Read *This* Before Getting Your Next Brow Wax
Main Image – Ohlamourstudio/Stocksy
Don’t be fooled by what you see on social media; great brows don’t happen by chance. In fact, they’re often meticulously and carefully crafted using wax, tweezers, threading, tinting or makeup.
We’ve seen *so* many brow trends over the years – from the pencil-thin pairs of the 90s to the bushy brows of today – and not only does the right shape frame your face, it also makes a statement.
So if you normally pluck and are now considering your first brow wax- or even if you’re a seasoned waxing pro but have questions about whether it’s actually the *best* way to tame your brows or not- we’ve spoken with waxing expert Stacey Laricchia to get all of the goss on how long it lasts, the benefits, and the downsides (FYI, there really aren’t many downsides!)
Whether you’ve been blessed with arches like Lily Collins or you’re not as well endowed, with our help, your eyebrows will always be on point.
Image – Cavan/Adobe
How long does brow waxing last?
First up, one of the main benefits of brow waxing has got to be its balance between eventual regrowth yet relatively long-lasting results.
But how long can you actually expect to be hair-free after your wax?
According to Laricchia, “A good brow wax, taking into consideration how many hairs were removed with the root bulb intact, can last you up to 6 weeks! On average I would say four weeks is the normal amount of time for the majority of our guests.”
No regrowth for up to 6 weeks?! Sounds good to us!
In general, people see results for between 4 – 6 weeks, however, this will depend on your hair growth pattern and the rate of your hair growth.
Will waxed eyebrows grow back normal?
“An eyebrow wax, like most body waxing services, aims to remove the hair with the root intact. This allows for not only a permanent reduction in growth over time but when the hair has to regenerate the entire root it can take weeks,” says Laricchia.
“Some guests can see no regrowth for 3 plus weeks while others can be 4 to 6 weeks. But, when the regrowth does happen, you will notice a significant reduction in the returning hairs. So, normal shaping and maintenance of your brows will not be a significant visible change.
“A drastic, dramatic waxing could lead to permanent change in the brow, even after months, that hair may never return.”
Image – molenira/Adobe
What are the pros of waxing your brows?
Ok, now we know that one of the main pros of waxing is guaranteeing a few weeks of fuzz-free brows but there’s still debate over whether other forms of hair removal are gentler on skin (you are ripping hair from its root here, after all). That’s why we’ve asked Stacey both the benefits and downsides to brow waxing.
First up, let’s take a look at the rest of the pros.
Long-lasting results: Due to the hair being pulled out of the follicle, it takes longer to grow back, meaning you’ll need fewer appointments and you’ll have more time to enjoy life!
Fresher, wider-eye look: Because all of those tiny hairs and fluff will also be removed when the wax is pulled off, you will be left with a fresher, more open-looking eye area that will also be *perfect* for applying makeup like concealer, highlighter, and eyeshadows.
Efficient: Waxing removes multiple hairs in one go, so it’s much more efficient than painstakingly removing each hair one by one using tweezers!
More comfortable: Contrary to popular belief, waxing will most likely be more comfortable for you than other options like tweezing and threading. This is because it’s quick removal of multiple hairs, rather than feeling each. tiny. pull.
Temporary: Laricchia says, “It’s worth noting that the temporary nature of eyebrow waxing, lasting several weeks, offers a strong advantage. This characteristic allows for effortless adaptation to shifting trends and individual preferences.
“The aftermath of the overplucked eyebrow trend in the 1990s serves as a compelling illustration of why a permanent eyebrow hair removal method would never be ideal.”
Image – Ohlamourstudio/Stocksy
And the downsides?
According to Laricchia, “Eyebrow waxing really has no downside, although we frequently hear from our The Birthday Suit clients that they are so in love with their freshly waxed brows and wish they could stay looking like that forever.”
Healthline states that there are a few cons when it comes to eyebrow waxing though. “Eyebrow hairs may grow back within a few weeks, over-waxing may damage hair follicles, and possible temporary redness, swelling, and irritation,” it explains.
This means that you won’t want to over-wax as you’ll risk slowing or preventing new hair growth (although the same is also true for other methods like plucking). It also means that if your skin is sensitive, you can expect some irritation after waxing.
How to prep
Whatever your skin type, to get the best from your wax you should avoid exfoliating around the area for at least 3 days after your wax, as the skin will be more sensitive. You should also avoid applying thick night creams to prevent oil accumulation and, if you do need to moisturise the area, a great option is aloe vera as this will also calm the skin down and reduce redness.
You will need to make sure you apply SPF to the skin around your newly waxed arches (but you’re already applying SPF every day anyway, right?!) because the area will be sensitive.
Despite these small downsides, eyebrow waxing really is one of the best ways to shape and freshen your brows and eye area!
Image – deniskomarov/Adobe
The takeaway
Well, we think it’s pretty clear that brow waxing is the way to go for most people!
A quick, efficient and long-lasting hair removal option, waxing brows is the *perfect* method for shaping eyebrows and taming any of those rogue hairs you keep seeing in the mirror!
Although not completely pain-free, the results are worth it, with Laricchia saying you won’t see any regrowth for around 3 – 6 weeks. Not only this, waxing provides significant reduction in returning hairs and, if made into a routine, your hair eyebrow hairs should grow back thinner and slower as time goes on.
Meet the expert
Stacey Laricchia is a renowned aesthetician with more than 25 years of experience and is the founder and Chief Creative Director of The Birthday Suit, the award-winning US-based waxing franchise bringing affordable luxury across the states.
Get Glowing!
