Waxing Information 101

The information provided in the blog is from what this writer have learned and gathered throughout her experience as an Esthetics student and social media.

Waxing is a form of temporary mechanical hair removal.  Wax is applied in the direction of hair growth, and removed in the opposite direction. During hair removal, the skin can become irritated and red. Some pinpoint bleeding may occur, but that means the hair follicle was destroyed and hair will no longer grow there (kind of the point of waxing). Ingrown hair is common for everyone. This happens when hair grows and cannot push through the skin due to a build of dead skin. The hair will continue to grow underneath the skin and cause an infection. In order to prevent this, the dead skin must be removed by exfoliating. Once the area is waxed, the hair in the area should be on the same growth cycle, the number of hair should be less and the hair texture should be smoother.

There are multiple brands of waxes but there are two main types of waxes: soft and hard wax.

Soft wax

Soft wax requires a cloth strip to lie on top of the wax after application to the skin in order for wax and hair to be removed. Artist must warm the wax with the hands by using petting motions towards the direction of hair growth.

The strip can be pulled off in the opposite direction of hair growth. Soft wax adheres to the skin and to hair so when the strip is pulled off, it exfoliates the skin and removes the hair. Soft wax can cause skin lifting if soft wax is applied to one area multiple times. Red bumps or hives may occur and last up to a half hour. Hard wax can be used after soft wax as cleanup strips. Artists can use soft wax for all areas. Soft wax is typically more suitable for larger such as the legs, back and chest areas.

Hard Wax

Hard wax does not require a cloth strip to lie on top of the wax after application to the skin. Hard wax hardens and can be pulled off in the opposite direction it was applied onto the skin.

Clean-up strips can be applied the opposite of the hair growth and removed towards the direction of hair growth.

Hard wax does not adhere to the skin so many people have little to no reaction to the hair. Some redness if client have denser areas of thicker and coarse hair. It suctions the hair into the wax as it hardens. Artists can use hard wax for all areas. Hard wax is typically more suitable for smaller and more sensitive areas such as brows, upper lip and Brazilian waxes.

Types of areas for waxing

Body areas that most spa or waxing studios offer waxes for are face brows, upper lips, underarms, arms, legs, chest, neck, backs, legs, and bikini area. Special waxing studios may provide custom waxes for different areas and design.

Aftercare

After every waxing service, clients should treat the area that was waxed like an open wound. Clients should not touch or use dirty objects to interact with the area. No heavy cream or ointment should be used. Clear and light ointment can be used if needed. There should be no friction or activities that cause excessive sweating. A client should exfoliate the area 24-48 hours after the service to prevent any ingrown hairs.

Degree for Wax Artist

In the state of Minnesota, a wax artist must have an active license in Esthetics or Cosmetology under the Minnesota’s Board of Cosmetology. Many schools across the United States have programs for both licenses. An Esthetics program is usually between 500-600 hours of fundamentals in skin analysis, facial and body treatments, waxing, makeup and lash extension, product knowledge and hands on experience. A Cosmetology license allows you to learn and work with hair, skin, and nails and usually takes about a year or two to complete.

Average Income

Waxing in the beauty industry has boom in the last 5 years. A waxing artist can makes on average $32,000 to over $60,000 a year.  Waxing Artists are normally paid minimum wage (or slightly higher depending on competitive pay and state in which the artist reside), along with commission (15-40%) on service and retail and collects all tips (averages $5-11 per ticket). The reports to make over six figures.