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Esthetician (NIC Theory Exam) · Skin Care and Services

Esthetician (NIC Theory Exam): Hair Removal, Lash, and Brow Concepts

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Overview

This chapter covers temporary hair removal and services for the eyebrows and eyelashes. The main ideas are the difference between removing hair at the root and at the surface, and how to wax safely. Many questions ask about contraindications.

Epilation removes the whole hair, including the root. Waxing, tweezing, and threading are examples. Depilation removes hair only at the surface of the skin, and shaving and depilatory creams are examples. Hair removed at the root takes longer to grow back.

For both soft wax and hard wax, the wax is applied in the direction of growth. Soft wax is removed with a strip and hard wax is lifted off by hand, and both are pulled back against growth, close and parallel to the skin, to reduce pain and breakage. Test the wax temperature first and never double-dip a stick. Do not wax skin that is sunburned, broken, or irritated, or skin treated with certain medications.

Brow shaping uses tweezers or wax to remove stray hairs and follows the natural arch. Tinting adds color to lashes or brows and requires a patch test first, because dyes can cause allergic reactions. The FDA has not approved any color additive for dyeing lashes or brows, and some states restrict the service, so check your state board's rules. Protect the eyes during any lash or brow service.

Key concepts

  • Epilation

    Removal of the hair along with the root. Waxing, tweezing, and threading are examples.

    Memory tipEpilation = the root comes out.

  • Depilation

    Removal of hair only at the skin surface. Shaving and depilatory creams are examples.

    Memory tipDepilation = surface only.

  • Waxing direction

    Spread wax in the direction of hair growth and remove the strip against growth, pulled parallel to the skin.

    Memory tipOn with the growth, off against it.

  • Hard wax and soft wax

    Hard wax hardens by itself and is lifted off without a strip. Soft wax is spread thinly and removed with a cloth or paper strip.

    Memory tipHard wax needs no strip.

  • Patch test

    A small test of a product on the client's skin to check for an allergic reaction before a full service, such as eyelash tinting. It is done 24 to 48 hours before, depending on the product maker's directions.

    Memory tipAlways test the tint first.

  • Contraindications for waxing

    Sunburn, open cuts, rashes, and skin thinned by some medications. Waxing in these cases can tear or injure the skin.

    Memory tipFragile or irritated skin means no wax.

  • Aftercare

    After waxing, avoid heat, sun, and heavy products on the area for a day. A soothing, clean product can calm the skin.

    Memory tipKeep it cool, clean, and covered from sun.

Often tested

  • Never double-dip a wax stick.
  • Wear gloves when waxing and dispose of used strips.
  • Test wax temperature on your own wrist first.
  • A patch test is needed before lash or brow tint.
  • Stop if the client reports burning or heavy irritation.

Easy to confuse: Epilation vs. depilation

PointEpilationDepilation
Removes hair atThe rootThe skin surface
ExamplesWaxing, tweezing, threadingShaving, depilatory cream
RegrowthSlowerFaster

3 sample questions

Verified practice questions from this unit.

Practice questionReviewedSkin Care and Services › Hair Removal, Lash, and Brow★★★★☆

Question 1. Which method removes hair from the root?

  1. ① Waxing
  2. ② Shaving
  3. ③ Depilatory cream
  4. ④ Trimming
▼ Show answer and explanation▲ Hide answer and explanation

Answer: ① Waxing

Key point: Waxing removes from the root

Waxing pulls out the hair root.

Wrong choices

  • Shaving: Shaving cuts hair at the skin surface, not at the root.
  • Depilatory cream: Depilatory dissolves at the surface.
  • Trimming: Trimming only shortens the hair above the skin.
Practice questionReviewedSkin Care and Services › Hair Removal, Lash, and Brow★★★★☆

Question 2. Which method dissolves hair at the skin surface?

  1. ① Waxing
  2. ② Tweezing
  3. ③ A chemical depilatory
  4. ④ Threading
▼ Show answer and explanation▲ Hide answer and explanation

Answer: ③ A chemical depilatory

Key point: Depilatory dissolves hair

It breaks down keratin at the surface.

Wrong choices

  • Waxing: Waxing pulls the hair out from the root; it does not dissolve it.
  • Tweezing: Tweezing pulls the hair out from the root; it does not dissolve it.
  • Threading: Threading pulls the hair out from the root; it does not dissolve it.
Practice questionReviewedSkin Care and Services › Hair Removal, Lash, and Brow★★★★☆

Question 3. In which direction is wax applied and removed?

  1. ① Applied against growth and removed with it
  2. ② Applied and removed with growth
  3. ③ Applied and removed against growth
  4. ④ Applied with hair growth and removed against it
▼ Show answer and explanation▲ Hide answer and explanation

Answer: ④ Applied with hair growth and removed against it

Key point: With growth on, against growth off

This pulls hair out cleanly.

Wrong choices

  • Applied against growth and removed with it: Applying against growth and removing with it would break hairs off instead of pulling them out well.
  • Applied and removed with growth: Removing the strip with growth tends to break the hair instead of pulling it from the root.
  • Applied and removed against growth: Applying wax against growth can push hair down and lead to breakage and irritation.
Practice 5 questions from this unit →