Let’s be honest: stubble is not exactly the sensation we want on our skin. But removing very short hairs with wax can indeed seem like a tricky task. The good news is that it’s entirely manageable—with the right approach.
That’s why we prepared this guide: here, you’ll learn what length of hair is considered truly short, which waxing techniques work most effectively, and how to keep your skin perfectly smooth for as long as possible—even in delicate areas like the bikini line.
Keep reading to find out how to remove even the shortest hairs with wax safely and effectively.
Optimal Hair Length for Waxing
Removing short hair with wax can be quite challenging. For the wax to effectively grip the hairs, they should be approximately 6 mm long. If the hair is shorter, the procedure may be ineffective: some hairs may remain or not be removed completely. Depending on the type of wax and the experience of the specialist, you might even be refused the procedure if your hair is too short.
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When booking a waxing appointment, check with the salon whether they use hard wax and if they can remove medium-length hair. If the answer is no, it’s better to call other salons or spas that specialize in waxing, or wait until your hair grows longer. Salons usually refuse appointments if they believe they cannot perform the procedure effectively.
If you plan to do waxing at home and are unsure whether your hair is long enough, there is a simple rule: the hair should be about the length of an eyelash, roughly 6 mm. This length ensures the best results, as short hairs are difficult for the wax to grip.
The effectiveness of hair removal also depends on the thickness of the hair. Fine, soft hairs with roots the size of a grain of rice can be removed with wax. However, short, dense, and coarse hairs are much harder to grip and almost impossible to remove in a single session, so repeating the procedure on that area is not recommended. Although some specialists use hard wax and try to remove even such hairs, it may not yield the desired result.
How to Remove Wax from Short Hair
Waxing at home can be a tricky procedure, especially when it comes to short hairs. It’s important to remember that not all types of wax are equally effective. Right now is not the best time to use cold wax or ready-made wax strips — they often fail to catch all hairs, particularly thick ones.
If waxing is necessary, it’s better to choose hot professional wax. Traditionally, it is applied in the direction of hair growth and removed against it. For more effective removal, including short hairs, you can first apply the wax against the direction of hair growth, and then spread it along the direction of growth, working continuously without lifting the applicator.
Experts recommend removing short hairs with small, deliberate movements. Why is this important? Wax fully surrounds each hair on all sides, which significantly increases the likelihood of effective removal, even if the hairs are very short.
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Before starting wax hair removal on your chosen area, practice on your hand or any spot where it doesn’t matter if the hairs are completely removed. After the procedure, use slanted tweezers to carefully remove any remaining hairs, and keep pointed tweezers on hand for particularly short hairs.
Can sugaring remove short hairs?
A gentler alternative to waxing is sugaring — a method of removing hairs from the follicle using a paste or gel made from sugar, water, and lemon. The gel is usually easier to use, but for effective hair removal, the hairs should be about 6 mm long. The paste, however, can handle hairs as short as 1.5 mm, though it is more difficult to work with, so it’s best to trust the procedure to an experienced specialist.
The main difference between sugaring and waxing is that the paste is applied against the direction of hair growth. This is especially challenging on coarse and short hairs. Although sugaring is believed to be able to remove short hairs, experts clarify that the hairs should be thin enough, roughly the size of a grain of rice.
The effectiveness of the procedure largely depends on technique. With properly prepared paste and adherence to all removal rules, sugaring can capture even very short hairs, providing a smooth result.
How much time should be left between waxing sessions?
It is generally recommended to wait four to six weeks between sessions, although this largely depends on individual characteristics. Some people prefer to remove underarm hair every two weeks. With regular waxing, hair becomes thinner and softer, making the procedure easier and less painful. Others have slower hair growth, so waiting six weeks or more is sufficient. If you have been shaving for a long time, it is important to follow a regular schedule—about every four weeks—so that hair has time to grow back according to its natural cycle.
There are also cases when it’s better to wait a little longer before waxing. If the hair is too short, or if there is sunburn, a rash, or an open wound, it’s best to take a break for a few days. Additionally, it is not recommended to use retinol for at least two to three days after waxing to allow the skin time to recover. It is also advisable to avoid retinol for two to three days before a session, since waxing can be more painful if the upper protective layer of the skin, which retinol removes, is absent.
Similarly, if you are using prescription medications or acids, such as salicylic or glycolic acid, it is recommended to take a break for a few days before waxing so that the top layer of the skin can recover. When using such products, always coordinate your procedure schedule with your doctor.
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Although it may be tempting to remove very short hairs, in practice it’s better to wait until they grow to about 6 mm. Longer hairs are easier to remove, the procedure is faster and more comfortable, and the result is smoother with less skin irritation. If you do decide to epilate short hairs, be sure to finish the procedure by applying a gentle moisturizing cream — this will help keep your skin smooth and comfortable.
Although it may be tempting to remove very short hairs, in practice it’s better to wait until they grow to about 6 mm. Longer hairs are easier to remove, the procedure is faster and more comfortable, and the result is smoother with less skin irritation. If you do decide to epilate short hairs, be sure to finish the procedure by applying a gentle moisturizing cream — this will help keep your skin smooth and comfortable.