Why waxing is better? Comparison of different hair removal methods

Shaving vs Waxing

The quickest and most cost-effective option but with the least desirable results. Shaving is the act of using a razor to remove the hair. The hair is removed at skin level leaving smooth skin for a very short amount of time, 24 hours or less. Removing the hair with a razor strengthens the hair follicle making the hair more coarse and dense over time, the result is rough stubble when the hair grows back. Ingrown hair and unsightly dark hair follicles seen mostly on the legs and underarms are also more prevalent. Add to that the nicks, scrapes and band-aids and shaving is quickly ranked the least favorite choice for hair removal. Most clients will become annoyed with shaving and book a waxing appointment asap.

Electrolysis vs Waxing

An electrical current is flowed into the hair follicle that may remove the hair overtime, sometimes permanently. The downfall of electrolysis is time. It can take many sessions to achieve permanent results plus clocking in at approximately one minute per hair, makes this a solution for small areas or individual hairs but not a large area. The pain factor is also higher than any of the other methods. However, bonus points for the ability to remove grey hair.

Depilatory Cream vs Waxing

Depilatory creams, also be in the form of gel or foam, contain strong ingredients such as calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide and potassium which break down the keratin in the hair literally dissolving the hair within a few minutes. Cost effective and relatively time efficient, but messy. Emphasis on messy. Irritation or damage to the skin is possible so great care must be taken. Depilatory creams will remove the hair slightly below the surface of the skin resulting in a smooth surface for a day or so longer than shaving. The mess is not worth it. Clients struggle and likely become eager to see their esthetician for a quick wax instead.

Threading vs Waxing

Threading has a few benefits. Say the client is taking Accutane, threading is an option. Or if someone has an allergy to wax, threading may be a good choice. But overall, threading is painful, can break the hair and does not remove the vellus hair and really the face is the area that is typically threaded.

Tweezing vs Waxing

Removing hair using tweezers is cost effective and relatively quick. The negatives far out weight the positives. Tweezing is painful and only an option for small areas. For a random hair, sure. But for an entire area tweezing is not practical. Even for eyebrows, clients find it hard to create the perfect shape preferring waxing over tweezing. Leave it to the professional. 

IPL/Laser vs Waxing

IPL or Intense Pulsed Light and Laser hair removal both utilize light laser beams that are attracted to the melanin in the hair, then zap the hair destroying the hair follicle and after 6 sessions (give or take) the hair is gone forever. A miracle, right? Well, not so fast. IPL isn’t permanent but more of hair reduction.

Both methods are painful. The newest technology makes it more tolerable, but the newest technology comes with a higher cost for the salon making it harder to purchase and difficult for the client to locate a salon with the newer, more comfortable machine.

Laser is permanent but very expensive for most people. Hundreds of dollars for just one area. And not every hair will be removed creating the need to still shave or wax. If you have skin that is darker on the Fitzpatrick scale, no luck. Laser is only safe for lighter skin. Some advancements are being made depending on the machine but as of now, grey hair, light hair, super fine hair? No, no and no. The limitations are many and the cost is high. Sure, if you have light skin and darker coarse hair with a wad full of cash, this may be the option for you, but for most it’s a no-go.

Waxing

Efficient, long lasting, affordable, and easily accessible makes waxing the holy grail of hair removal. Really when you look at the options, you can see why waxing is the number one choice.

The waxing industry continues to grow as more and more people ditch the razor and head to the salon. An opportunity to offer a service clients need and to make more money for the esthetician.

But the best part of waxing compared to the other options? The hair follicle will be damaged making the hair grow back slower, finer and more sparse.

The results speak for themselves.

The most important detail for estheticians to consider is the quality of the wax.

The original Cirépil BLUE beads created by Perron Rigot have been voted #1 for many years. The all-purpose wax is excellent for any body area.

Of course, Cirépil created Patented hypoallergenic waxes as well. Cirépil by Perron Rigot Cristalline is a fan favorite, your clients will thank you for a virtually pain free experience.

The Cirépil 3 Step System makes it easy. Be sure to prep the skin with the Purifying Blue Lotion and the Pre-Depilatory Oil for best results. Then completing the wax treatment with the Post Refreshing Gel. The time commitment, once every 4-6 weeks, the financial commitment, which is very affordable, plus the results, will keep clients booking waxing appointments for years to come.