Will my upper lip hair grow thicker if I wax it?

### The Biological Truth About Hair Growth Understanding how hair grows reveals why thickening after waxing is biologically impossible. Each upper lip hair follicle operates according to genetic programming established before birth. The follicle determines hair color (based on melanin production), thickness (diameter of the hair shaft), growth rate, and growth pattern. External removal methods like waxing cannot reprogram this genetic blueprint. Hair grows in distinct cycles: anagen (active growth lasting 2-4 months for facial hair), catagen (brief transition phase), and telogen (resting phase before shedding). When waxing removes upper lip hair during any phase, the follicle simply continues its predetermined cycle, eventually producing new hair identical to what was removed. Scientific research examining various hair removal methods has found no evidence that waxing, tweezing, threading, or any root-removal technique causes changes in hair structure, color, or density. Numerous dermatological studies confirm that mechanically removing hair cannot signal follicles to produce thicker or darker replacement growth. ### Why the Thickening Myth Exists The myth originated from misunderstanding shaving's effects. When you shave hair, the razor creates a blunt edge on the cut hair shaft. As shaved hair emerges, this blunt edge feels coarse and stubbly compared to naturally tapered hair ends that feel soft. This tactile difference created the widespread belief that shaving (and by extension, all hair removal) caused thicker regrowth. The hair diameter actually remained identical—only the perception changed due to the blunt cut edge versus natural taper. Because this myth became culturally entrenched, many women understandably worry the same might occur with waxing. However, waxing removes hair entirely from the root, allowing new growth to emerge with its natural tapered end. This creates softer-feeling regrowth, not stubbly texture. Women who transition from shaving to waxing their upper lips often notice regrowth feels much softer than they remember from shaving. This isn't thinner hair—it's simply hair with its natural taper rather than a blunt shaved edge. ### What Actually Happens with Regular Waxing Contrary to thickening, regular upper lip waxing frequently causes progressive hair reduction. This occurs through two mechanisms. First, repeated trauma from root extraction can damage follicles, causing them to produce finer hair or enter extended dormant phases. Some weakened follicles may stop producing visible hair entirely. Second, consistent waxing synchronizes hair growth cycles. Your first upper lip waxing removes hair in various growth stages, leading to uneven regrowth. By your third or fourth appointment, more follicles align their cycles, growing simultaneously. This synchronization means longer smooth periods and the perception of reduced hair density. Many Newcastle clients at Mesmerising Beauty report that after 6-12 months of regular upper lip waxing every 4-6 weeks, their hair has become noticeably finer, sparser, and slower-growing. Areas that once had prominent dark hair now produce only fine, barely-visible growth. ### Hormonal Changes Are the Real Culprit If you notice increasing upper lip hair despite regular waxing, hormonal factors are responsible—not the waxing itself. Conditions including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, menopause, certain medications, or natural aging can elevate androgen levels, stimulating increased facial hair growth. These hormonal influences transform fine vellus hair (peach fuzz) into terminal hair (coarse and dark) or activate previously dormant follicles. Such changes would occur regardless of your hair removal method. Waxing simply manages the visible appearance while underlying hormones continue affecting follicle activity. If you experience sudden, significant increases in upper lip hair, consult your healthcare provider to investigate potential hormonal imbalances or medical conditions. Meanwhile, continue waxing to manage the cosmetic aspect while addressing any underlying health factors. ### Comparing Waxing to Problematic Methods While waxing doesn't cause thickening, shaving creates that illusion through the blunt-edge effect described earlier. Shaving upper lip hair is generally discouraged for women because the resulting stubble is highly visible in this prominent facial area and creates texture that makeup can't disguise. Improper tweezing—particularly using dull tweezers that break hair above the root rather than extracting it completely—can create faster-appearing regrowth. Broken hair doesn't need to grow from the follicle base; it simply continues from the break point. This shorter growth cycle might seem like increased hair production when it's actually incomplete removal. Professional upper lip waxing removes hair completely from the root using appropriate facial wax and proper technique, preventing these problems and ensuring clean, long-lasting results.

**Available at both locations**: - **Newcastle City Centre**: Science-backed upper lip waxing with proven results - **Gosforth**: 77 High Street, Gosforth, NE3 4AA—5 minutes from Gosforth Metro station **Our Upper Lip Waxing Service**: - Professional Upper Lip Waxing: £6 | 5 minutes - Scientifically proven not to cause thicker regrowth - Progressive hair reduction with regular treatments - Comfortable, professional technique **Book Now**: Fresha online 24/7 | Phone: 0191 285 0143 | Walk-ins accepted based on availability