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Understanding the hair growth cycle and using it to achieve optimal waxing results is often overlooked. Good quality wax, appropriate pre- and post-waxing products, and sound waxing technique are all important, but knowing how hair grows allows us to time waxing sessions with more precision and ensure the best outcome.
Every hair undergoes a continuous cycle of growth, shedding, and renewal. Unless it ceases to do so due to internal or external influences. These stages all occur at different times and have different durations. Genetics, hormones, age and certain medications can all affect hair growth.
We have millions of hair follicles, and the only hairless areas of the body are the palms, the soles of the feet and the lips. Not all hair is the same, though, and the type of hair you are waxing affects which wax and technique work best.
Fine vellus hair on arms and legs is quick to remove with strip wax, while coarse terminal hair in the underarms and bikini area responds best to hot wax or film wax. See our guide to strip wax vs hot wax vs film wax.
Hair is made mostly of keratin, the same protein found in nails and the outer layer of the skin, and gets its colour from melanin. Understanding its structure explains why removing hair from the root gives longer-lasting results than cutting it at the surface.
There are four recognised stages of hair growth: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen and Exogen
Anagen is the active growing phase. The dermal papilla supplies nutrient-rich blood to the hair bulb, which is thick and fleshy at this time and continuously produces new cells to form a hair. The Anagen phase for body hair lasts around 30 – 45 days (4-6 weeks), whereas the scalp can have 2-6 years of active growth. That’s why the hair on our heads gets much longer than body hair!
In the transitional Catagen phase, active growth winds down, and hair starts to separate from the follicle to enter a resting phase.
During the Telogen stage, the hair is still in the follicle but has detached from it and is no longer receiving any nutrients.
Exogen phase is when hair is shed to be replaced by new growth as the cycle continues.
Because hair follicles lie below the skin’s surface, trimming or shaving will not alter the hair growth cycle. It simply cuts off the hair. Waxing, however, can affect the hair growth cycle because hair is pulled out from the root. During Anagen phase, this will interrupt the blood supply and damage the hair bulb. Any active growth is reset and has to start anew. Doing this repeatedly eventually slows down and lessens hair growth. When hair is in any of the other growth stages, there is no active cell division in the hair bulb, so it is preferable to wax when hair is in Anagen phase.
Waxing regularly and consistently synchronises hair growth cycles and inhibits regrowth over time. When most of the follicles are in Anagen phase, it enables us to weaken more bulbs at the same time, and the hair will take longer to grow back. Over time, many people find regrowth becomes finer and sparser.
Creating this synchronicity between the growth stages takes time and requires multiple waxing treatments. It can take many months of regular appointments for growth cycles to line up, so consistency is key.
As with many other things involving the human body, it varies. A 4 to 6-week cycle is recommended to have as many hairs as possible in the active growth stage at every session. Hair may be too short very early in the Anagen phase, so best wait until it’s grown back properly (~5mm) before waxing again. Consistently waxing and not shaving in between sessions eventually synchronises the growth cycles.
Do not be tempted to stop waxing in winter. Not maintaining a regular waxing schedule will let growth stages fall out of sync again. Then, when summer comes around, the whole process has to be restarted. Keeping up with your waxing schedule, even during winter, will help you stay smooth and hair-free for longer when it really matters.
Some people notice more hair growth than expected, or hair in new places. Two medical conditions can be responsible:
Waxing can be a good way to manage unwanted hair in both cases, but if hair growth changes suddenly, speak to a doctor first to rule out an underlying cause.
Using good-quality products will go a long way towards achieving the best results. Harley Waxing products are manufactured to high standards, using only the best ingredients. Our formulations are kind to skin, while retaining their efficacy.
Using the correct type of Harley Wax and applying the appropriate Pre- and Post-Waxing Products are essential to ensure complete hair removal and cared-for skin. Coarse, thick hair equals strong roots and can be challenging to remove. Harley Gold Strip Wax and Film Waxes were specifically designed to manage this hair type. Extra strong grip on hair reduces breakage while providing a clean removal.
Pre-waxing products prepare skin and hair for the most effective waxing treatment. Cleanser & Toner removes any impurities or oil and rebalances the skin’s PH level for optimal wax efficacy. Applying a small amount of Pre-Waxing Oil before using Hot or Film waxes coats the skin with a fine layer of oil. This creates a lipid barrier, enabling wax to adhere to only the hair and not the skin.
After-wax products have soothing, healing formulations to condition the skin, reducing irritation and redness. Healthy, calm skin is also less likely to develop ingrown hairs. Harley After Wax Oil contains Tea Tree and Lavender oils to assist in calming and healing skin after waxing. Aloe Soothing Gel’s Aloe Vera formula is moisturising, healing and soothing, giving a non-greasy finish with a fresh, cool feel.
Properly timing waxing treatments synchronises the hair growth cycles to ensure a smoother feel for longer, and eventually, regrowth becomes finer and sparser. Good-quality products and sound technique remove hair efficiently and support skin health for optimal results.
Related reading: Why You Should Keep Waxing in Winter
About 5 mm, which is usually two to three weeks of regrowth for body hair. Hair that is too short early in the growth phase will not be removed properly.
Regular waxing removes hair from the root during the growth phase, and many people find their regrowth becomes finer and sparser over time with a consistent four to six week schedule.
No. Shaving only cuts hair at the surface and does not affect the follicle or the growth cycle, which is why hair grows back within a few days.
There are four stages: anagen (active growth), catagen (transition), telogen (rest) and exogen (shedding).
Looking for a salon that uses Harley Wax? Tell us where you are and we’ll connect you with a qualified therapist near you.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have a skin condition or health concern, speak to your doctor or a dermatologist before waxing.
