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What Is PhD Waxing?

Pamela Pleasant
Pamela Pleasant

PhD waxing is a procedure used for hair removal. Heated wax is applied to a hairy area on the legs, face, or other parts of the body, and when it completely dries, it is pulled off along with the unsightly hair. Although this is the same procedure used in many spas and salons, a PhD waxing is a bit different. The abbreviated PhD means that this type of waxing is professional, hygienic and disposable. It can eliminate the chances of infections associated with waxing.

This type of wax can be used at home but it is primarily used in salons. Many people come into these salons for hair removal. The wax is placed into a medium-sized pot to be heated and each time wax is needed, it is taken from the same pot. By continuously dipping into the vat with a spatula, dead skin cells and bacteria can be spread from person to person. A PhD waxing does not use this heating method, so it can be more much hygienic.

The results of a PhD waxing system can be seen for up to a month.
The results of a PhD waxing system can be seen for up to a month.

When this method of waxing is done, the wax comes out of a tube. These tubes are completely sealed, so that no germs can contaminate the wax. An applicator is placed onto the tube and used to spread on the wax. Each applicator is disposable and they are thrown away after every application. Applicators come in many sizes and shapes to make hair removal easier even in hard to reach places.

Some people choose laser hair removal over waxing because it offers a permanent solution.
Some people choose laser hair removal over waxing because it offers a permanent solution.

The PhD waxing system is not a permanent hair removal system but the results can be seen for up to a month. Laser hair removal is a permanent option but there are many damaging side effects that can occur. Changes to the pigment of the skin, blistering, and scarring can happen if there is an over treatment. The waxing can be slightly painful but it will not damage or harm the skin.

PhD waxing is primarily done in salons.
PhD waxing is primarily done in salons.

There are typically no negative side effects associated with PhD waxing but redness, swelling, and tenderness can be felt right after the procedure. When waxing is done in a salon, a soothing cream is rubbed into the area to eliminate any discomfort. People who suffer with diabetes should seek a physician’s approval before waxing, especially if they have any complications in the legs or skin. Heated wax can exacerbate these conditions and the hair being removed can cause an injury or trauma to the diabetic’s skin.

Discussion Comments

anon282321

An ambiguous abbreviation: PhD = philosophical doctor.

manykitties2

Does anyone know if PhD waxing is more expensive than regular waxing? Also, if I wanted to buy my own PhD waxing supplies, would I have to get them online, or should I be able to find some at any store with hair removal products?

I like to balance my waxing regime between home and the salon, as I find it usually saves me money. After reading some of the health concerns about regular waxing though, I am thinking about totally switching to PhD waxing. I like the idea of the tube system for waxing legs because it seems like it would be faster and cleaner. I hate preparing a pot and making a mess.

Mae82

The salon I go to finally got PhD waxing and I was really happy with the results. I feel that waxing salons really should do more to be more hygienic. While I know that beauty waxing isn't really a necessity, it makes me feel better to know that I am able to get my beauty needs met without having to share wax or applicators with other people.

I was actually always a bit worried about sharing wax, but figured because it was at a hot temperature it would do away with the germs. I guess that isn't entirely true. So from now on it is PhD waxing for me.

julies

I don't mind temporary hair wax removal for my face, but would love to have some kind of permanent leg waxing done.

It takes more time in the shower to shave my legs every day than anything else. Think how much time I could save if I didn't have to do this all the time.

In the mean time, I will continue to wax. I have used the waxing with the pot and the PhD waxing. The results seems to be the same, but the PhD is really convenient and you don't have to worry about germs so much.

bagley79

It is very simple and inexpensive to do waxing at home. This can save you a lot of money instead of going to a salon to have this done.

I do all of my facial waxing at home and this way I don't have to worry about cross contamination or bacteria from another person.

I bought a wax melter and the wax at a beauty supply store. It doesn't take long and my skin is a little bit red a few hours afterward, but I have never had any other problems.

This redness would occur whether I had it done in a salon or at home. Using the PhD waxing sounds like it would be even more convenient. I will have to see if I can buy this type of wax at the beauty supply store as well.

candyquilt

@feruze-- I work at a salon and we use the PhD system. We used the pot and spatula method before too. Honestly, I think there is both advantages and disadvantages to it and some people seem to like it more than others.

It definitely is very hygienic, cross-contamination is just not possible with PhD waxing. It's pretty simple to use too and I do like the applicators that come with it although I basically use the small one for everything because it's easier to maneuver.

The two down-sides I can think about PhD is that the wax in the tubes cool down pretty quickly. So you have to place it back in the heat between applications to make it runny again. I also find it hard to push out the wax sometimes because of the tube. I think the tubes could be made easier to squeeze and could hold the heat better than they do.

It's still the most affordable, efficient and hygienic wax system though. There is another similar wax system on the market that costs much more and is difficult to use. If your customers want you to change the regular pot and spatula method, PhD is the best one out there.

bear78

I run a salon and I've been hearing about the PhD system for a while now. Our salon has been using the pot and spatula method to do our customer's waxing for years. We are very careful about our methods and hygiene and have never had problems. Lately though, several of our customers have asked us to switch over to PhD or at least have it as an option.

I've looked into it and it does seem to be an efficient and affordable system to adopt. I also don't want to lose any customers if they want us to use more hygienic methods.

Has anyone who works at a salon tried this method? Why do think about it?

fify

I've had waxing done before, but I tried PhD waxing for the first time. I completely agree that this is a much more hygienic way to have waxing done. It was a nice feeling to know that the wax and applicators will only be used for me. Even though there was wax still left in the tube when my wax was done, they threw away the tube and opened a new one for the next person.

In terms of the waxing experience, it is the same as other waxing methods. It's not any more painful or irritating. I prefer waxing in general to any other hair removal method because it removes the hairs from the roots. It lasts much longer than shaving or hair removal creams. I've also noticed that waxing exfoliates the skin. It removed dead skin cells and helps prevent ingrown hairs too.

I think waxing is the best and out of all the waxing methods, PhD is definitely the best option.

amysamp

Oh how I would love permanent hair removal! No longer needing to shave, no longer getting razor burn, or at the very least no longer getting a last minute pool party invite and thinking, "I'll be there as soon as I take care of that awful bikini line."

But seeing as how I will not be paying that much to rid myself of hair permanently (I am not even sure how much it costs but for me anything above the cost of a couple of razors and some shave gel would be too much), waxing seems a bit more up my alley as it does not have the same cost and as many possible side effects.

One of my friend's had a bikini wax done before her wedding, thinking it would be a smart thing as they were headed to St. Thomas for a week of beachin' it. However, she must not have had a PhD wax because it ended up giving her all of these awful side effects from itching to a burning sensation.

What I couldn't believe was that the salon did not even refund her!

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    • The results of a PhD waxing system can be seen for up to a month.
      By: pixarno
      The results of a PhD waxing system can be seen for up to a month.
    • Some people choose laser hair removal over waxing because it offers a permanent solution.
      By: spotmatikphoto
      Some people choose laser hair removal over waxing because it offers a permanent solution.
    • PhD waxing is primarily done in salons.
      By: starush
      PhD waxing is primarily done in salons.
    • Waxing is a form of hair removal commonly used on the legs, bikini line and armpits.
      By: Nobilior
      Waxing is a form of hair removal commonly used on the legs, bikini line and armpits.
    • Waxing the bikini area during menstruation may caused increased pain to the area.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      Waxing the bikini area during menstruation may caused increased pain to the area.
    • Waxing the genital area during pregnancy may be more painful for some women.
      By: Natalia Chircova
      Waxing the genital area during pregnancy may be more painful for some women.