Your first hot wax: what to expect and how to get ready

A lot of first-time waxing clients tell me they’ve put it off for ages because they were nervous. That’s completely normal, and it’s why I always take things at your pace. Knowing what to expect makes a huge difference, so here it is, start to finish.

Why hot wax?

I use hot wax for intimate waxing. It’s applied warm, sets around the hair as it cools and is lifted off without strips. Because it grips the hair much more than the skin, it’s kinder on delicate areas and usually less painful than the strip wax many people try first.

Getting ready

• Let it grow. Hair needs to be around half a centimetre long, roughly two to three weeks after shaving. Too short and the wax can’t hold it.
• Exfoliate gently a day or two before, to help with ingrowing hairs. Not on the day itself.
• Skip the lotion on the area on the day, so the wax grips properly.
• Think about timing. Skin can be more sensitive just before and during your period, so if you can, book for another week.
• Wear something comfortable and loose for afterwards.

On the day

We’ll have a quick chat first about the result you’d like. A bikini wax tidies the edges, a Brazilian leaves a neat strip at the front, and a Hollywood removes everything, front and back. If you’re not sure, just ask. Nothing you could ask will surprise me.

I’ll give you privacy while you get ready. Then I work quickly, a small section at a time, and check in with you as we go. Most clients are surprised at how fast it’s over. A Hollywood takes about half an hour.

Afterwards

A little redness is normal and usually settles within a few hours. For the next 24 to 48 hours:

• avoid hot baths, saunas, swimming and the gym;
• skip perfumed products and fake tan on the area;
• wear loose clothes and don’t touch or scratch.

After a couple of days, start exfoliating gently twice a week to keep ingrowing hairs away.

It gets easier

The second wax is almost always easier than the first, and with regular appointments every four to six weeks the hair often grows back finer. Intimate waxing at the salon is for female clients only. You can see every waxing option, with times, on the treatments page, and if you’d like to ask something before you book, send me a message.