Waxing is one of the most efficient and effective ways to remove unwanted hair and reveal smooth, glowing skin. You probably know that — but do you know how long a wax lasts? Or how frequently to wax for the best results? We’re breaking down the waxing timeline so you can book smarter, glow longer, and keep that freshly waxed confidence going strong by answering your questions about waxing and hair growth, including:
- How does hair regrowth work?
- How long does waxing last (by type)?
- How can you make your hair removal results last longer?
The cycles of hair growth
Before we answer the question, “How long does it take for hair to grow back after waxing?” let’s talk about the phases of hair removal and growth.
The hair growth cycle is a three-act play, broken down into phases:
- Growing (anagen) phase: At any given time, 90% of your hair follicles are in the growth phase. This is when hair cells divide, and hair sprouts and grows.
- Transitional (catagen) phase: During this phase, a small percentage of hair gets cut off from its base and loses its blood supply. Think: waxing, shaving, or threading.
- Resting (telogen) phase: The remainder of your hair is in the resting phase, when it’s pushed out of the skin and falls out. After the telogen phase, the cycle repeats, starting with the anagen phase.
The length of your personal hair growth cycle depends on several factors, including age, sex, diet, stress, medical conditions, and hormonal health. So if your hair seems to grow faster than your bestie’s, blame biology — not your wax.
How long does waxing last?
Depending on what part of your body you’re waxing — as well as your pre- and post-wax care — you’ll have smooth, hair-free skin for at least two to three weeks after your waxing services. Let’s talk about some of the other frequently asked questions about hair removal and the regrowth cycle.
How long does waxing last the first time?
After your first professional wax appointment, your hair should start growing back after one to two weeks. This is because the hair that hasn’t broken through the skin yet can’t be removed from the root. If you wax consistently — about every three to four weeks — you’ll likely find that it starts to take longer for your body hair to grow back. When you wax frequently, your Cerologist can remove more hairs that are in the transitional and resting phases.
Does it matter what type of wax is used?
The type of wax your Cerologist uses doesn’t determine how long your wax lasts, but it can impact the quality of your results and your overall experience. At Waxing the City, we don’t just grab any wax and go. We use the good stuff. Our custom hard and soft waxes are designed to deliver smooth, less ouchy results, no matter where you wax. Each differs in formulation and removal technique to give you the smoothest results possible.
Hard wax is best for smaller or more sensitive areas of the body. It’s applied in a thick layer when warm and hardens on the skin, so it “shrink wraps” to the hair. Your Cerologist doesn’t have to use cloth strips for removal because the wax itself acts as a strip. Hard wax works best for:
- Bikini line
- Underarms
- Eyebrows
- Upper lip
- Other areas of the face
Soft wax is suited for larger areas, as it’s more pliable and easier to apply. It’s typically pulled off with a strip of cloth. Soft wax is ideal for:
- Legs
- Arms
- Chest
- Back
How many waxes does it take for hair to stop growing?
The more you wax, the more your body hair gets the memo: “Hey, we’re not doing this anymore,” by growing back lighter, finer, and sparser. Regular waxing can make hair grow back slower over time, but it won’t stop hair growth completely. (Take this as an excuse to keep pampering yourself year-round!)
How long does an underarm wax last?
A typical underarm wax lasts anywhere from two to four weeks before hair regrowth becomes noticeable. This may happen quicker if you have dark or thick hair. However, as with any waxing service, regular waxing can slow your hair growth and keep your underarms smoother, longer.
How long does an eyebrow wax last?
Whether you’re getting rid of stray eyebrow hairs or want more extensive shaping, an eyebrow wax lasts anywhere from two to four weeks, depending on how dark and thick your brow hairs are — and how fast they grow.
It may be tempting to tweeze away hair as it grows in, but it’s best to hold off and leave those stray hairs to the professionals. Brow hairs have different growth cycles, and waxing removes hairs at the same growth stage. This makes it easier to maintain the shape longer. Tweezing disrupts the growth cycle by removing hairs at different stages, meaning you’ll likely need more frequent upkeep and grooming.
How long does a Brazilian wax last?
A Brazilian wax, which removes all the hair in your pubic area from front to back, typically lasts three to four weeks, depending on how much hair you remove. If you wax regularly, a Brazilian may last five to six weeks as hair growth slows.
How long does a bikini wax last?
Similar to a Brazilian, a bikini wax removes all the hair on the outside of your panty line or thigh crease. This kind of wax typically lasts about four weeks, and your hair should be ¼” to ½” in length before you book your next appointment to ensure the service is effective.
How long does leg waxing last?
Since you’re removing hair from the root, a leg wax lasts longer than shaving. It usually takes one to two weeks for hair to start growing back, and even longer for the hair to grow out enough for another appointment. Over time, you can go four to six weeks between appointments.
Finally: 3 tips for making a wax last longer
Want to keep that smoothness going as long as possible? Here’s how to wax hair smarter, not harder:
- Get the timing right. Waiting until your hair is long enough to book your next appointment can actually make your wax last longer (and it keeps your skin healthy).
- Exfoliate and moisturize on the regular. Consistent exfoliation and moisturization not only creates a healthy glow, but it also leaves a cleaner surface to make your wax more effective.
- Leave it to the pros. Skip the DIY shaving and waxing treatments — professional waxing gives you smoother, longer lasting results that are so worth it.
More waxing tips for you
Ready for your smoothest skin yet? Our expert Cerologists are here to help answer all your burning questions, from “how long does a wax last?” to “when should I book my next appointment?” Find a studio near you now.
