Hair Removal

Cosmetologists should study hair removal because removing unwanted hair is a primary concern for many clients. You will satisfy your clients by advising them on the various types of hair removal. It is a great extra service that you can offer. Before performing any hair removal service, a consultation is always necessary. You need to know of any allergies they may have. You need to understand the sensitivity of their skin so you know which wax best suits them. Certain medications cause changes in the skin that can cause skin to lift during waxing treatment, meaning the skin can be pulled off with the wax. Be cautious of that. Clients who have autoimmune diseases such as lupus can have reactions to the inflammation caused by waxing. Permanent hair removal isn't offered in salons. But it is still an option for hair removal. Permanent hair removal methods include electrolysis, photoepilation, and laser hair removal. Electrolysis is the removal of hair by means of an electric current that destroys the growth cells of the hair. Photoepilation uses intense light to destroy the growth cell of the hair follicles. Laser hair removal is a laser beam pulsed on the skin, impairing hair growth. Temporary hair removal methods include shaving and tweezing.  A depilatory is a substance used for the temporary removal of superfluous hair by dissolving it at the skin's surface. Always ask the client how they want their eyebrows done and what they want taken off. To determine the best shape for the brow, hold the base of the comb against the corner of the nose. This is where the brow should begin. Hold the comb so it extends from the corner of the nose to the outside corner of the eye and this is where it should end. The high point of the arch of the brow should be near the outside corner of the iris, if the client is looking straight. An epilator removes the hair from the bottom of the follicle. Wax is a commonly used epilator and is available in two main forms: hard and soft. Soft wax is applied to the skin and removed using fabric strips. Hard wax is thicker and does not require strips, you just pull it off with your hand.  Because waxing removes the hair from the bottom of the follicle, it takes a lot longer to grow back then tweezing would. It usually takes 4-6 weeks to grow back. Wax is applied many parts of the body: eyebrows, cheeks, chin, upper lip, arms, legs, armpits, etc. Many male clients wax the back of their neck and back. The hair should be at least ¼ inch long for waxing to be effective. Remember to always test the temperature of the wax before placing it on the client. Never double-dip the wax. Do not apply wax over warts and moles, or other irritated areas. Becoming a good waxer can be very efficient for you. It will bring you more clients. People need to be waxed often and it is a very good way to make extra money.