Can You Wax Your Head? Yes, But You Shouldn't...
November 13, 2024 • 8 min read
Medical Disclaimer: Freebird provides general information, not medical advice. For any health or medical advice, consult a licensed healthcare professional
Ever seen a guy get his head waxed and wondered if the screams are worth it? I've watched dudes tough it out, some yell, others tear up.
The big question is: Should you wax your head?
I've dug through dermatology studies on scalp sensitivity, and compared every head hair removal method out there. Here's everything you need to know about head waxing and whether the pain is worth those extra smooth weeks.
What is Head Waxing?
Head waxing removes hair from the scalp using specially formulated wax and wax strips.
You apply hot, specially formulated wax to your scalp, let it harden, and rip it off with a strip to pull the hair out by the root.
It sounds simple on paper. But in practice, it’s a lot more intense than waxing a leg or a back.
Can You Wax Your Head Bald?
The short answer is yes, you can achieve a smoother dome by waxing your head.
Some guys like the Jason Statham look with some stubble left after head shaving. Others love the idea of a smooth, shiny head. Waxing will surely get you the latter.
But just because you can do it doesn't mean you should.
Let's weigh the good against the bad 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
Since you are removing the entire hair follicle, it takes longer to grow back. You typically get a smooth finish for two to three weeks. That beats shaving every morning.
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?
The Pain Factor
Ask yourself this before you book a waxing appointment: What is your pain tolerance?
Our scalps are one of the most sensitive parts of our body, which makes things worse for waxing since the scalp pain is multiplied even further.
Waxing is painful. You may have seen videos of waxing other body parts. What's the common denominator?
People were screaming out in pain!
Heard from Reddit threads and X chats: Most men stick with shaving after trying wax once. One guy called waxing "hell on a strip," but admitted the shine lasted ages.
Watch this video and see for yourself:
One salon in Denver offers head waxing with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for pain management. You breathe through a handheld dispenser while they wax. Reviews say it reduced pain by 75%. The catch: it costs extra (around $50 plus gas fee), and you still have to wait weeks between sessions.
More Tools Needed
Compared to your trusted electric razor and shaving cream, you'll need more stuff when waxing.
Head waxing needs:
- Specialized head wax
- Spatula or applicator
- Wax strips
- Pre-wax cleanser
- Post-wax oil or serum
- Pain reliever (seriously)
More gear, more hassle, more money.
Uneven Hair Growth
Miss a few hairs during waxing? You can't just shave those spots without creating a problem. Shaving cuts hair at the surface while waxing removes from the root. Mix both methods and you'll have hairs growing back at different rates, creating an uneven mess.
Your only fix: wait for everything to grow out, then wax again.
Higher Cost
DIY head waxing is a recipe for disaster. You need a professional to do this safely. A good salon visit adds up quickly, (around $50 to $100 a pop) compared to owning a quality electric shaver. A reliable head shaver like Freebird's FlexSeries only costs $.
Awkward Regrowth Period
This is the dealbreaker nobody talks about. You cannot wax short stubble. The wax needs something to grab onto.
That means you have to let your hair grow out to about a quarter-inch before you can wax again. You will spend a week or two looking like a fuzzy tennis ball while you wait for your next session.
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
When you pull hair from the root, it sometimes grows back incorrectly. This leads to ingrown hairs and bumps. A red, bumpy scalp defeats the purpose of waxing for a smooth look.
Risk of Skin Infection
Waxing opens hair follicles, creating entry points for bacteria. Contaminated wax equipment, sweating after waxing, or touching your scalp with dirty hands can cause infections. You need to avoid gym workouts for 24 to 48 hours after waxing.
Alternatives to Waxing 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.
To avoid the excruciating experience of head polish via waxing, here are some options you can consider:
Hair Removal Creams
Creams like Nair dissolve the protein structure of your hair so you can wipe it away. It’s painless, but it comes with risks. These are harsh chemicals. Leaving them on your scalp too long leads to chemical burns and serious irritation. If you want to try it, always do a patch test first. Me? I wouldn't use Nair on my head.
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
This is the gold standard for a reason. Modern electric shavers give you a near-razor close shave without the blood, sweat, or tears.
Freebird's FlexSeries, 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 and time consuming (30 to 45 minutes wax session) experience of waxing every month.
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 recommend you stick to shaving. But if you are determined to try waxing, go to a professional.
If you insist on doing it yourself at home, follow these steps carefully to avoid injury.
- Grow it out: Your hair needs to be 1/4 inch long.
- Prepare waxing supplies: Gather your waxing supplies like your wax, waxing strips, spatula, cleanser, and post-wax oil.
- Heat the wax: Read the label and heat the wax to the desired temperature. Most waxes heat to 130°F to 140°F. Too hot and you'll burn your scalp (wax burns hurt worse than the actual waxing). Too cold and it won't grip the hair.
- Do a patch test: Apply a small amount of wax to a small area to see if the wax is not too hot.
- Cleanse: Wash your head with warm water and a gentle cleanser to remove oils.
- Apply wax: Use your spatula to apply a thin layer of wax toward your hair growth. Thick layers waste wax and hurt more coming off.
- Apply waxing strips: Press waxing strips firmly into the waxed area, ensuring a portion for easy gripping.
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Pull off strips:
For soft wax: press the strip firmly into the wax, leaving a tab for gripping. Hold your skin taut with one hand. Rip the strip off fast in one motion against the direction of hair growth.
For hard wax: let it harden completely (30 to 60 seconds), then grip an edge and pull fast.
- Remove excess wax: Remove residual wax after your waxing session.
- Soothe: Apply a post-wax cooling gel to soothe skin.
Additional Tips Before and After Your Head Waxing Session
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Avoid the sun: Getting sunburned before and after your waxing session should be avoided. Our scalps are sensitive enough as they are.
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Take pain medication: If you can't withstand the pain, taking paracetamol before your session can help minimize discomfort.
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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
Can you wax your head? Absolutely.
Should you wax your head? No.
Head waxing gives you 2 to 3 weeks of smoothness and eliminates that horseshoe shadow. But you're paying for it with intense pain, higher costs, and regrowth waiting periods.
The pain-to-benefit ratio doesn't add up.
I'll choose painless and irritation-free every time.
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.
Can't decide between waxing vs shaving? Click on the link and read our comprehensive guide.
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. Results depend on your hair growth rate, which varies by genetics and age. Thicker, faster-growing hair means shorter smooth periods.
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.
Head waxing has blown up on TikTok lately. Videos of guys screaming through the process rack up millions of views. The appeal? That mirror-shine finish and the satisfaction of watching someone else suffer through it.
Is DIY Head Waxing as Effective as Professional Waxing?
DIY head waxing can work, but it comes with a steep learning curve and higher risk of burns, uneven results, and missed patches. Professionals complete the job faster with less pain and cleaner results. They can also reach the back and sides of your head easily, which is nearly impossible to do yourself without help.
Can You Wax Fine and Coarse Hair?
Waxing works on all hair types, but technique matters. Fine hair requires gentler, specialized waxes to avoid breaking the hair instead of pulling from the root. Coarse hair grips better but hurts more coming out. Consult your waxer about the best approach for your specific hair type.
Can You Wax Your Head If You Have Sensitive Skin?
Waxing with sensitive skin is risky and often leads to severe irritation, redness, or inflammation lasting 48 to 72 hours. If you have eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis, skip waxing entirely. For mild sensitivity, test a small area first and use post-wax soothing products, but shaving is still the safer option.
