Professional Waxing Services

Why Choose Waxing?

Waxing is one of the most effective hair removal methods, offering smooth, long-lasting results that far exceed shaving or depilatory creams. By removing hair from the root, waxing provides weeks of smooth skin while progressively weakening hair follicles over time, leading to finer, sparser regrowth.

Hard Wax vs. Soft Wax: Understanding the Difference

At Hideaway Spa, we use both hard wax and soft wax techniques to provide the most effective and comfortable hair removal experience. Each type of wax has unique properties that make it ideal for specific areas and hair types. The choice between hard and soft wax depends on the treatment area, hair type, and individual client preference—neither is universally "better," and pain tolerance varies significantly from person to person.

The Science of Hair Growth & Waxing

Understanding the hair growth cycle is essential to achieving optimal waxing results and timing your appointments for maximum effectiveness.

The Hair Growth Cycle

Hair growth occurs in a continuous cycle consisting of four distinct phases. Each individual hair on your body is in its own phase of development, which is why not all hair is removed with a single waxing session.

Anagen Phase (Growth Phase): This is the active growth phase where hair is produced by rapidly dividing cells in the hair follicle. The anagen phase for body hair typically lasts 4-8 weeks, with 80-90% of body hair in this phase at any given time. Hair in the anagen phase is firmly rooted in the follicle and contains an intact hair bulb.

The anagen phase is characterized by highly mitotic activity in the hair bulb, with melanocytes interspersed throughout producing pigmentation. This is the ideal phase for waxing as hair is effectively removed from the root (PMC, 2023).

Catagen Phase (Transition Phase): This brief transitional phase lasts approximately 10 days and affects 10-20% of body hair. During catagen, the hair follicle begins to shrink and detaches from its blood supply. Hair growth ceases, and the hair shaft is pushed upward as the follicle undergoes apoptosis-driven regression.

The hair follicle loses about one-sixth of its standard diameter during the catagen phase, and the formation of a "club hair" occurs—a fully keratinized structure at the base of the hair shaft (NCBI, 2023).

Telogen Phase (Resting Phase): The resting phase lasts about 100 days, with 10-20% of body hair in this phase. The hair follicle remains dormant while the fully formed club hair rests in place. New hair begins to form beneath the old hair in the follicle.

During telogen, approximately 50-100 hairs are shed naturally per day from the scalp, with similar patterns throughout the body. Hair in telogen is ready to fall out on its own or be pushed out by new growth (Healthline, 2024).

Exogen Phase (Shedding Phase): This is an extension of the telogen phase where old hairs are actively shed from the follicle, often during washing or brushing. The new anagen hair growing beneath pushes out the old telogen hair.

How Waxing Interrupts the Growth Cycle

Waxing is most effective when performed during the anagen phase when hair is actively growing and firmly anchored in the follicle. Removing hair from the root during this phase:

• Disrupts the hair growth cycle at its most vulnerable point
• Can cause minor trauma to the hair follicle, weakening it over time
• Results in progressively finer, sparser regrowth with consistent treatments
• Ensures all visible hair is removed at once for smooth results

Regular waxing every 4-6 weeks allows you to capture most hairs during the anagen phase, leading to more thorough removal and progressively better results over time.

Why Multiple Sessions Are Necessary

Because hair grows in cycles and not all follicles are synchronized, multiple waxing sessions are necessary to achieve consistently smooth results. Your first few waxing appointments may not capture all hair because:

• Hair in the telogen or catagen phase may be too short or loosely attached
• Some follicles haven't yet entered the anagen phase
• Previously shaved hair may have uneven growth patterns
• It takes 4-6 weeks for most hair to enter the optimal growth phase

The Mechanism of Waxing

At a cellular level, waxing works through mechanical adhesion and extraction:

1. Adhesion: Wax is applied warm (104-140°F depending on type), penetrating into the hair follicle opening and coating the hair shaft. The wax cools and hardens, creating a strong mechanical bond with the hair.
2. Extraction: When the wax is quickly removed against the direction of hair growth, it pulls the entire hair shaft from the follicle, including the hair bulb and root sheath in many cases.
3. Follicle Response: The mechanical removal causes temporary inflammation and can slightly damage the dermal papilla (the structure that controls hair production). Over time, repeated trauma weakens the follicle's ability to produce thick, coarse hair.
4. Exfoliation Effect: Waxing simultaneously removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells (stratum corneum), providing a gentle exfoliating effect that reveals smoother, brighter skin.

The wax adheres to both the hair shaft and the keratinized cells surrounding it. This mechanical action creates temporary pore dilation and mild exfoliation of the epidermis (Science of Waxing, 2023).

Pre-Wax & Post-Wax Care

Before Your Appointment

• Grow hair to 1/4 inch: Hair should be at least the length of a grain of rice for optimal removal (approximately 2-3 weeks of growth after shaving)
• Exfoliate 24-48 hours before: Gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and free any trapped hairs, but not immediately before your appointment
• Avoid retinoids: Stop using products containing retinol, tretinoin, or other vitamin A derivatives 2-5 days before waxing as they thin the skin
• Skip the moisturizer: Don't apply lotions, oils, or moisturizers on the day of your appointment—they interfere with wax adhesion
• Avoid sun exposure: Don't get waxed if you're sunburned or have been in the sun/tanning bed within 24 hours

After Your Appointment

• Wait 24-48 hours before: Exfoliating, hot showers, swimming, working out intensely, or sun exposure
• Keep area clean: Gently cleanse with mild soap and avoid touching freshly waxed areas
• Moisturize regularly: Apply fragrance-free, gentle moisturizer to keep skin hydrated
• Exfoliate 2-3 times weekly: After the initial 48 hours, regular exfoliation helps prevent ingrown hairs
• Avoid tight clothing: Wear loose, breathable fabrics for 24 hours after waxing sensitive areas
• Book your next appointment: Schedule your next wax for 4-6 weeks out to maintain smooth results

Managing Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs occur when hair curls back and grows into the skin rather than emerging from the follicle. While waxing significantly reduces ingrown hairs compared to shaving (by pulling hair straight from the root), they can still occur. Prevention strategies:

• Regular exfoliation (2-3 times per week) to clear dead skin cells from follicle openings
• Daily moisturization to keep skin soft and supple
• Wearing loose clothing to reduce friction on freshly waxed areas
• Avoiding picking or scratching at skin
• Using specialized ingrown hair serums containing gentle exfoliating acids

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can trap new hair growth beneath the surface. When hair emerges cleanly from the follicle, the risk of ingrown hairs is dramatically reduced (Starpil Wax, 2024).