The Science of hair growth & skin disorders
Hair Growth
Under normal circumstances hair growth in each hair follicle occurs in a cycle. There are three main phases of the hair growth cycle: anagen, catagen and telogen.
Anagen (active) is the growing phase or when the hair fiber is produced. When the hair is removed at this stage the waxed hair-free period will last for longer as the hair has been removed at the earliest (youngest/newest) stage of its development.
Catagen (club hair) is the period of controlled regression of the hair follicle. This phase is when the lower part of the hair stops growing, but does not shed, and the follicle is reabsorbed.
Telogen (tired) is the last of the hair growth cycle. In this resting phase, the old hair falls out in preparation for the development of a new anagen hair. At this stage the brand new anagen hair is already developing below the exisiting visible surface hair. When waxing is performed on a telogen hair the hair-free period will not last as long because the new anagen hair is just below the skin surface waiting to break through.
Please see the diagrams below for a clear appreciation of the hair phases:
Skin conditions or medical conditions: when waxing should be avoided
Skin cannot be waxed if suffering with:
- Sunburn
- Windburn
- Cuts, bruises or abrasions
- Severe eczema
- Known diagnosed skin diseases
- Steroids or other known skin-thinning agents have been in use
It is also inadvisable to use wax depliation as method of hair removal if you suffer from diabetes - due to the skin being thinner.
Skin with localised problems can be waxed with caution. These skin characteristics should not eliminate waxing as a method of hair removal but can be waxed around:
- Varicose veins
- Patchy ezcema
- Warts and hairy moles
- Skin tags
If in doubt telephone or email me for a chat.