30 May 2026

Best Waxing Tips: How to Prepare, What to Expect & Aftercare for Smooth, Long-Lasting Results

Waxing is one of the most popular and effective methods of hair removal, offering smoother skin for longer compared to shaving. Whether you’re booking a Brazilian wax, full leg wax, facial waxing, or underarm treatment, proper preparation and aftercare can make a huge difference to your results and comfort.

Here are our expert waxing tips to help you get the best possible outcome — whether it’s your first wax or you’re a regular.

Why Choose Waxing Over Shaving?

Waxing removes hair from the root, which means you can enjoy silky smooth skin for 3–6 weeks. It also leads to finer regrowth over time and allows for much greater precision in small or sensitive areas like the face, upper lip, and bikini line.

Pre-Wax Preparation Tips

Proper preparation is essential for a comfortable wax and to reduce the risk of irritation or ingrown hairs.

  • Choose the right wax for your skin type: If you have sensitive skin, ask your therapist about gentle, hypoallergenic waxes or do a patch test 24–48 hours before your appointment.
  • Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliating 2–3 days before your wax removes dead skin cells, allowing the wax to grip the hair better and helping prevent ingrown hairs. Use a gentle body scrub or exfoliating mitt.
  • Grow your hair to the right length: Hair should be at least 5mm long (roughly the length of a grain of rice) for the wax to grip effectively.

DIY Waxing vs Professional Waxing

While at-home waxing kits are convenient, professional waxing delivers far superior results. Trained therapists can access difficult areas safely, use higher-quality products, and apply the correct technique to minimise pain and skin trauma. For best results — especially in sensitive areas — we always recommend seeing a professional.

Managing Pain During Waxing

Some discomfort is normal with waxing, but you can reduce it significantly:

  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and intense exercise on the day of your appointment (these increase blood flow and sensitivity).
  • Book your wax after your period if possible — many women find waxing more painful during menstruation.
  • Breathe deeply and try to relax your muscles during the treatment.

Essential Waxing Aftercare

Good aftercare is just as important as preparation for maintaining smooth, healthy skin.

  • Moisturise: Keep the area well hydrated with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser.
  • Avoid heat and friction: Skip saunas, hot showers, swimming in chlorinated pools, and tight clothing for at least 24–48 hours.
  • No tanning: Wait at least 24–48 hours before sun exposure or fake tanning. Freshly waxed skin is extra sensitive and can burn easily.
  • Keep it clean: Avoid applying scented lotions or perfumes for the first 12–24 hours. A tea tree-based product can help soothe and protect the area.

How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs After Waxing

Ingrown hairs are a common side effect of waxing. You can minimise them by:

  • Continuing to exfoliate gently every 2–3 days after the first 48 hours.
  • Using a mild acid-based serum or ingrown hair prevention product to help clear dead skin and allow hair to grow through cleanly.

When Should You Wax Again?

Most people need a wax every 4 to 6 weeks. Let the hair grow to at least 5mm before your next appointment. You can tweeze the occasional stray hair, but avoid shaving between waxes as this disrupts the hair growth cycle.

Pro Tip: Regular waxing actually weakens the hair follicle over time, often resulting in less hair regrowth and finer hairs.


Back to Blog

Recent Posts