Waxing

Waxing is the removal of hair from the root using a sticky substance (wax) that adheres to the hair and is quickly removed, pulling hair from the follicle. When performed correctly results typically last two to six weeks, though timing varies with individual hair growth cycles.

Types

Soft (strip) wax: warm wax spread thinly, removed with cloth or paper strips. Good for large areas (legs, arms, back).
Hard (stripless) wax: thicker wax that hardens and is removed without strips. Adheres to hair more than to skin, often preferred for sensitive or short hair (bikini line, underarms, face).
Film wax: a thin film-style stripless wax similar to hard wax.
Cold pre-waxed strips: ready-made strips useful for small areas and at-home use.
Sugaring (see Sugaring): a sugar-based alternative applied against growth and removed with it; often described as gentler and more water-soluble.

How waxing works (technique basics)

Hair length: ideal hair length is about 0.5–1 cm (roughly 2–4 weeks of growth for most people).
Direction: soft wax is applied with the hair growth and pulled against it; sugaring and some hard-wax techniques remove in the direction of growth to reduce breakage.
Angle and speed: therapist removes the strip nearly parallel to the skin with a fast motion to reduce pain and skin trauma.
Hygiene & tools: single-use strips or freshly cleaned tools, new spatulas for each client/area, and clean work surfaces reduce infection risk.

Area-specific notes

Face & eyebrows: use small amounts of hard wax or specialised facial wax; eyebrow waxing commonly shapes the brow and requires precision.
Legs & arms: soft wax is efficient for large surfaces; expect more pain on thinner-skinned areas (ankles, knees).
Underarms: hair here tends to be coarse; hard wax can reduce discomfort and skin lifting.
Bikini / intimate areas:
- "Bikini wax": removal of hair outside the swimsuit line (trimmed or fully removed depending on preference).
- "Brazilian": removal of most or all pubic hair, often leaving a small strip, triangle or none at all.
- "Hollywood": full removal of pubic hair including labia and perineum.
- These procedures require experience, strict hygiene and good aftercare to reduce irritation and infection risk. See Bikini waxing for more.
Chest / back / male waxing: thicker hair may require more than one pass; skin-lifting risk is higher on scarred or sun-damaged skin.

Contraindications & cautions

Avoid waxing (or delay treatment) when any of the following apply, as they increase the risk of skin lifting, burns or poor outcomes:

Recent sunburn, chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or laser resurfacing.
Use of retinoids (topical retinol or prescription tretinoin) or peeling agents—stop and consult clinician before waxing.
Current use of systemic blood-thinning medications, certain immunosuppressants or steroids.
Active skin conditions: psoriasis, eczema, open wounds, severe acne or dermatological infections in the area.
Recent cosmetic surgery on the treated area, recent laser hair removal session or surgical procedures.
Active cold sores around the mouth (facial waxing can trigger flare-ups).
Very sensitive skin, rosacea, severe varicose veins in the area.

Always disclose medications and recent treatments to your therapist.

Pain management & comfort

Pain varies with area, skin thickness and individual threshold. First-time waxing is often more painful.
Options to reduce discomfort: topical anaesthetic creams (used cautiously and per product instructions), cooling the area before/after, breathing/relaxation techniques, professional technique (fast, parallel pull).
Avoid non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatories solely as a pain-mitigation strategy without consulting a clinician; they do not prevent skin trauma.

Risks & complications

Short-term: redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding, transient follicle inflammation (folliculitis), and temporary sensitivity.
Ingrown hairs: common after epilation; prevention and treatment are covered in Ingrown Hair.
Skin lifting (epidermal stripping): tearing of the top skin layer—risk increases with certain medications, procedures or sun‑damaged skin.
Infection: minor risk if hygiene is poor; more serious infections are rare but possible.
Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation: especially in darker skin tones or where skin has been traumatised.
Reactivation of herpes simplex (cold sores) after facial waxing.

Preparation & aftercare

Preparation:

Ensure hair is the right length (roughly 0.5–1 cm). Too short and wax won’t grip; too long and the process is more painful.
Exfoliate gently 48–72 hours before to remove dead skin (avoid aggressive scrubs immediately before treatment).
Avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least 24–48 hours before.

Aftercare:

Apply a cool compress and a soothing antiseptic lotion or aloe vera immediately after.
Avoid hot baths, saunas, intense exercise and sexual activity for 24–48 hours in intimate areas to reduce irritation and infection risk.
Wear loose clothing for 24 hours after waxing.
Exfoliate gently after 48–72 hours to reduce ingrown hairs; consider chemical exfoliants (salicylic/glycolic acid) only once skin has calmed and per product guidance.
Avoid perfumed products and deodorants on freshly waxed skin until irritation subsides.

Home waxing vs salon

Salon waxing (performed by trained estheticians) is generally safer and more effective for intimate areas and large surfaces; technicians can assess contraindications and adjust technique.
At‑home waxing kits are cost‑effective but require care with temperature, hygiene and technique; use pre‑wax testing on small patches and follow product instructions.

Waxing vs other hair removal methods

Compared with shaving: longer-lasting results, smoother regrowth, but more painful and with higher short-term skin irritation.
Compared with sugaring: both remove hair from the root; sugaring is often described as gentler and more water‑soluble for cleanup.
Compared with laser/electrolysis: waxing is temporary; laser and electrolysis aim for long-term reduction or permanent removal. Avoid waxing before planned laser sessions—lasers target pigment in the hair shaft and require hair to be present in the follicle (shaving is the usual pre-laser method).
Compared with laser/electrolysis: waxing is temporary; laser and electrolysis aim for long-term reduction or permanent removal. Avoid waxing before planned laser or IPL sessions—lasers and IPL target pigment in the hair shaft and require hair to be present in the follicle (shaving is the usual pre-laser method). See Laser Hair Removal and Intense Pulsed Light.

Writing tips

Use waxing scenes to communicate ritual, vulnerability, body maintenance or intimacy. Balance the physical details (temperature, texture, sound) with emotional reaction.
Sensory cues: warm wax, faint resin or sweet sugar smell, tacky stickiness, rapid rip, the small gasp or laugh that follows, the visual contrast between hair and newly exposed skin.
Tone options: comedic (goofy misadventure), sensual (trust and touch), clinical (beauty routine) or transgressive (pain as transformation). When depicting intimate waxing, emphasise consent, hygiene and character agency.

Example

"She breathed through the strip's sharp tear, then smiled at the satin-smooth skin where stubborn hair had been minutes before."