The Science of Hair Growth Cycles – Don’t Be a Seasonal Waxer

Full waxing service in Las Vegas is said to leave you with smooth and supple skin while resulting in finer and fewer hair growth over time. But if you’re the occasional waxer, you’re probably skeptical of the many benefits waxing is touted to bring.

Many seasonal waxers think that waxing for special occasions and shaving in between waxing appointments is an excellent way to save on trips to the salon. But this fails to consider one’s hair growth cycle, which is crucial if one wants to maximize the benefits of regular waxing.

Learn more information about the science of hair growth cycles, and finally kiss seasonal waxing goodbye!

Hair Growth Cycle

Like most things in our bodies, hair growth follows a cycle—growing, regressing, resting, and shedding. Learn more about the phases of hair growth to understand better how waxing works!

Anagen Phase 

The anagen phase, also known as the growth phase, is the period during which hair is growing rapidly. During this phase, hair growth begins at the hair bulb, deep underneath the skin in the lower dermis, and sprouting out towards the direction of the mid dermis. 

This phase can vary depending on the site of the body. And the average rate of growth is about 1 cm of hair every 28 days.

Catagen Phase

The catagen phase, also known as the regressive phase, is when the hair ceases to grow. During this phase, mitosis and apoptosis halt, and hair stops growing, with the hair shaft reaching around the mid dermis.

Simultaneously, the hair shaft begins to develop into a club shape at the bottom as it separates from the hair bulb and cuts off from its source of nourishment.

Telogen Phase 

The telogen phase, also known as the resting phase, is when hair stops growing and stays in place. While the hair follicle is completely at rest, the club shape at the bottom of the hair shaft forms fully.

This phase typically lasts around 100 days for scalp hair, and even longer for hair on the rest of the body. At any point in time, around six to eight percent of all hairs are in the telogen phase.

Exogen Phase

The exogen phase, also known as the hair shedding phase, is an extension of the telogen phase. At this point, the hair is shed from the follicles and falls off the skin, usually by rubbing or other forms of external stimulation. This phase lasts for two to five months at a time, during which one can shed 50 to 100 hairs per day. 

The Origins of Hair

The hair we see externally originates from the base of the hair follicle, which is found deep within the skin, in the low dermis. The hair follicle is the site where a hair bulb develops, a result of cell division and cell growth.

In order to create hair and also modify hair characteristics, the hair bulb draws nourishment and receives hormones from the blood vessels. Because of this, the amount of nourishment and types of hormones received vary over time, also impacting the structure and characteristics of the hair produced. 

How Growth Cycle Affects Waxing

The stage of hair growth determines how fast the hair will grow back. This means that removing your hair while it’s still growing is going to yield many longer-lasting results than if one were to remove hair when it’s already at the tail end of the hair growth cycle.

When it comes to hair length, it is generally recommended that one should remove hair at the beginning of the hair growth cycle, as this will result in a more even and consistent hair length, rather than if one were to remove hair when it’s already at the tail end of the hair growth cycle.

Meanwhile, when hair is waxed in later phases, the hair cycle is close to its end, leaving less time before the hair follicle produces new hair. Not to mention, in the other phases of hair growth, hair is no longer attached to the hair follicle, hence, any pulling of hair will not impact the follicle and the speed and amount of hair growth over time. 

What You Shouldn’t Do in Between Waxes 

The effectiveness of waxing relies on its ability to remove hair from the roots, resulting in unparalleled smoothness of the skin, and reduced hair growth over time. In order for waxing to achieve these outcomes, however, one will have to undergo a few waxing sessions continuously. 

Doing so ensures that waxing will eventually be able to remove all the hairs in the same growth cycle, preventing the dreaded uneven hair growth or patches of hair.

However, this process is hindered when one shaves between waxes. When one shaves, this doesn’t give hair enough time to synchronize and prevents waxing to remove hair in the same growth cycle. It also allows the hair follicles to recover, preventing any reduction of hair growth from happening. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Waxing can be an intimidating procedure. But knowing what you’re getting yourself into by asking the professionals helps make the process a lot easier.

Does hair growth depend on seasons?

The hair growth cycle is influenced by the environment. When it is hot, hair growth is faster, and when it is cold, hair growth slows. This means that you may need more frequent waxing during the summer months, but require fewer waxing appointments during winter.

How many times do you have to wax before hair stops growing permanently?

Though waxing is known to result in finer and reduced hair growth, this does not stop hair growth permanently and can only prolong the periods between waxing sessions.

How do I get my hair in the same growth cycle for waxing?

The best way to get hair in the same growth cycle is to wax on a regular schedule. For waxing newbies, it’s recommended to wax every three to four weeks for a handful of sessions in order to reap the benefits of regular waxing . The number of sessions depends from person to person.

Ready to Go Hairless?

Wax regularly to get the hair off in the same growth cycle, and you can kiss patchy body hair goodbye for good!

Ready to get waxed? Check out our waxing services, we are the number one provider of full waxing service in Las Vegas. We offer women and men waxing services in Las Vegas.

Enjoy the best waxing services Las Vegas has to offer, schedule your appointment today. You may visit our online booking page or contact our team of waxing experts at SOS Wax and Skincare today!