Your first wax, walked through.
A first appointment can feel like a lot if you have not done it before. Here is exactly what happens, start to finish. You are never rushed, and there is nothing to be embarrassed about. The practitioners do this every day.
– Editorial body study, natural light
A little prep goes a long way.
Let the hair grow to roughly 5 mm, about two weeks after shaving, so the wax has something to grip. Exfoliate gently a day or two before. Skip lotions and oils on the day, and wear something loose for afterwards.
That is genuinely it. If you are not sure about anything, ask your practitioner when you arrive.
Three moments, that is the visit.
Your practitioner meets you and takes you to a private room. They ask about your skin, any sensitivities, what you want from the treatment, and answer anything you are unsure about. If you are nervous, say so. It helps.
The skin is cleansed and lightly prepped. Warm wax is applied in small sections and lifted away cleanly. Your practitioner works methodically and checks in as they go. The sting is brief and over quickly, and hot wax is gentler on the skin than strip wax.
A calming aftercare product goes on at the end to settle the skin. Your practitioner talks you through looking after the area for the next day or two. Most appointments take 15 to 30 minutes depending on the treatment, and you leave knowing what to expect next time.
After, and after that.
First 48 hours
- Skip hot baths, saunas, steam rooms and intense exercise.
- Avoid tight clothing that rubs the area.
- No fake tan, perfume or heavily fragranced products.
- Stay out of swimming pools, and away from direct sun and sunbeds.
- Do not exfoliate the waxed area yet.
Then, ongoing
- Exfoliate gently two or three times a week after 48 hours.
- Moisturise daily to keep the skin soft.
- Do not shave between appointments, it disrupts the growth cycle.
- Book the next wax three to four weeks later for the best result.
- Mild redness for a few hours is normal. Anything unusual, contact your studio or a healthcare professional.
Does it hurt, and other things people actually ask.
Not painlessly, but briefly and manageably. Most people describe a quick sting rather than prolonged discomfort, and it gets easier each time as the hair grows back finer. Hot wax helps, and so does a practitioner who works at a pace that keeps you comfortable. If you are particularly nervous, book a smaller area first, like underarms or half leg, to see how you feel.
Around 5 mm, roughly the length of a grain of rice. If you have been shaving, wait about two weeks for regrowth. Not sure? Your practitioner will tell you when you arrive.
Whatever feels comfortable. Shorts or a skirt make leg waxing easier. For bikini or Hollywood waxing we provide disposable underwear if you want it. Loose, breathable clothing is best for afterwards.
Yes. Use a fresh tampon or menstrual cup beforehand. Skin can be more sensitive during your period, so for a first visit you might prefer to book mid-cycle.
A Hollywood removes everything, front to back. A Brazilian leaves a small strip or triangle at the front and clears the rest. Your practitioner can talk you through the options during the consultation.
Less likely than with shaving, but possible. Regular exfoliation and moisturising cut the risk a lot, and your practitioner can recommend products if you are prone to them.
Most people stay smooth for three to four weeks, depending on your own growth cycle. Regular waxing tends to extend that as the hair grows back finer over time.
Yes. Give as much notice as you can. We ask for at least 24 hours for cancellations to avoid a charge. You can reschedule through Fresha or by contacting your studio.
Completely normal, and the practitioners hear it every day. They are trained professionals who have seen everything and treat every appointment with care and discretion. Once you are in the room, most people find it far less awkward than they expected.