Tips for Waxing Short Hair

Waxing short hair can be challenging because it needs to be about ?” long for the wax to grab onto. If it's shorter than that, it may or may not be successfully removed. Here are some tips for waxing stubble-length hair at home or with the pros.

Seeing the Pros

Depending on what type of wax they use and how skilled they are, you might be turned away if your hair isn't long enough. So first ask when making your appointment, call other salons and spas, or wait until the hair gets more length.

At Home

Wax is applied in the direction of hair growth and removed in the opposite direction. But you can get more hair if you first apply wax (strip or stripless) against the direction of hair growth, and then with the direction of hair growth in the same stroke working quickly. (In the same stroke means there's no stopping or picking up the applicator for each section).

Why? Wax will fully surround the hair follicle on all sides, so there's a better chance the shorter ones will be removed. Practice this technique first on your arm or another place that you don't care if the hair is removed or not first, before waxing the target area.

Waxing Short Hair with Strip and Stripless Wax

• Strip wax. Not to be confused with wax already on a strip. This type of wax is warmed up and then a strip is applied on top to be removed. It's good for waxing large areas like the legs, back and chest. (See: How to Waxing Guide)

• Stripless wax. Also known as hard wax, it's also is heated up, and when applied shrink wraps hair and hardens so it doesn't need a strip. It's great for coarse hair like in the underarms and bikini area. Satin Smooth's hard waxes should be applied as thick as a nickel and the skin doesn't need to have oil applied first like with most other companies. Their Calendula Hard Wax (compare prices) is good for thick, coarse curly hair. Try Wild Cherry Hard Wax (compare prices) for fine to medium hair.

  Try Sugaring Paste

  Sugaring, the traditional method using paste, also removes hair from the root like waxing. But since hair is removed in the same direction of hair growth you only need 1/16". It's also known to be less painful than waxing and create less redness.

  At home: Although it's a bit tricky to do on yourself, you can make your own sugaring paste (get directions) and save.

  Professionals: Do an internet search in your area for sugaring. (Make sure it's paste, not gel. The gel is wonderful too, but doesn't remove short hair like the paste.) Alexandria Professional and Simply Sugar are two companies that use sugaring paste and can direct you to trained professionals in your area.

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