Pennsylvania Cosmetology Practice Exam 2026 - Free Cosmetology Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term for the process of removing hair using a heated wax is waxing. This method involves applying warm wax to the skin in the direction of hair growth and then placing a cloth or paper strip over the wax. Once the wax cools slightly and adheres to both the skin and hair, the strip is quickly pulled off in the opposite direction of hair growth, effectively removing the hair from the follicle. Waxing is popular for its efficiency in removing large areas of hair at once and providing longer-lasting results compared to shaving.

Shaving typically involves using a razor or blade to cut hair at the skin's surface, which does not eliminate the hair from the root. Threading is a hair removal technique that uses a twisted thread to pull hair out from the follicle and is often used for shaping eyebrows. Depilating generally refers to the removal of hair by chemicals or other means, which do not include heated wax. Therefore, waxing is the most accurate term for the method described.