Yes, you do look fabulous with your new bald head look, but let's face it, maintenance can be a chore. Shaving daily or two to three times a week can be hard on our busy schedule, so keeping our bald heads longer is something baldies would like to discover.
You may ask, Can you wax your head to stay smooth longer?
Join me as we dig deeper into why waxing can be an option but not recommended.
What is head waxing?
Head waxing is a process in which hair is removed from the scalp using specially formulated wax and wax strips. The wax is applied, hardened, and then quickly pulled out using wax strips.
It's a pretty simple process, right? Let's dig deeper.
Can you wax your head bald?
The short answer is yes, you can achieve a smoother dome by waxing your head.
While some baldies prefer the Jason Statham look with some stubble left after head shaving, others love the idea of a smooth, shiny head.
Let's discuss the pros and cons of waxing your head.
What are the benefits of waxing your bald head?
Smoother Finish
Waxing appeals to many since it removes the hair under the skin. The hair roots are completely removed, meaning a smoother dome than head shaving.
Waxing creates a smooth finish that even the sharpest razor can't give.
Longer Lasting
Waxing usually gives you a smooth finish for two to three weeks, which saves you time compared to a daily shave.
Exfoliation
Hair waxing helps exfoliate our scalps, removing dead skin cells in the process.
Convenience
Waxing is best left to the pros. Doing DIY head waxing can go south, so why not go to your favorite salon and let the experts do the job instead? Professional waxing experts also apply techniques that can help mitigate scalp pain.
Removes the McDonald's logo
Hair waxing is the best method to remove a bald head's horseshoe shadow. Regular shaving can't eliminate this since it only removes hair on top of the skin.
Intrigued by the pros? Here's the plot twist.
What are the drawbacks of waxing your head?
Waxing is painful
Here's a question to ask yourself before you even consider buying your head waxing essentials:
What's your pain tolerance level?
Waxing is painful. You may have seen videos of waxing other body parts. What's the common denominator?
People were screaming out in pain!
Our scalps are one of the most sensitive parts of our body, which makes things worse for waxing since the pain is multiplied even further.
Watch this video and see for yourself:
More tools needed
Compared to your trusted electric razor and shaving cream, you'll need more stuff when waxing, like head wax, wax strips, cleanser, and post wax oils.
Uneven hair growth
There's a chance you'll miss a few hairs while waxing. Shaving the hair you miss will cause uneven hair growth since shaving removes hair from the top of the skin, while waxing removes hair from the roots, as we already mentioned.
It's okay if you've decided never to wax again. When your hair grows, you can switch back to head shaving.
Higher cost
You'll need professional assistance to ensure safety and achieve the best results. The pros will charge several times the cost of a DIY head waxing kit. You might want to avoid a DIY mishap and pay a professional to rectify your mistake. That's double the pain!
Regrowth Period
Before your next waxing session, you must wait until your hair reaches a certain length around 1/4 to 1/2 inch for easy gripping when pulling the strips.
Not suitable for Eczema and Psoriasis
Waxing may worsen your condition if you have eczema or suffer from psoriasis. Consult with your physician before you decide to wax your head.
Ingrown hairs
Since waxing removes hair from the roots, there's a chance you'll get ingrown hairs.
Here's why you shouldn't wax your head
If you ask me, the painful experience is enough reason not to consider waxing our bald heads. Watching the video above is all the proof I need to scratch waxing off my list of hair removal methods without shaving.
What to do instead
To avoid the excruciating experience of head polish via waxing, here are some options you can consider:
Hair removal creams
A hair removal cream like Nair is a painless way to get that smooth dome you've always wanted. Before you apply, do a patch test to see if you react to the chemical treatment. These depilatory creams contain potent chemicals that dissolve the proteins in the hair, making it easy to wipe them off.
But be warned - these hair removal creams pose a serious risk to our bald heads. While they're good at removing hair, they're also good at irritating the heck out of our scalp.
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is another less painful hair removal treatment that can give good results. Prepare to spend more money on this treatment, which may also take numerous sessions before achieving your desired outcome. While laser hair removal typically lasts a long time, it's not guaranteed to be permanent.
Head shaving
For those accustomed to the traditional method of using a safety razor for head shaving, electric shavers present a compelling alternative to both.
Freebird's FlexSeries, for example, can give you a smooth head shave in 90 seconds. The time spent finishing your head shaving routine is minimal, which is worth considering compared to the painful experience of waxing every month.
With the latest electric razors, you don't need to wax your head for a smooth dome.
With some practice, achieving a perfectly smooth bald head becomes an easy part of your grooming routine.
How to wax your head at home
We understand that some baldies will choose to deal with the pain of head waxing rather than shaving their heads.
We recommend that you go to a professional head waxing salon for waxing, but if you decide to ignore our advice and still want to wax your head via a DIY head waxing kit, here's how to go about it:
Prepare waxing supplies: Gather your waxing supplies, which include your wax, waxing strips, spatula, cleanser, and post-wax oil.
Heat the wax: Read the label and heat the wax to the desired temperature.
Do a patch test: Apply a small amount of wax to a small area to see if the wax is not too hot.
Apply wax: Use your spatula to apply a thin layer of wax toward your hair growth.
Apply waxing strips: Press waxing strips firmly into the waxed area, ensuring a portion for easy gripping.
Pull off strips: Hold the skin taut and pull the strips quickly against the direction of the hair growth.
Remove excess wax: Remove residual wax after your waxing session.
Additional tips before and after your head waxing session:
Cleanse your scalp: Before waxing, cleanse your scalp with a gentle shampoo to remove all dirt and residue. Cleanse once more after your waxing session and remove all residual wax.
Avoid the sun: Getting sunburned before and after your waxing session should be avoided. Our scalps are sensitive enough as they are.
Hair Length: The hair wax must grip your hair to pull it out. Hair must be at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch long for optimal results.
Take pain medication: If you can't withstand the pain, taking paracetamol before your session can help minimize discomfort.
Avoid harsh skin care products: Avoid using harsh skin care products on your scalp for at least a day. We don't want your scalp to get irritated or infected.
The Bottom Line
When bald head maintenance starts becoming tedious, it's normal for us baldies to look for shortcuts to keep our bald heads longer.
Head waxing may give you a smoother and longer-lasting finish, but is it worth the pain of monthly waxing to avoid shaving or going to the barber regularly?
I'll choose painless and irritation-free every time.
The pain and the risks outweigh the benefits.
Opting for head shaving or painless alternatives can still give you a smooth head finish without the discomfort and hassle of waxing.
The head-shaving routine can be tricky at first, but we can get used to it and start getting better once we've gained experience.
FAQs
How long does head waxing last?
Generally, head waxing lasts 2 to 3 weeks, with some experiencing a smooth head for up to a month.
Does waxing your scalp hurt?
Yes, it indeed does. While some people have different pain tolerance levels, one thing is guaranteed. Hair waxing hurts like hell, so we don't recommend it.
Can you wax fine and coarse hair?
Waxing suits all hair types. You should consult your professional head waxer for the best treatment and procedure for your hair type.
