The Complete Guide to Waxing Facial Hair
Waxing facial hair is one of the most popular services clients come in for and is one of the cornerstones of the waxing world.
Though it might seem like a simple process, the small surfaces involved in facial waxing and need for utmost precision can end up making this process more complicated than body waxing. After all, a bad face wax is very apparent!
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The keys to a successful face wax lie in knowing the skin, which products to use, and how to use the best wax for facial hair. It’s also essential to master the different subcategories of facial waxing, like lip and eyebrow waxing services.
In this article, we’ll take you through what goes into facial waxing, the benefits of facial waxing, the key points of a face wax for women vs. men, and will deep-dive into the right facial waxing products to use at home or in the salon.
READ: How to Wax Men’s Facial Hair
Can You Wax Your Face?
Waxing your face can be very beneficial and will yield long-lasting results when done correctly. Waxing on the face is different from waxing the rest of the body due to the small skin cells, thinner skin, and the smaller layers of fat in the area.
Due to these factors, full-face waxing can be tricky, since facial skin tends to be more sensitive, oilier, and more prone to bacteria growth and dehydration. While waxing the face, it’s vital to take measures to protect the skin while waxing to avoid making its skin challenges worse.
READ: Best Hard Wax for Easy Hair Removal
Facial Hair Waxing Cost
Now that we’ve touched on what to consider when taking on a face wax, let’s get into the logistics of the process.
Full face waxing usually refers to the cheeks, lips, and side face and may include the neck and ears. A lip wax is a prominent a la carte service over cheeks and sideburns.
Eyebrow waxing is an entity all its own, as doing them involves a whole other skill set outside of just removing hair safely since this service requires the utmost level of precision. Forehead waxing services can also be a more detailed service when used to reshape the hairline. As each of these involve different skill sets, each service varies in cost.
Here is an average spa or salon facial waxing price list.
Individual Facial Waxing Service Pricing:
- Full Face: $30 -$60
- Forehead: $10 - $15
- Eyebrows: $15 - $20
- Nose: $10 - $15
- Ears: $10 - $15
- Sideburns: $10 - $15
- Cheeks: $10 - $15
- Upper Lip: $8 - $15
- Chin: $10 - $15
- Neck: $10 - $15
Is it Better to Wax or Shave Facial Hair?
Full face waxing can be excellent for removing unwanted facial hair all in one go. It can be superior to shaving (especially for men) because it removes hair from the root to avoid blunt, stubbly hairs from sprouting. Waxing gives a smooth finish that can last for weeks vs. shaving, which only lasts for a day or two.
The waxing process is also performed with more precision than waxing, especially for eyebrow or hairline shaping, and can weaken hair growth over time.
READ: The Complete Guide to Hair Growth After Waxing
Is it Safe to Wax Facial Hair?
Waxing can cause superficial trauma and be skin-depleting, so it’s essential to have the proper facial waxing training.
To make facial waxing safer, wearing gloves and practicing the highest standards of cleanliness is the only way to go. This includes using sanitary products, proper waxing skincare, and wax, and of course, never double-dipping (even when waxing at home).
Can Men Wax Their Faces?
Though less common than performing a face wax for women, male face wax services are gaining popularity quickly.
Men’s facial waxing services often include eyebrow grooming and the upper cheek areas. Thicker areas of the beard are usually avoided, but waxing beards for men with thin, sparse can be par for the course.
How Long Does Facial Hair Have to be to Wax?
Like body waxing, facial hair needs to be at least ¼ of an inch long for adequate removal.
READ: How to Choose an Eyebrow Waxing Kit
Pros and Cons of Facial Waxing
Just as is the case with any facial hair removal, each technique comes with its own set of pros and cons depending on your preference, skin type, or hair removal needs. Facial waxing is no different, so knowing what to expect when heading into your service is the key to getting the results you’re looking for.
What are Some of the Full Face Waxing Benefits?
When done properly, facial waxing can remove and reduce unwanted hair from the face, creating a smoother, more radiant, and brighter complexion.
The results from eyebrow waxing alone can make a big difference in the overall appearance of the face and help give a makeup look more balance, symmetry, and harmony.
Eyebrow waxing is a very precise procedure that allows for very crisp and exact results, and can do wonders in providing clients with the look they’re searching for.
What are the Disadvantages of Waxing Facial Hair?
Since it’s such a sensitive area, not everyone is a candidate for facial waxing. Some people can experience histamine reactions like hives or welts, or more intensive reactions using treatments like retinol.
If you haven’t had the proper training or you see an inexperienced professional, it’s not uncommon to experience skin lifting or a wax burn.
READ: How to Get Rid of Oily Skin
Tips for Waxing Facial Hair at Home
When learning how to wax your face at home, be sure that you’re not on any retinol products and that you’ve taken the proper precautions.
To perform a proper face wax at home, you’ll need to use the right products for your skin type in your home facial waxing kit. Though booking with a professional, especially for your first session, is always recommended for best results, the following are some of our best recommendations for at-home facial waxing. For those just looking for the right warmer for their services, we recommend the Starpil 4 oz Facial Hard Wax Warmer, which is designed specifically for facial waxing or smaller services, while still using the same professional heating technology as our larger warmers.
READ: 5 Tips for How to Wax Sensitive Skin
What is the Best Face Wax Kit?
To pick the right face wax products, you should always assess what kind of services you want, what your skin type or hair type is, and what your skill level is.
Using the best professional tools and equipment, as well as the best wax for face hair removal will not only help you create clean lines and to remove hair with precision, but also help keep you and your clients safe from injury.
Everything you use, from your wax warmer and face hair removal wax to face wax strips and waxing spatulas, can make the difference in a successful facial waxing service.
When looking for the right kit for facial waxing, try out our Facial Waxing Kit. This kit comes complete with our aforementioned Facial Wax Warmer, a hard wax formula of your choice, pre and post-wax care products, and the accessories you need for a complete service.
Having all of the accouterments you need for face waxing in one place will let you know you’re using the right products that all work together for your or your clients’ specific needs and skin types.
If you’re not sure which kit might be right for specific services or skin types, take our specialized quiz to get matched with the right kit for you or your business.
READ: Working with Dry vs. Dehydrated Skin: A Guide for Professionals
Which Wax is Best for Facial Hair?
The best face wax kit contains wax that is exceptionally gentle or features ingredients that cater to specific skin needs. Any wax used on the face needs to have a low melting point while still being able to grip shorter, finer hairs.
The Best Hard Wax for Face Waxing:
Hard wax tablets or wax beads for face waxing services are esthetician’s go-to’s for facial waxing services. Our best hard waxes for these services include:
- Coral Film Hard Wax: This wax detoxes skin during a service for increased evenness of skin tone, and contains properties to aid aged or hypersensitive skin.
- Starsoft Hard Wax: A face wax ideal for hypersensitive or aged skin that uses neurosensory properties to dull pain and inflammation.
- Pink Film Hard Wax: This creamy hard wax is ideal for especially sensitive areas like the lips or cheeks, or for facial areas requiring a lot of precision or with hard-to-reach, fine hairs.
- Calendula Film Hard Wax: The best wax for face waxing on oily and acne-prone skin.
- Black Film Hard Wax: This wax works best for coarse facial hair, particularly that of beards or along the hairline.
Facial Wax Warmers
Having the right warmer for your services will allow you to bring wax to the right temperature and consistency with ease for your services.
- Facial Hard Wax Warmer: Great for body waxers, facialists, or licensed makeup artists who do fewer facial waxing services.
- Standard Hard Wax Warmer: Perfect for those who have a fair amount of facial appointments with some body wax appointments scattered in between.
- Double Hard Wax Warmer: Allows full-time facial waxers to have two different formulas ready to go at all times.
Wax Spatulas for Face Waxing
Always work on an area of the face with the correct size waxing spatula. Different size widths and lengths make large and small areas easier to tackle.
- Angled Brow Spatula/Flat Wooden Waxing Spatula: These can be used together to form the perfect brow-shaping duo because they ensure accuracy and provide the proper pressure to spread the right amount of wax onto such a detailed space.
- 4.5” Wooden Spatula: Ideal size for smaller facial areas. You can use them to get to the outer edges of larger waxing areas. They’re also great for the nose and ear areas.
READ: Why Pre & Post Wax Products are a MUST!
Pre Face Wax Tips
Educating your clients on what they need to do to keep their skin in its top condition before their appointment will let you perform the best and safest facial wax service.
Include information on the right pre-wax care routine on your website, through SMS when confirming their appointment or booking, or through email. Once the client is with you, you can tailor their pre-wax skincare routine according to their skin and hair type and concern.
Pre-Wax Care by Skin Type:
- Use a post-wax oil before cleansing for dry or sensitive skin types.
- Try adding pH-balancing rose water tonic for all skin types before oil or cleansing.
- Apply cornstarch at the end of a pre-wax care routine on oily skin types if needed.
- For ultra-sensitive skin, begin with Starsoft Pre-Wax Gel to reduce waxing pain.
- For oily, acne-prone skin with sensitivities, start with Calendula Pre-Wax Gel to help stop redness and bacteria growth before it starts.
READ: Waxing at Home: The Complete Beginner’s Guide
Post Face Wax Tips
Waxing facial hair requires a post-wax routine and home care that speeds skin healing and keeps it clean, hydrated, and balanced to avoid infection and breakouts.
An after wax care for face waxing services routine should include the following products:
- Use Starpil Post-Wax Care Oil after waxing to hydrate skin while removing any possible residual wax. This formula does double duty by removing any impurities while infusing skin with replenishing properties.
- Following your oil, use Post-Wax Care Lotion to keep skin clear from pore-clogging debris. Using this light and gentle lotion on vulnerable freshly waxed skin will deeply moisturize it while creating a barrier from inflammation or irritants.
- For at-home care, use Starpil Post-Wax Intensive Care Lotion on sensitive, dehydrated, or dry skin that might need a little extra post-wax care.
- 24 hours after waxing, use Starpil’s Ingrown Serum Spray to gently exfoliate skin and dissolve any ingrown hairs or inflammation before it forms.
READ: How to Treat & Prevent Ingrown Hairs After Waxing
How to Wax Facial Hair
Here are some waxing facial hair tips on the wax applications of some of the most popular facial waxing services.
EyebrowsIt’s important to apply wax far enough from the brow so that wax doesn’t spread too far toward the brow hairs you want to keep. Use a smaller, angled waxing spatula for fine detailing.
Nose and inner earsUse a 4.5inch wax applicator for these service types. Create a wax bulb the size of the nostril or outer ear canal. Center the stick. Put the entire bulb into the orifice and let wax set while doing the same to the other side. Once the wax has set, grip as close to the orifice as you can get. Remove the first stick in a fast and hard pull, then the other.
Lip waxingOver apply wax so that it gets into the inner corners of the mouth. If the client's skin can handle it, wax hairs in one direction first, then the other.
Check out this face wax using Coral Wax by licensed professional, Cara Edwards:
READ: Lip Waxing: The Complete Guide
Final Thoughts
Facial waxing can be your most significant source of service revenue. Because each type of facial service is very common and most likely provided by your competitors, it's essential to stand out to your clients as both a skincare expert as well as a waxing expert. To do this, always wax with the needs of specific skin types in mind to improve skin while giving clients great results.
FAQs | How to Wax Facial Hair
Which facial areas can be safely waxed and which should be avoided?
Most facial areas can be safely waxed by a trained professional, including the eyebrows, upper lip, chin, cheeks, and sideburns. However, several facial zones should be approached with extreme caution or avoided entirely. For example, the area directly on and under the eyelids is far too delicate for waxing and risks serious injury.
Areas with active acne, sunburn, cold sores, or open wounds should be temporarily avoided until healed. Areas being treated with prescription retinoids or strong exfoliating acids must be avoided, as these treatments thin the skin significantly and increase the risk of lifting or tearing during waxing.
How is facial waxing different from body waxing?
Facial waxing requires specialized techniques, products, and precautions that differ from body waxing due to the unique characteristics of facial skin and hair.
The skin on the face is considerably thinner and more sensitive than most body areas, containing a higher concentration of nerve endings, oil glands, and blood vessels, making it more prone to irritation, lifting, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For this reason, estheticians typically use lower-temperature hard waxes, and often ones specially formulated for more sensitive skin or for removal of fine hair.
Additionally, waxing schedules often vary—facial hair generally requires more frequent maintenance (every 2-4 weeks) compared to body waxing (every 4-6 weeks) due to the higher visibility of even minimal regrowth in these prominent areas.
What skincare ingredients should be avoided before facial waxing?
Several skincare ingredients should be avoided or discontinued if interested in facial waxing to prevent adverse reactions like skin lifting, excessive irritation, or hyperpigmentation. If using retinoids (prescription retinoids like tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene and over-the-counter retinol) you should avoid waxing entirely, as this can increase the risk of skin lifting or tearing.
Exfoliators should be applied no later than 24-48 hours before waxing, and completely avoided the day of waxing. Accutane requires a waiting period of 6-12 months after completing treatment before facial waxing can be considered safe, as this powerful acne medication dramatically alters skin structure and healing capacity.
Always notify your esthetician of your skincare routine or any products that might impact your skin or results prior to your waxing service.
How can I minimize redness and irritation after facial waxing?
Minimizing redness and irritation after facial waxing requires both immediate post-wax care and ongoing attention to the treated area. Immediately following your service, your esthetician should apply a post-wax lotion and oil to calm the skin and reduce redness. Avoid touching the freshly waxed area with unwashed hands, as this transfers bacteria to vulnerable skin with temporarily compromised barrier function. ‘
For the first 24 hours, strictly avoid heat-inducing activities like intense exercise, hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs, as increased temperature exacerbates inflammatory responses in freshly waxed skin. Stay out of direct sunlight for at least 24-48 hours and wear sunscreen if unavoidable.
Avoid applying makeup to freshly waxed areas for at least 2-4 hours (ideally 24 hours for sensitive skin types) to prevent pore congestion and potential irritation from makeup ingredients. Sleep on a clean pillowcase the night after facial waxing to prevent bacterial transfer to vulnerable skin. For the first 48 hours, use only gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and avoid any products containing potential irritants like alcohol, fragrance, or essential oils. If persistent redness occurs, applying a cold compress (not ice directly on skin) for 5-10 minutes can constrict blood vessels and reduce visible redness.
How does facial waxing affect skin aging and texture over time?
Regular professional facial waxing provides exfoliating benefits by removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells along with unwanted hair, potentially improving skin texture, even tone, and product penetration when performed correctly. This gentle exfoliation can stimulate cell turnover and collagen production, similar to the benefits of light professional exfoliating treatments.
However, improper technique or excessive frequency can potentially accelerate aging through mechanical stress on the skin's elastin fibers; if the skin is repeatedly stretched or pulled aggressively during waxing, especially in delicate areas like the upper lip or eye area, this can eventually contribute to reduced elasticity. For darker skin tones, there's increased risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which doesn't directly affect aging but impacts overall appearance and evenness of skin tone.
Proper technique by trained estheticians who understand facial anatomy and aging patterns can actually preserve skin integrity by removing unwanted hair without unnecessary trauma. Generally, when performed correctly at appropriate intervals (every 3-4 weeks) using quality products and followed by proper skin-barrier-supporting aftercare, professional facial waxing should not accelerate aging and may contribute to improved texture through its exfoliating benefits.
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