Stupid Questions (there's no such thing): Waxing and hair removal

No, it doesn't. Shaving cuts the hair at the surface of the skin and leaves the root completely untouched, so it cannot change how thick, dark or fast your hair grows.

The reason it seems that way is the shape of the regrowth. A hair that grows naturally has a soft, fine tip. A shaved hair has a blunt end, so the stubble feels coarser and can look a little darker against the skin. Once it grows longer, it looks just as it did before. Moisturising after shaving helps regrowth feel softer.

Many regular waxers notice their hair grows back finer and a little sparser over time, which is a lovely bonus. Waxing removes the hair from the root, and repeated waxing can weaken some follicles.

It won't make hair stop growing altogether, though. Waxing is a temporary method, so most people keep booking every four to six weeks to stay smooth. How much your regrowth changes depends on your hair type, your hormones and how consistent you are with appointments. If you would like hair gone for good, ask about laser or electrolysis.

Around 5 to 6 millimetres, roughly the length of a grain of rice. That gives the wax enough to grip so the hair comes out cleanly from the root.

If you have been shaving, that usually means letting it grow for about two to three weeks. Hair that is very long is no problem either: your therapist can trim it at the start of your appointment, which also makes the wax more comfortable. If you are unsure whether you are ready, send your salon a quick message and they will happily advise.

Yes, you can. Your therapist will be completely relaxed about it. For a bikini or Brazilian wax, wear a fresh tampon or menstrual cup and bring a spare, as pads can shift during the treatment.

Your skin can feel more sensitive around your period, so the wax may sting a little more than usual. Many people find waxing feels easiest in the week after their period ends, so if you can choose your date, that is a good time to book. If you feel tired or crampy on the day, it is perfectly fine to move your appointment.

Ingrown hairs happen when a new hair curls back or gets trapped under the skin as it grows. Dead skin, tight clothing and sweat can all block the follicle, and curly or coarse hair is more prone to it.

A simple routine helps a lot. Wear loose, breathable clothing for a day or two after your wax. Wait two to three days, then exfoliate gently two or three times a week and moisturise daily. Leave any bumps alone rather than picking them. If an ingrown hair becomes red, sore or keeps coming back, speak to your therapist, pharmacist or doctor.

Yes, for most people it does. The first wax is usually the most uncomfortable, and things get easier from there.

Part of it is knowing what to expect, which helps you relax. Part of it is your hair: with regular appointments, everything grows back on the same cycle, and many people find their regrowth becomes finer and easier to remove. Booking every four to six weeks and keeping to it gives you the best chance of a quicker, more comfortable wax each time.

Not at all. To your waxer, this is simply their job, and they have seen every shape, size, skin tone and amount of hair you can imagine. Their attention is on getting a clean, comfortable result, nothing else.

What they really think about is whether you are comfortable and whether the hair is coming away cleanly. Arriving clean is all the preparation you need. If you are nervous, say so: your waxer will talk you through each step and each position, which takes the surprise out of it. Most clients leave wondering why they ever worried.

It is best to put the razor down and let your hair grow between waxes. Shaving cuts the hairs to different lengths, so at your next appointment some will be too short for the wax to grip and your results won't last as long.

If regrowth is bothering you, a quick trim with clean scissors or an electric trimmer keeps things tidy without undoing your progress. If you find you are reaching for the razor because your hair grows quickly, ask your waxer about booking appointments a little closer together.

It is best to pause first. Retinol speeds up skin renewal and leaves the skin thinner and more delicate, so wax can lift the top layer of skin along with the hair. Your therapist will ask about your skincare and tell you how long to stop beforehand. If you take prescription retinoids or acne medication, check with your doctor, as the wait is much longer. Threading can be a gentler choice in the meantime. There is a full guide here: Why can't I use retinol before waxing?

Both remove hair from the root and both last around three to four weeks. The difference is in the paste and the direction. Sugaring uses a simple paste of sugar, lemon and water that is applied against the direction of hair growth and flicked off in the same direction the hair grows. Wax is usually applied with the growth and removed against it.

Sugar paste clings to the hair rather than the skin, so many people find sugaring a little gentler. Pain is personal, though, and a skilled therapist makes a big difference with either method.

Both give beautiful brows, so it comes down to your skin and what you prefer. Threading uses a twisted cotton thread to lift out rows of hairs, with nothing touching the skin but the thread. That makes it a lovely choice for sensitive skin or if you use retinol. Results usually last around four to five weeks.

Threading feels like a quick series of tiny tugs. Most people find it more comfortable than they expected, and the first sting fades quickly. Waxing is fast and great for tidying a larger area. Your brow artist can help you decide.

No. Facial hair behaves exactly like hair anywhere else, so shaving or dermaplaning won't make it thicker, darker or faster growing. Soft facial fuzz grows back as soft facial fuzz.

The regrowth may feel a little bristly for a few days because of the blunt cut end, and then it settles. If you notice coarse facial hair appearing suddenly, or far more of it than usual, that is worth a gentle chat with your GP or doctor, as hormones can play a part.

For most body areas, laser gives a long lasting reduction, and many people find most of the treated hair never returns. It works by heating the follicles while they are actively growing, which is why a course of six or more sessions is usually needed.

Facial hair can be more persistent because hormones keep prompting new growth, so the occasional top up session is common there. Some people also choose a maintenance session once or twice a year on the body. Who can perform laser differs from country to country, so check your local rules and choose a trained, insured practitioner.

Yes, and yes. Shave the area a day or two before your appointment so the laser can travel straight to the root, rather than heating the hair on the surface of the skin.

Between sessions, shaving is the way to go. Treated hairs will start to shed by themselves over the following weeks, and you can shave regrowth as often as you like. Avoid waxing, threading, plucking and hair removal creams during your course, as the laser needs the hair root in place to work. Your practitioner will give you their own aftercare too.

Usually not. Laser works by targeting the pigment in the hair, so it is most effective on dark hair. Blonde, red, grey and white hair have very little of that pigment for the laser to find.

The lovely news is that there is another option. Electrolysis treats each hair individually with a tiny probe and works on every hair colour and skin tone, so it is a great choice for lighter hair. A consultation with a qualified practitioner will tell you which treatment suits your hair and skin best.

Then you will be in very good company. It is one of the most common things that happens on a waxing couch, especially during a bikini or Brazilian wax when you are in some interesting positions and your muscles are relaxing and tensing.

Your waxer has heard it many times before and will simply carry on without missing a beat. Nobody will mention it, and they genuinely won't remember it by the time you have paid. A little laugh is always allowed, though.

It is best to skip it. Alcohol widens your blood vessels, which can make your skin more sensitive, cause more redness and lead to more spots of bleeding after your wax. Avoiding alcohol for about 24 hours beforehand gives you a more comfortable treatment.

There are better ways to take the edge off. Some people take an over the counter painkiller around 30 to 60 minutes before their appointment; check with your pharmacist that it suits you. Go easy on coffee that day too, and focus on slow, steady breathing as each strip comes away.

That is completely fine, and it happens more often than you might think. Watery eyes are often just a reflex, especially with eyebrows and the upper lip, and they don't always mean you are upset.

If the nerves or the feeling get too much, tell your therapist. They can pause, give you a minute and hand you a tissue, then carry on when you are ready. They want your first wax to feel safe and calm, and they will be kind about it. The second visit is almost always easier.

Of course you can. Waxers are used to helping nervous clients feel at ease, and many will happily hold your hand for a moment during a tricky bit.

They do need both hands for most of the treatment to stretch your skin and remove the wax smoothly, so it may not be possible the whole way through. You could hold the edge of the couch, squeeze a soft cushion or bring a stress ball instead. Tell them at the start that you are nervous, and they will talk you through every step.

Yes, lots of people do, and it is completely normal. The strip between the cheeks is usually included as part of a Brazilian, and it can also be booked on its own. Waxing the whole bottom is typically an extra.

You will be asked to lie on your front, on your side or on your back with your knees towards your chest, whichever works best. Many clients are surprised to find it is one of the quickest and least uncomfortable parts of the treatment. Your waxer does this every day, so there is nothing to feel shy about.

Yes, it will. Waxing lifts away a fine layer of dead skin along with the hair, and that takes the self tan with it, often leaving lighter patches.

So the order is simple: wax first, tan last. Book your wax at least 24 hours before you tan to give your skin time to settle. The day after your wax, a gentle exfoliation and some moisturiser will give you a smooth base. That way your tan stays even and your skin stays happy.