  • The type of wax used, such as warm or hard wax
  • How much hair there is and how long it has grown
  • Whether a skin treatment or aftercare product is included
  • How often you come back, since regular waxing is quicker

What a written quote should spell out

  • The areas waxed and the type of wax used
  • Whether pre-wax or aftercare products are included
  • The expected appointment length
  • Whether a patch test is needed before the first full service
  • The cancellation and late arrival terms

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What type of wax do you use, and is it right for my skin?
  • How long should my hair be before my appointment?
  • Do you check my skin for medications, retinoids or recent sun exposure before waxing?
  • How do you reduce the pain and redness for sensitive skin?
  • What should I avoid in the days after waxing?
  • How long will the results last, and how often should I come back?
  • What should I do if I get a bump, burn or ingrown hair after the appointment?

Red flags

  • Waxes over broken skin, moles, active rashes or sunburn
  • Does not ask about medications or skin treatments that can affect waxing
  • Uses the same wax applicator or strips on more than one client
  • Pulls the wax slowly or against the direction of growth with no reason
  • Pressures you to buy products or a package before you have a comfortable first visit

What you can do yourself

You can trim hair to about the right length and keep the skin exfoliated gently between waxes. Test a small area first and wait a day before waxing a larger area. Hire a waxing technician for the bikini line, the face, sensitive areas and any area where you have had reactions, because the technique and the cleanliness of the wax matter.

Licenses and permits

Waxing is commonly covered by state esthetics or cosmetology rules, and most states require an esthetician license for paid waxing. Check with your state's esthetics or cosmetology licensing board before you book.

Waxing questions

How long should hair be before waxing?

Most waxing needs hair long enough to grip the wax, which is often a short but visible length. Ask the technician what length they need for the area you want waxed.

Why does waxing make my skin red?

Redness is common right after waxing and usually fades in a short time. Tell the technician if the redness is intense or lasts longer than they described.

Can I wax if I use retinoids or other skin treatments?

Ask first. Some skin treatments can make the skin more sensitive, so the technician may change the plan or ask you to wait before waxing.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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