Cosmetology

Waxing Techniques

©2003 Texas Trade and Industrial Education 1

Facial & Body Waxing
Waxing Definition

Waxing is a temporary service.

Waxing pulls hair out from the follicle;
this is why waxing lasts 4-6 weeks
before new hair growth is noticed.
Wax is an epilator, which is any product

that removes hair from the follicle.

©2003 Texas Trade and Industrial Education Cosmetology I: Waxing Techniques 2
Hot & Cold Wax
 Wax may be used either hot or cold.
 For clients who cannot tolerate the hot wax or
those with sensitive skin, cold wax may be
used instead.
 Cold wax must be applied thicker and does
not require the use of fabric strips to remove
it from the skin.
 Instead, the wax is pulled directly from the
skin in the opposite direction of the hair
growth.
©2003 Texas Trade and Industrial Education Cosmetology I: Waxing Techniques 3
Waxing Supplies
 Facial chair  Disposable paper
 Wax  Wax heater
 Wax remover  Disposable spatulas
 Fabric strips  Headband or hair cap
 Towels  Disposable gloves
 Skin cleanser  Emollient or antiseptic
lotion

©2003 Texas Trade and Industrial Education Cosmetology I: Waxing Techniques 4

Waxing Preparation Steps
 Sanitize the area
 Melt the wax in the heater
 Place disposable sheet on the facial chair
 Pre-cut fabric strips for removal
 Arrange supplies
 Protect client’s hair with headband if necessary
 Drape client
 Wash your hands and put on disposable gloves if
required

©2003 Texas Trade and Industrial Education Cosmetology I: Waxing Techniques 5

Waxing Steps
 Cleanse area to be waxed
 Apply powder to area being waxed
 Test wax temperature on inside of your wrist
 Spread thin coat of wax in the direction of hair growth
 Apply removal strip in the same direction as hair growth
 Press gently 3-5 times
 Pull skin taut and quickly remove strip in the opposite direction of hair
growth
 Apply pressure immediately and lightly massage
 Repeat procedure as needed
 Apply antiseptic
 Cleanse area
 Apply soothing lotion
 Undrape and show client the results

©2003 Texas Trade and Industrial Education Cosmetology I: Waxing Techniques 6

Clean-up Steps
 Offer to rebook client
 Discard unused supplies
 Place soiled linen in closed hamper
 Clean and disinfect implements
 Sanitize the bed and counter
 Wash hands with anti-bacterial soap and
warm water

©2003 Texas Trade and Industrial Education Cosmetology I: Waxing Techniques 7

Cautions & Suggestions
 Beeswax can cause allergic reaction. Always give a
patch test prior to use.
 Do not use excessive wax. It may spread to other
hair you do not want removed.
 Do not leave wax heater on overnight.
 Be sure the wax is not too hot for sensitive areas.
 Sugar & lemon juice create a wax-like substance
used for waxing for centuries. This is called
“sugaring.”

©2003 Texas Trade and Industrial Education Cosmetology I: Waxing Techniques 8