How Long Does Waxing Last?

Waxing is a quick and affordable treatment for removing unwanted hair. It’s a safe and effective hair removal method and provides lasting results — up to four weeks. 

At Montclair Rejuvenation Center, our aesthetics medical spa team, led by Dr. Kelly Distefano, offers waxing for hair removal. 

In this month’s blog, we want to discuss waxing, what to expect during the beauty treatment, and how long the results last. 

About hair waxing

Waxing is one of many ways to remove unwanted hair. It’s a semi-permanent method that removes hair from the root. Aesthetic specialists may use the soft or hard wax method for removing hair.

Soft wax

Soft wax requires the use of cloth or paper strips for hair removal. The specialist applies warm wax to your skin, presses the strip against the wax, and then rapidly removes the strip. Soft hair waxing works best when treating large body areas like the legs or back.

Hard wax

Hard wax is a stripless waxing technique. The wax is applied to your skin and allowed to harden. Then, the aesthetician rips the wax off directly to remove your hair. Hard wax treats smaller areas of the body like the upper lip and can remove very short hair. 

What to expect

Before proceeding with any type of beauty treatment, even hair waxing, our team thoroughly evaluates. Though safe for most people, we don’t recommend waxing for hair removal if you’re taking medication that makes your skin sensitive, such as retinol, or if you have a skin condition like an infection.

Waxing can cause discomfort. Taking an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) about 30 minutes before your waxing session may ease some of the pain. 

We first clean the area undergoing hair removal and apply the wax. We use one hand to hold your skin, keeping it taut, and use the other to remove the wax quickly, against the direction of hair growth.

Results are immediate, but you may have redness and swelling. Though these side effects are temporary, use cold packs to soothe the skin.

How long results last

Because waxing removes hair at the root, results last several weeks. However, hair grows in stages, and you may notice a hair return in the treated area sooner than expected. 

Regular waxing disrupts hair follicle growth. Over time, you may grow less in the waxed area, or the hair is fine and light in color. 

Laser hair removal is another type of hair removal treatment we offer. It works by heating and destroying the hair follicle. Though you need many treatments over several weeks, laser hair removal can keep your skin smooth and hair-free for months or even years.

Hair waxing is quick and effective and results last weeks. If you’re looking for a quick treatment to get rid of unwanted hair, call us at our office in Verona or West Caldwell, New Jersey, today, or book your consultation using the online booking button.