Iowa Cosmetology Practice Exam

What is the method used to remove hair from the root?

1. Shaving

2. Waxing

3. Trimming

4. Depilatory cream

The correct answer is: Waxing

The method that effectively removes hair from the root is waxing. This technique involves applying a sticky substance, usually a wax, to the skin where unwanted hair is present. A cloth or paper strip is then pressed onto the wax and quickly pulled away, taking the hair with it from the follicle. This results in a longer-lasting hair removal compared to shaving or trimming, which only cut the hair at the surface level, leaving the root intact. Waxing not only removes hair but can also lead to finer regrowth over time, as continuous waxing can damage the hair follicle. This method is popular because it can remove multiple hairs at once and is suitable for various body areas, including the legs, arms, underarms, and bikini area. Shaving, on the other hand, cuts hair at the skin's surface and does not affect the root. Trimming is a process that simply reduces hair length without extracting it from the root. Depilatory creams chemically dissolve the hair but do not remove it from the follicle. Therefore, waxing is the preferred method for root hair removal.