About Waxing
Waxing removes unwanted hair from the root using warm or hot wax, giving smooth skin that typically lasts longer than shaving because the hair has to regrow fully before it reappears. It can be used on the legs, arms, underarms, face (such as the upper lip, chin and brows), back, chest and the bikini or intimate area, with a Brazilian or Hollywood removing most or all of the pubic hair. Practitioners usually work with either strip wax, where fabric or paper strips lift the wax and hair away, or hot (peelable) wax that sets and is removed without strips, which many find gentler for sensitive and intimate areas. Results build over time, and with regular appointments hair often grows back finer and more sparsely for some people, though this varies. Waxing is a well-established beauty treatment rather than a medical one, but it is not suitable for everyone or for every stage of skin health. Some skin conditions, medications and recent treatments make it unsafe, so a good therapist will check your suitability first. Choosing a trained, insured therapist working in clean, hygienic conditions makes a real difference to both your comfort and your safety, and to the quality of the finish you can expect.
On the day, and after
During the treatment
Your therapist will typically start with a short consultation about your health, medication and any previous reactions, then cleanse the area. Warm wax is applied in the direction of hair growth using a spatula, and either a strip is pressed on and removed, or hot wax is left to set slightly and then flicked off, both taken away against the direction of growth to lift the hair from the root. You will feel a quick pull with each section, which passes almost immediately; the therapist often applies gentle pressure straight afterwards to ease it. They should use a fresh spatula each time rather than double-dipping into the pot, and work in an unhurried, methodical way. Afterwards they may tweeze any stray hairs, remove residue and apply a soothing lotion. A full leg or intimate wax takes longer than a lip or brow. A good therapist will keep checking you are comfortable and will explain what they are doing throughout.
How it feels
Waxing involves a quick, sharp pulling sensation as each section of hair is lifted from the root, followed by a brief sting or warmth that usually fades within seconds, eased by the gentle pressure a therapist applies straight after. The warm wax itself feels comfortably hot but should never burn. Sensitive and intimate areas, coarser hair and a first-ever wax tend to feel more intense, while regular waxing often becomes more tolerable as the hair grows back finer. You may feel some tenderness, tingling or warmth for a short while afterwards, and small raised bumps around the follicles are common and normal. Skin can be more sensitive around your menstrual cycle. Tell your therapist at any point if something is too painful.
Results and maintenance
Smooth results from waxing typically last around three to six weeks, depending on your natural hair growth cycle and the area treated. Because the hair is removed at the root, regrowth is softer and less stubbly than after shaving, and with regular waxing every four to six weeks many people find growth becomes gradually finer and more sparse, though this varies from person to person and is not guaranteed to be permanent. For the best results, let the hair reach a suitable length between appointments rather than shaving in between, which resets the cycle. Regular gentle exfoliation two to three times a week and daily moisturising between visits help keep skin smooth and reduce ingrown hairs. Booking on a consistent schedule keeps regrowth even and often makes each session more comfortable. Your therapist can tailor the frequency and areas to your hair type, skin sensitivity and how quickly you regrow.
Before and after your appointment
Before your appointment
Let the hair grow to roughly a quarter of an inch, or about the length of a grain of rice, so the wax can grip it properly; if it is too short it will not lift cleanly, and very long hair can be trimmed first. In most cases it helps to gently exfoliate and moisturise in the days beforehand, but stop moisturising on the day itself and arrive with clean, product-free skin, as oils and creams stop wax adhering. Avoid sunbeds, sunbathing and fake tan in the days before, and do not book waxing over sunburnt, broken or freshly treated skin. Tell your therapist in advance about any medication, skin conditions or recent treatments such as chemical peels, laser or microdermabrasion. Many people find it more comfortable to avoid caffeine and alcohol beforehand and, where relevant, to book outside the most sensitive days of their menstrual cycle. A warm shower beforehand can soften the follicles.
Aftercare
For the first 24 to 48 hours the follicles are open and the skin is more sensitive, so treat the area gently. Keep to lukewarm showers rather than hot baths, saunas or steam rooms, and avoid swimming pools for a day or so. Skip perfumed products, deodorant on freshly waxed underarms, make-up over the area, and sunbeds, sunbathing and fake tan while the skin settles. Avoid heavy exercise and tight, non-breathable clothing straight after an intimate wax, as heat, friction and sweat can cause irritation. Wear loose, clean cotton where possible. If the skin feels tender, a cool compress or a plain, fragrance-free soothing gel such as aloe vera can help. From two to three days afterwards, begin gently exfoliating a few times a week and keep the skin moisturised, which helps prevent ingrown hairs. Try not to touch or pick at the area with unwashed hands.
There is usually little to no real downtime. Most people notice some redness, warmth and small raised bumps around the follicles straight after, particularly on first-time or sensitive-area waxes, and this typically settles within a few hours to a day. More sensitive or intimate areas can stay slightly pink or tender for a little longer. You can generally return to normal activities right away, though it is sensible to avoid heat, heavy sweating and friction for the first day. If redness, swelling or discomfort is getting worse rather than better after a couple of days, or you see signs of infection, seek advice from your therapist or a pharmacist or GP.
Safety and medical considerations
Safety essentials
Hygiene is central to safe waxing. Your therapist should wash and sanitise their hands, work in a clean environment, use fresh couch roll and, crucially, never double-dip the spatula back into the wax pot after it has touched your skin, as this can spread bacteria. Choose someone who is trained in waxing and holds professional insurance, and who takes a proper health and medication history before starting rather than pressing ahead regardless. Wax should be tested for temperature so it is comfortably warm, not hot enough to burn. Waxing should only be done on healthy, intact skin, so it should be avoided over cuts, sunburn, active eczema, psoriasis or rosacea flare-ups, moles, warts, varicose veins and recently treated or peeling skin. If anything feels too hot or the environment looks unclean, it is reasonable to stop and ask questions. A patch test may be offered, especially before intimate or sensitive-area waxing.
Medical considerations
Some medications and conditions make waxing unsafe because they thin, fragile or over-sensitise the skin, raising the risk of tearing, lifting, bruising or burns. Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) is a key one: skin usually should not be waxed while taking it and for a period after stopping, with around six months commonly advised, though you should check with your prescriber. Topical retinoids and acids such as tretinoin, retinol, adapalene and glycolic acid should be paused on the area beforehand, as should recent chemical peels, laser, IPL or microdermabrasion. Blood-thinning medication, some antibiotics, diabetes, circulatory problems, autoimmune conditions and pregnancy all warrant caution and, where appropriate, a word with your GP first. Waxing is not a treatment for any skin or medical condition and makes no health claims. Always tell your therapist about your full medical history and any medicines, prescribed or over the counter, so they can judge whether it is safe or whether to postpone.
Patch testing
A skin patch test is not routine for every wax, but a thorough consultation and health check before your first appointment matters just as much. Your therapist should ask about medication, skin conditions, allergies (including to ingredients such as rosin or colophony in some waxes), pregnancy, hormonal treatments and recent skin procedures, and inspect the area to confirm the skin is healthy and intact. A small patch test is sensibly offered if you have sensitive or reactive skin, a history of reactions, are pregnant or on hormonal medication, or are trying a new wax type. This protects you from an unexpected reaction and reflects good, insured practice: skipping these checks can leave a therapist at fault if something goes wrong. Sensitivities can also develop over time, so the history should be revisited at repeat visits, not assumed unchanged.
Knowing a good practitioner
Green flags
Good practice looks like a clean, tidy room, freshly sanitised hands, disposable couch roll and a spatula that is used once and never dipped back into the pot. A reassuring therapist takes a proper health and medication history, checks your skin is suitable, tests the wax temperature and explains what they are doing as they go. They hold recognised waxing training and up-to-date professional insurance, are happy to answer questions, and will honestly postpone or decline if waxing is not safe for you that day. They talk you through realistic expectations, tailor the approach to your skin's sensitivity and the area being treated, and send you away with clear aftercare advice. Feeling comfortable to speak up and being checked on throughout are signs of a considerate, professional service.
Red flags
Be cautious if the therapist double-dips the same spatula back into the wax pot, reuses strips between clients, or works in a visibly unclean space without fresh couch roll or clean hands. It is a warning sign if no one asks about your medication, skin conditions or medical history, or if they wax over sunburn, cuts, active eczema or psoriasis, moles or recently peeled skin without hesitation. Wax that feels too hot, being rushed or pressured, dismissing your discomfort, or an unwillingness to answer questions about training, insurance or hygiene are all reasons to pause. Guarantees that waxing will permanently remove hair, or pushing on despite your telling them you take Roaccutane or blood thinners, should also give you real cause for concern.
Questions to ask
- What waxing training and qualifications do you hold, and are you fully insured for this treatment?
- Do you use hot (peelable) wax or strip wax for this area, and which do you feel is gentler for sensitive skin?
- How do you manage hygiene, and do you use a fresh spatula each time rather than double-dipping?
- I take this medication and have this skin condition, so is waxing safe for me today?
- Would you recommend a patch test given my skin type or history?
- What aftercare do you advise, and how can I reduce redness and ingrown hairs?
Frequently asked questions
How long does my hair need to be before waxing?
As a rough guide, about a quarter of an inch, or the length of a grain of rice, so the wax can grip properly. If it is longer your therapist can trim it, but if it is too short the wax may not lift it cleanly and you may need to wait a little longer before your appointment.
Does waxing hurt?
You will feel a quick pull as each section is removed, followed by a brief sting that fades within seconds. First-time and intimate-area waxes tend to feel more intense, but many people find it becomes more tolerable with regular sessions as the hair grows back finer.
Can I be waxed if I use Roaccutane or retinoids?
Waxing is generally not advised while taking isotretinoin (Roaccutane), and often for around six months after stopping, because the skin becomes fragile and can tear. Topical retinoids and acids should also be paused on the area. Always tell your therapist and check with your prescriber first.
Why do I get bumps or ingrown hairs after waxing?
Small raised bumps around the follicles straight after are normal and usually settle within a day. Ingrown hairs can appear as hair regrows; gently exfoliating a few times a week from a couple of days afterwards, plus moisturising, helps keep the skin smooth and reduces them.
How is hot wax different from strip wax?
Strip wax is applied thinly and removed with a fabric or paper strip, and suits larger areas like legs. Hot or peelable wax sets on the skin and is removed without a strip, gripping the hair rather than the skin, which many people find gentler for sensitive and intimate areas.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Speak to a qualified practitioner, and to your GP if you have a medical condition, before booking.