6 Waxing Myths (And the Truth Behind Each One)

featuring Depileve

Waxing is one of the most profitable salon services, but it can also be the most challenging - especially with misinformation about proper technique and widespread misconceptions about aftercare.
 
Deanna Derthick, Depileve Brand Manager and Depileve Waxing Academy pro educator, has heard it all. Below, she breaks down six common waxing myths - and sets the record straight on each one.
 

Myth #1: If You Don’t Cleanse the Skin, You’ll Get a Closer Wax

Here’s why this is a common misconception: dry skin does wax better than wet skin. But you still need to cleanse the skin prior to waxing to get rid of bacteria. Here’s what Deanna teaches her students: after you sanitize, wipe (never rub!) off excess cleanser, then do a client consultation. This will give the skin time to dry before continuing with your service.
 

Myth #2: You Have to Stand When Waxing

The beauty industry is currently undergoing a grassroots movement to protect the wellbeing of its workers, and estheticians are no exception. “When I wax legs, I sit on a chair. When I wax a face, I sit on a chair. Pretty much the only time you shouldn’t sit is when you’re doing a Brazilian,” says Deanna. Sitting whenever possible will help relieve back and leg pain and prevent varicose veins. Bonus tip from Deanna: get a chair with wheels so it’s easier to move around while working!
 

Myth #3: Film Wax Can’t Be Used For All Treatments

Contrary to popular belief, film wax is actually super versatile - even on larger areas like the legs, back and chest, but it does take some practice to do it right, explains Deanna. “In Depileve Waxing Academy, I actually primarily teach with film wax, like Depileve Monoi of Tahiti Extra Film Wax,” she shares. “It’s not harder to work with, it just takes education. Most technicians that have been waxing for a while aren't used to the consistency that film wax should be when melted." Film wax is especially good for first-time waxing clients, post-laser hair removal treatments and Brazilian waxes.
 

Myth #4: Waxing Causes Wrinkles

“Waxing doesn’t create wrinkles; technicians create wrinkles,” says Deanna. Why? Improper technique. When you wax, you need to hold the skin very taut. Not only will this help prevent wrinkles, but this way, hair extracts easier, making the treatment less painful for your clients. Here’s another tip from Deanna on proper technique: “A big thing estheticians-in-training do incorrectly when removing wax is they lift their shoulder. I tell my students to relax (you’re doing the application with your hand - your shoulder has nothing to do with it!). This makes for a gentler wax removal, plus you’re not going to be miserable at the end of the day!”
 

Myth #5: Seeing Blood When You Wax Means You “Killed” the Hair

Actually, it means you removed the hair by the papilla (which is a good thing!), but it will still grow back. Also, Deanna notes, if you see blood when the hair papilla is removed, it should only be the size of a pinhead!
 

Myth #6: After Waxing, Hair Can Grow Back Coarser and Darker in Color

Deanna says it’s actually the opposite. “If you’re waxing correctly (removing the papilla and not “snapping” the hair off on the surface), the papilla should get smaller and smaller each time you wax,” she notes. Not only does this make waxing less painful each time your client returns, but the hair will start growing back softer, finer, lighter in color and texture and it will take longer to grow back.
 
Interested in attending Depileve Waxing Academy - an 8-hour, hands-on training workshop with Deanna? Check out their Facebook page for upcoming dates.

About Deanna Derthick
With more than 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, Deanna has excelled at everything from salon owner to national educator. As Depileve’s brand manager and national educator for the Global Beauty Network, she has traveled extensively throughout the U.S. sharing her knowledge of waxing and skincare through seminars and hands-on classes. She has received a certificate of recognition for the Aesthetics International Association for speaking at the Professional Hair Removal Conference (PHRC), and she’s also been published in Dermascope magazine.