The Science of Hair: Why Consistency is the Secret to Silky Skin

The Science of Hair: Why Consistency is the Secret to Silky Skin


Getting Smooth in Mission, BC: It’s Biology, Not Luck

If you’ve ever wondered why your hair seems to grow back in patches or why your esthetician insists on a strict schedule, the answer lies in biology. At Dewdrop, we believe that understanding the "how" behind hair removal helps you get the best possible result from waxing. For our clients here in Mission, achieving that perfectly smooth finish isn't just about the technique we use, it’s about timing.

Hair doesn’t grow all at once. In fact, every single hair on your body is currently in one of these distinct phases.

The 5 Stages of Hair Growth: Why Timing is Everything

To get the most out of your treatment, we have to target hair at the right biological moment. While many people only talk about three stages, science actually identifies five. Understanding these helps explain why your hair behaves the way it does.

1. Anagen - The Growing Phase: This is the "golden window" for hair removal. The hair is actively attached to the dermal papilla (its nutrient supply). Removing hair during Anagen is the most effective way to weaken the follicle over time, leading to finer regrowth.

2. Catagen - The Transition Phase: A short phase where the hair stops growing and the follicle shrinks. The hair detaches from the blood supply and becomes what we call a "club hair."

3. Telogen - The Resting Phase: The follicle is dormant. The old hair is just "resting" in the socket while a new hair begins to form beneath it.

4. Exogen - The Shedding Phase: This is the extension of the resting phase where the hair finally releases and falls out naturally.

5. Kenogen - The Empty Phase: This is the crucial stage often missed in hair removal discussions. The follicle sits empty after the old hair has shed, but before the new Anagen hair appears. Not everyone experiences this stage which is why results can vary from person to person.


Debunking the Myth: Does Sugaring Last Longer Than Waxing?

There is a common claim in the beauty industry that is often repeated by some estheticians, that sugaring lasts significantly longer than waxing. Biologically speaking, this is a myth.

Here is the reality: Whether you use sugar or wax, you are pulling the hair out from the root. Your hair follicles do not know which material was used to remove the hair. Once the bulb is removed, the follicle must reset and begin the Anagen phase all over again. Since your hair growth cycle is determined by your hormones, genetics, and health, the "stay-smooth" time is identical for both methods.

The Truth: Why "Longer Lasting" Claims are a Myth

In the beauty world, you’ll often hear claims that one method, like sugaring, lasts significantly longer than waxing. However, when we look at the science, we find that is biologically impossible.

The "Empty Follicle" Reality The Kenogen or Empty phase is the real reason behind what people mistake for "missed hairs" or "fast regrowth." If a follicle is in the Kenogen phase during your appointment, it is empty, there is literally no hair for us to pull! That hair will emerge on its own biological timeline a week or two later, regardless of whether you waxed or sugared. This isn't a failed service; it’s simply a follicle finishing its "scheduled nap."

It’s Biology, Not Magic If a treatment actually "lasted longer," it would mean the product somehow altered your DNA to slow down your body’s cell production. Your follicles don't know the difference between sugar paste and wax; they only know that the hair was removed.


Why Consistency is Key in Mission, BC

If you only visit us at Dewdrop sporadically, we are likely catching hairs in the Telogen - resting phase. While you’ll leave feeling smooth, those "resting" hairs are already being pushed out by new growth underneath the surface. This creates the illusion that your hair is "growing back fast," when in reality, it’s just the next cycle arriving on schedule.

What actually matters isn't the material we use, it’s the consistency of your appointments. By sticking to a schedule at Dewdrop, we ensure we are eventually catching every single follicle in that active Anagen phase, leading to the true, long-term smoothness you’re looking for.


The "Sync-Up" Strategy:

By staying consistent which is typically every 4–6 weeks, we "train" your hair follicles. Over time:

  1. We catch more hairs in the Anagen phase.

  2. Your hair growth cycles begin to synchronize.

  3. Regrowth becomes finer, thinner, and more sparse.

 

Experience the Dewdrop Difference

At Dewdrop, we focus on the science of your skin. We aren't here to sell you on myths; we're here to provide professional, effective hair removal that fits your lifestyle right here in Mission. By focusing on educating our clients, the timing of your growth cycle rather than marketing gimmicks, we ensure you stay smoother for longer.

Feature

Sugaring

Waxing

Removes hair from root?

Yes

Yes

Affects growth cycle?

Yes (if consistent)

Yes (if consistent)

Lasts 4-6 weeks?

Yes

Yes

Changes biological growth rate?

No

No

 

Ready to get on a schedule that works?

Stop chasing myths and start seeing results. Let's get your hair cycles synced up for the smoothest skin you've ever had. Don't forget to rebook at the end of your appointment so you can keep your skin consistently smooth!

A Note From the Dewdrop Team

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the science of your skin! We know there is a lot of misinformation out there, and our goal at Dewdrop is to ensure our Mission community has access to honest, science-based hair removal advice.

We truly value the trust you place in us to help you feel confident and smooth. Whether you are a regular or considering your first visit, we are here to support your skincare journey every step of the way.

See you at your next appointment! - The Dewdrop Team

 


Frequently Asked Questions: The Science of Smooth

Ever wonder why your hair grows back in patches or why a schedule matters so much? We’ve pulled together the most common questions about the biology of hair removal. From debunking industry myths to explaining the 'Golden Window' of growth, find everything you need to know to get the most out of your next appointment at Dewdrop.

TL;DR

1. Why do I sometimes see hair regrowth just a week after my appointment?

It isn’t "fast" regrowth or a missed hair. It’s biology! This usually happens due to the Kenogen or the empty phase. If a follicle was empty during your appointment, there was no hair to pull. That hair was simply "napping" and decided to emerge a week later. Consistency is the only way to eventually catch these "napping hairs" in their active growing phase.

2. Is it true that sugaring lasts longer than waxing?

Biologically, no. Whether we use sugar or wax, the goal is the same: removing the hair from the root. Once the bulb is removed, the follicle resets. Your hair growth speed is determined by your genetics and hormones, not the material used to pull the hair out. Both methods provide the same window of smoothness.

3. What is the "Golden Window" for hair removal?

The golden window is the anagen or growing phase. During this stage, the hair is firmly attached to its nutrient supply. When we remove hair during Anagen, it weakens the follicle most effectively. Over time, this results in hair that grows back significantly finer and thinner. The best way to achieve smooth skin for longer is to come for regular waxing every 4-6 weeks.

4. Why does my esthetician insist on a 4–6 week schedule?

We aren't just trying to fill our calendar; we are trying to synchronize your hair cycles. Since your hairs grow in different stages, coming in sporadically means we are always catching "resting" hairs. By sticking to a strict 4–6 week schedule, we "train" the follicles to grow at the same time, leading to a much smoother, longer-lasting result.

5. Will my hair ever stop growing back entirely?

While professional hair removal isn't classified as permanent like laser, it does offer long-term refinement. If you are consistent with your appointments at Dewdrop, you will notice your hair becomes sparser, softer, and much easier to remove over time because the follicles are being weakened during the Anagen phase.

6. What happens if I wait too long between appointments?

If you wait 8–10 weeks, your hair follicles have time to fully reset. The old hair detaches from the nutrient supply and a new hair begins forming underneath it before we’ve even had a chance to wax. This means that even after a treatment, you’ll feel regrowth much sooner. Staying on a 4–6 week schedule ensures we catch the hair at the perfect time to weaken the follicle and keep you smooth for longer.

7. Does my health or lifestyle affect my waxing results?

Absolutely. Since hair growth is a biological process, things like hormonal changes, stress, and certain medications can shift your growth cycles. This is why you might have a "perfect" wax one month and slightly more regrowth the next.