There was a time when beards were in style. Many men would never think of shaving their beards off. However, times have changed and now the clean-shaven look is back in fashion. If you are one of the many men looking to get rid of their beards, waxing is a great option.
Anyhow, we will discuss what waxing is and how it works. We will also talk about the pros and cons of using wax on your beard.
Table Of Contents
- What Is a Beard Waxing
- Benefits
- How Does It Work
- Pros and Cons
- Pros
- Cons
- Types
- Hard Wax
- Soft Wax
- Sugar Wax
- Liposoluble Wax
- Things to Consider
- Hair Type
- Area Being Waxed
- Skin Type
- Time of the Year
- Tools You Need
- Beard Trimmer (optional)
- Hot or Soft Wax Kit
- Spatula or Popsicle Stick
- Bowl of Ice Water
- Towel
- Q-Tips or Cotton Swabs
- How to Do It at Home
- Step 1 – Prepare
- Step 2 – Trim
- Step 3 – Apply hot wax
- Step 4 – Apply cold wax
- Step 5 – Remove the wax
- Step 6 – Repeat
- Side-Effects
- Irritation and Redness
- Ingrown Hairs
- Sun Sensitivity
- Allergic Reactions
- Breakouts
- How to Care for Your Skin After This Treatment
- Wash With Warm Water and Soap
- Apply a Moisturizer
- Use Beard Care Products
- Avoid Sun Exposure
- Cold Wax vs Hot Wax
- Waxing Beard vs Shaving Beard
- Do’s and Don’ts
- Do’s
- Don’ts
- Quick Tips
- FAQ
- Is it safe to wax your beard?
- Does waxing hurt?
- How long will it take for the hair to grow back?
- Does waxing a beard make it grow back thicker?
- Are there any health risks associated with waxing?
What Is a Beard Waxing
Waxing is the process of removing hair from the root using wax. It can be used on any part of the body, including the beard. In that light, beard waxing stands for the same process.
This is a new trend that’s been popular for only a couple of years now. It’s growing in popularity because it is more permanent than shaving. While shaving offers a quick fix, it only lasts for a few days. Waxing, on the other hand, can last up to four weeks.
Therefore, those looking to get rid of their beard, or part of their facial hair, should consider waxing as their number one option.
Benefits
There are many benefits to waxing your beard. However, some men are simply into this trend, while others can’t live without it. The benefits of waxing your beard are as follows:
- More permanent solution than shaving. As we mentioned before, waxing can last up to four weeks. This is much longer than the few days you get with shaving.
- More precise. When you wax your beard, you remove the hair from the root. This means that you can achieve an exact and clean look.
- Eliminates ingrown hairs. One of the biggest problems when it comes to shaving is ingrown hairs. These are caused by bacteria buildup that can clog your hair follicles and lead to inflammation. Waxing eliminates this problem, leaving you with smooth skin free from redness or irritation.
- Less painful. While waxing may be painful at first, the pain goes away once the hair grows back. Some people claim that waxing is less painful than shaving because it doesn’t leave them with razor burn or cuts.
- Suitable for your face. Waxing removes hairs from the root and not just at the skin’s surface. This means removing the dead skin cells and allowing your new, healthy skin to shine through.
- Lasts up to four weeks. Waxing is a more permanent solution than shaving because it removes hair. You can go longer without worrying about your beard or facial hair growing back in between waxes.
This benefits those who want to keep a clean and well-groomed look.
How Does It Work
Since men are not that familiar with waxing, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know. Simply speaking, waxing works by removing hair from the root. The wax is applied to an area of skin where there are unwanted hairs and it’s left for about 15 minutes.
After that, a strip of cloth or paper is placed on top and pulled off in the opposite direction of how the hair grows out.
This process removes all of your beard hair, including those difficult to reach with a razor.
So, when it comes to beard waxing, the process is similar to waxing any other part of your body. The only difference is that you need to be extra careful when waxing around the beard area, as it can be more sensitive than other areas.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It is more precise than shaving.
- It eliminates ingrown hairs.
- Waxing leaves your skin smooth and free from irritation.
- The result lasts up to four weeks.
- It won’t clog your pores as shaving cream does.
Cons
- It can be a bit more painful than shaving, especially if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to the wax being used on your face.
- Some people find that their facial hair grows back thicker after waxing.
Types
Hard Wax
These are the most popular type of wax because they are gentle on the skin and quickly remove hair. They are also great for beginners because they don’t require any heating or special tools.
Also, they are less likely to cause skin irritation or ingrown hairs. However, they can be a bit more expensive than other waxes.
Soft Wax
This type of wax is great for those who have sensitive skin or are prone to ingrown hairs. They tend to be less expensive than hard waxes and many people find them easier to apply because they don’t require any heating or special tools.
On top of that, soft waxes remove hair quickly and easily. However, they can be more painful than hard waxes and often cause skin irritation.
Sugar Wax
This type of wax is made from sugar, lemon and water. It’s an excellent option for those looking for an all-natural solution.
Sugar waxes are gentle on the skin and remove hair quickly and easily. They also don’t cause any skin irritation or ingrown hairs. However, they can be a bit more expensive than other waxes.
Liposoluble Wax
This type of wax is great for those who have sensitive skin or are prone to ingrown hairs. They tend to be less expensive than hard waxes and many people find them easier to apply because they don’t require any heating or special tools.
On top of that, liposoluble waxes remove hair quickly and easily. However, they can be more painful than hard waxes and often cause skin irritation.
There are many different types of beard wax on the market today, so it’s essential to do your research before making a purchase decision.
Things to Consider
Before you even begin to wax your beard, there are a few things that you need to consider.
Hair Type
The first thing is the type of hair on your face. If it’s thick and coarse, then hard waxes may be best for you; if it’s thin or fine, then soft waxes will probably work better. You also need to consider the length of your beard. You may want to trim it down a bit before waxing if it’s long.
Area Being Waxed
The second thing to consider is the area you will wax. The only difference is that you need to be extra careful when waxing around the beard area, as it’s more sensitive than other body parts.
Skin Type
The third thing to consider is your skin type. Liposoluble waxes may be best for you if you have dry or sensitive skin; if it’s oily or acne-prone, then hard waxes will probably work better. On top of that, you need to be aware of any allergies that you may have. If you are allergic to the wax being used, it’s best to avoid waxing altogether.
Time of the Year
The last thing to consider is the time of year. Waxing can be more painful when your skin is already dry and irritated in the winter months. It’s best to avoid waxing during these months unless you have very oily skin.
Tools You Need
Beard Trimmer (optional)
You can use a beard trimmer to trim down your beard before waxing. This will make it easier for the wax to remove all of the hair and cause less pain during application.
Hot or Soft Wax Kit
This is the essential tool that you will need to apply the wax. Make sure to buy a kit that includes both hot and soft waxes, as they each have their benefits.
Spatula or Popsicle Stick
This is the tool that you will use to apply the wax. It’s essential to use a spatula or popsicle stick instead of your fingers, as it will help avoid getting the wax on your hands.
Bowl of Ice Water
This is the tool to remove any excess wax from your skin. It’s best to dip it in ice water for a few minutes before applying, as this will help reduce pain and inflammation.
Towel
A towel is another essential thing you need to wax appropriately. It’s best to use a towel that can be washed in hot water and bleach, as this will help keep the wax from getting on your clothes.
Q-Tips or Cotton Swabs
Q-tips or cotton swabs are suitable for removing excess wax from your skin. Therefore, this is especially useful for those waxing their beard at home and doing that for the first time.
Simply put, it’s impossible to imagine waxing your beard properly without these items. It would be good to gather everything together before you start so that you’re not running around like a headless chicken in the middle of the process.
How to Do It at Home
Step 1 – Prepare
First of all, it’s essential to get prepared for waxing. This includes washing your beard with premium beard soap since that’s the best option to nourish your facial hair properly.
On top of that, it’s always a good idea to comb your beard before you start applying wax. This will allow you to see exactly where you want to add wax and which hair to remove.
Step 2 – Trim
If you have a long beard, it’s best to trim it down before waxing. This will make the process easier and cause less pain.
Also, consider using some high-quality trimmer as that’s the best choice to get rid of beard dandruff.
Step 3 – Apply hot wax
Hot waxbeard itch
When applying the wax, use a slow and circular motion. Make sure to apply it evenly on the hair’s surface that you want to remove.
Step 4 – Apply cold wax
After applying the hot wax, use the cold wax similarly. This will make it easier to remove and cause less pain when pulling off the hair strips.
Consider applying cold wax only on surfaces where you already used hot wax. The mixture will create a perfect layer for waxing.
Step 5 – Remove the wax
Now, it’s time to remove the wax. Dip your towel in ice water and apply it to the waxed area for a few minutes. This will help reduce pain and inflammation.
Then, use your spatula or popsicle stick to scrape off the excess wax. Be careful not to scrape off the skin.
Finally, use a Q-tip or cotton swab to remove any leftover wax.
Step 6 – Repeat
If you have a lot of hair on your beard, it’s best to repeat the process two or three times. This will help ensure that all of the hair is removed.
Waxing your beard can be a bit daunting, but if you follow these steps, you’ll do it like a pro! It is a great way to get rid of unwanted hair, but it also makes your skin feel smooth and soft.
Side-Effects
Irritation and Redness
The most common ones are skin irritation and redness. This is usually caused by the application of hot wax to the skin.
To avoid this, it’s important to apply cold wax only after applying hot wax. You can also use a cold compress on the area after waxing.
Ingrown Hairs
Another side-effect of beard waxing is ingrown hairs. This happens when the newly waxed hair grows and gets trapped beneath the skin surface.
To avoid this, make sure to exfoliate your skin regularly. This will help keep it soft and help prevent ingrown hairs from forming.
Sun Sensitivity
Waxing also makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. So, if you’re exposed to UV rays, apply sunscreen.
This is happening only because waxing removes your hair from the root. This means the sun will have easier access to your skin and potentially damage it.
Allergic Reactions
Finally, some people experience allergic reactions to waxing products. If you start feeling itchy or develop a rash after waxing, stop using the product and consult your doctor.
Breakouts
Waxingsebum
To prevent this, make sure to wash your face thoroughly after waxing. Use a good quality facial cleanser and exfoliate regularly.
Overall, beard waxing is a great way to remove unwanted hair and achieve a clean and polished look. Just follow these steps carefully and avoid any potential side effects.
How to Care for Your Skin After This Treatment
Wash With Warm Water and Soap
After removing the wax, it’s essential to wash your face with warm water and soap. This is a simple step, but it will help remove any leftover debris from the beard waxing process.
You can also use all-natural beard shampoo or another mild cleanser if you want to be extra careful.
Apply a Moisturizer
The next stepa moisturizer or beard oil
Keeping your beard moisturized is essential, especially if you’re using wax to remove the hair. So, make sure to apply good quality beard oil every day.
Use Beard Care Products
If you want your skin to be perfectly smooth after waxing, it’s good to use some beard-care products. This includes a good quality beard oil, wax, and even a good balm.
However, if you’re wondering about beard oil vs. wax vs. balm, the balm is the best option. It will help keep your beard moisturized and shiny while protecting it from the sun’s rays. Most beard balms are made with natural ingredients like beeswax and shea butter.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Try to avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours after waxing. This will help your skin heal properly and prevent damage from the sun’s UV rays.
Also, sun rays can be harmful to your facial skin even if you have a beard, but the sun’s rays can be more harmful without a beard or a part of your beard.
Cold Wax vs Hot Wax
Waxing is a very popular hair removal method, but there’s still some confusion about cold and hot wax.
Cold waxing involves applying strips of cloth soaked in paraffin or liquid to the skin and pulling them off while warm. The process takes longer than hot waxing because you have to wait to cool before applying it.
Hot waxing uses hot strips of cloth applied directly onto your skin to remove unwanted hair. This method is much faster than cold waxing and less painful because you don’t have to wait for the strips of clothes to cool down before applying them to your face.
This means that both types of wax are suitable in their way. Also, cold and hot waxing usually depends on personal preference. So, try both methods and see which one you like better.
There’s also an option to use homemade beard wax, but that’s for more experienced users.
Waxing Beard vs Shaving Beard
Shaving a beard is another popular hair removal method. But how does it compare to waxing? Well, both of them have their own set of pros and cons.
Shaving is less painful than waxing because you’re using a sharp blade to cut the hair instead of pulling it out. But this also means that it’s not as effective as waxing because it doesn’t remove the entire hair follicle. This can lead to hair regrowth and also ingrown hairs.
On the other hand, Waxing is more painful than shaving, but it’s much more effective. It removes the entire hair follicle, so you don’t worry about regrowth or ingrown hairs. However, it can cause skin irritation and redness.
So, when it comes to waxing a beard vs. shaving a beard, they have their own set of pros and cons. But overall, waxing is more effective than shaving because it removes the entire hair follicle from your face.
On top of that, waxing also provides a cleaner and polished look, while shaving can leave your beard looking rough and scruffy. So, if you’re looking for a better way to remove unwanted hair from your beard, waxing is the way!
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Ensure to wash your face and beard with soap and water before waxing. This will help remove any leftover debris from the waxing process.
- Apply a moisturizer or beard oil on the newly waxed area. This will help soothe your skin and prevent it from getting irritated or inflamed.
- Keeping your beard moisturized is essential, especially if you’re using wax to remove the hair. So, make sure to apply good quality beard oil every day.
- Avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours after waxing. This will help your skin heal properly and prevent damage from the sun’s UV rays.
Don’ts
- Don’t apply wax on irritated or inflamed skin. This can aggravate the condition and cause further irritation.
- Don’t use any type of alcohol-based products after waxing. This will dry out your skin and make it more susceptible to irritation.
- Don’t expose the waxed area to the sun’s rays. The sun’s UV rays can be very harmful and cause skin damage.
- Don’t shave the waxed area for at least 24 hours. Shaving will irritate your skin and cause further discomfort.
So, these are some of the most important do’s and don’ts when waxing your beard. If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to get the best results from your waxing session and avoid any pain or discomfort.
Quick Tips
- Wash your face and beard with soap and water before applying the wax. This will help remove any leftover debris from the waxing process.
- Use a pre-waxed strip of cloth to apply pressure on newly waxed areas. This will help soothe your skin and prevent it from getting irritated or inflamed.
- Ensuring that your beard moisturizes is essential, especially if you’re using wax to remove the hair. So, make sure to apply good quality beard oil every day.
- Avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours after waxing. This will help your skin heal properly and prevent damage from the sun’s UV rays.
FAQ
Is it safe to wax your beard?
Yes, it is safe to wax your beard. However, make sure to use a good quality wax and avoid alcohol-based products. Also, don’t expose the waxed area to the sun’s rays for at least 24 hours.
Does waxing hurt?
Yes, waxing can be a bit painful. But the pain is usually short-lived, and worth it for the results you get.
How long will it take for the hair to grow back?
The hair will start growing back within a few days of waxing. However, it may take a few weeks to grow back ultimately. Applying beard conditioner could help here.
Does waxing a beard make it grow back thicker?
No, waxing does not make the beard grow back thicker. It may cause the hair to grow back finer and slower.
Are there any health risks associated with waxing?
There are no health risks associated with waxing. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may experience some irritation or inflammation after waxing.
Conclusion
Waxing your beard is a great way to get rid of unwanted facial hair. It’s quick, easy and relatively painless. Just make sure to follow the do’s and don’ts listed above, and you’ll be able to achieve the best results from your waxing session.
About the author: Michele Antunes
Michele Meesh Antunes is the lady of the Beardoholic writers team and a genius when it comes to hair and beard styles that suit any face shape. She’s been a barber for years now and, no matter your personal style, she knows exactly what beard, hairstyle and length suit you. She brings the women’s perspective on beards, beard care, haircuts and hairstyles and male grooming.
