Quick Answer
There is no definite number of waxing sessions after which hair growth will permanently stop. Hair growth may slow down and get finer over time with consistent waxing, but most people will continue to see some regrowth between waxing sessions. On average, waxing every 4-6 weeks for 6-12 months is needed before significant slowing of regrowth may occur.
Does Waxing Permanently Stop Hair Growth?
Waxing does not permanently remove hair follicles or stop hair regrowth. It only removes the hair above the skin surface. However, over time and with consistency, waxing may damage hair follicles and slow down hair regrowth. Here is some more detail:
- Waxing removes hair by pulling it out from the follicle beneath the skin. The root remains intact so the hair can grow back.
- With repeated waxing, some hair follicles may get damaged or weakened. This can slow down how fast and thick the hair grows back.
- For mild and temporary slowing of regrowth, 6-12 waxing sessions are usually needed. More significant retardation of growth often takes 12+ sessions over many months.
- Total permanent hair removal is unlikely. Most people will continue to see some regrowth between waxes, but it may be finer, sparser and slower to grow. Regrowth may decrease by 10-50% for some.
So in summary, waxing does not provide full permanent hair removal for most people. But it may progressively damage follicles and slow down, thin out or lighten regrowth over many months of consistent treatments. The results vary based on individual factors like hair type, waxing method and consistency.
How Many Waxing Sessions Before Hair Stops Growing Back?
There is no specific number of waxing sessions after which the hair will stop growing back permanently for everyone. Results vary widely based on the individual. On average:
- After 6 sessions: People may start to see a slight decrease in regrowth between waxes. But hair will still regrow largely the same.
- After 12 sessions: More noticeable slowing and thinning of regrowth often occurs. But full baldness is unlikely.
- After 18+ sessions: Individual follicles may be damaged enough to stop regrowth permanently. But most areas will still regrow to some degree.
So in general, a minimum of 12 monthly waxing sessions is a common benchmark to start seeing longer-lasting reduction in regrowth. But many individuals may need 18+ treatments over a year or more before getting to their maximum results in permanent slowing/thinning of hair regrowth.
Factors That Influence Results
How quickly and significantly waxing reduces hair regrowth depends on several factors:
- Hair thickness and type – Coarse, thick hair is harder to permanently damage and slow regrowth of.
- Waxing skill – Faster, cleaner wax removal damages follicles more than slower, messier waxing.
- Consistency – Regrowth is reduced most when waxing happens every 4-6 weeks consistently for many months.
- Genetics – Some people’s follicles are more easily altered than others by waxing.
- Age – Younger persons’ follicles may withstand waxing damage better.
- Hormones – Waxing post-puberty generates slower regrowth than pre-puberty.
So someone who starts waxing young, has fine hair, gets frequent high-quality waxes and is genetically predisposed will likely see better regrowth reduction. Thick hair or inconsistent waxing reduces long-term impact.
Waxing Aftercare to Slow Regrowth
Proper aftercare between waxes can also aid in slowing regrowth over time:
- Exfoliate gently 3 times a week – helps loosen in-grown hairs and prevent infection.
- Use a 2% salicylic acid product – chemical exfoliant that slows hair growth.
- Apply aloe vera gel – calms inflammation that can encourage regrowth.
- Take cool showers – hot water irritates follicles and speeds regrowth.
- Wear loose clothes – prevents friction that can spur hair growth.
- Avoid sun exposure – tanning increases hair production.
Combining proper aftercare with consistent waxing maximizes the long-term hair reduction from waxing for most people.
Other Hair Removal Options
While waxing damages hair follicles, it doesn’t completely destroy them for permanent removal. Other options to consider for potentially longer-lasting hair reduction include:
- Laser hair removal – Uses laser light to disable follicles. Requires multiple treatments but can be permanent.
- Electrolysis – Electric current is applied to permanently destroy each follicle. Very effective but time-consuming.
- Drugs like Vaniqa – Prescription topical creams that impede hair regrowth. Work as long as they are used.
For those seeking permanent hair removal, these options are more likely to generate longer-lasting or permanent results compared to waxing alone. But they also require greater time commitment, discomfort and/or expense.
Conclusion
Most people will not see complete permanent cessation of hair regrowth after waxing. However, with frequent and consistent waxing over many months, thinning, slowing and reduction in regrowth can often be achieved. On average, 12+ monthly waxing sessions are needed before substantial retardation of growth occurs. But results vary widely and some individuals respond better than others do. Permanent hair removal methods like lasers or electrolysis provide more reliable long-term hair reduction than waxing alone.