Waxing7 min read
Waxing vs Shaving: Which Is Right for You?
An honest comparison of waxing and shaving: how long each lasts, what regrowth feels like, cost over a year, and which suits different skin types.
Waxing removes hair from the root rather than cutting it at the surface, which is why regrowth takes longer to appear and tends to come back softer than it does after shaving. It is one of the treatments we are asked for most often at our High Street salon.
We wax face and body areas, and we are happy to talk through what a particular area involves before you commit to it. If it is your first appointment, say so when you book. There is no expectation that you already know how any of it works.
Areas we wax
We cover facial areas including the upper lip, chin and sides of the face, along with eyebrow shaping for anyone who prefers wax to thread. On the body we wax underarms, arms, legs (full or half) and bikini areas.
Intimate waxing is carried out in a private room with the door closed, and you are only ever undressed to the extent the treatment requires. If you would prefer a particular therapist, mention it when you book and we will do our best to arrange it.
How waxing compares to shaving and creams
Shaving cuts hair level with the skin, so stubble reappears within a day or two and the blunt cut edge can feel coarse. Waxing removes the whole hair, including the part below the surface, so skin usually stays smooth for two to four weeks depending on the area and your own hair growth.
Depilatory creams dissolve hair chemically at the surface. They avoid the sting of waxing but the results are closer to shaving in duration, and some people find the formulations irritating on the face or bikini line.
There is no single right answer. It depends on how much time you want to spend, how sensitive your skin is, and how long you want results to last. We have written a fuller comparison in our guide to waxing versus shaving.
Hair length matters
Wax needs something to grip. As a rough guide, hair should be around a quarter of an inch, roughly the length of a grain of rice, before an appointment. Much shorter and the wax may not lift it cleanly; much longer and the treatment is more uncomfortable than it needs to be.
If you have been shaving, allow around two to three weeks of growth before your first wax. It feels counterintuitive, but it makes a real difference to the result.
Waxing
Face and body waxing, priced per area.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Full legsWomen only | £40 |
| Half legsWomen only | £30 |
| ArmsWomen only | £25 |
| UnderarmsWomen only | £15 |
| Eyebrows | £12 |
| Upper lip | £7 |
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Chin | £8 |
| Neck | £8 |
| Lip and chin | £15 |
| Side of face | £15 |
| Full faceEyebrows, lip, chin and sides | £28 |
Why clients choose it
What waxing offers
01
Longer-lasting than shaving
Hair is removed from the root, so most people go two to four weeks between appointments rather than shaving every couple of days.
02
Softer regrowth
Hair grows back with a tapered tip rather than the blunt edge a razor leaves, so it tends to feel finer as it returns.
03
Smooth across a whole area
Waxing clears an area in one pass, which is difficult to achieve evenly with a razor on places like the back of the legs.
04
A private, unhurried appointment
Treatments take place in a closed treatment room, with time to ask questions before we begin.
Your appointment
What to expect
We start by checking the area and asking about anything relevant: recent sun exposure, skin sensitivity, or any products you are using.
The skin is cleansed and prepared so the wax adheres to hair rather than to the skin itself.
Wax is applied in sections following the direction of hair growth, then removed against it. Larger areas are worked through in stages.
Any stray hairs are tidied with tweezers at the end.
A soothing product is applied, and we talk through aftercare before you leave.
How to prepare
- Let hair grow to roughly a quarter of an inch, around two to three weeks from your last shave.
- Gently exfoliate a day or two beforehand, but not on the day itself.
- Avoid heavy moisturisers, oils or fake tan on the area on the day of your appointment.
- Skip sunbeds and long sun exposure in the days before, and reschedule if the skin is sunburnt.
- Tell us about any prescribed skin treatments, including retinoids or acne medication, as these can make skin more fragile.
Aftercare
- Leave the area alone for the first 24 hours where you can: no scrubbing, no hot baths, no saunas.
- Avoid swimming pools, heavy exercise and sunbeds for around 24 to 48 hours.
- Wear loose clothing after intimate or leg waxing to reduce friction.
- From around 48 hours, exfoliate gently two or three times a week to help discourage ingrown hairs.
- Some short-lived redness is normal. If anything looks unusual or does not settle, get in touch or speak to a pharmacist or GP.
Questions
Frequently asked
How long does hair need to be before waxing?
Around a quarter of an inch, which is usually two to three weeks of growth after shaving. If it is shorter than that the wax may not grip properly and the result will be patchy.
Does waxing hurt?
There is a sharp sensation as the wax is removed, and it is more noticeable on sensitive areas such as the bikini line or upper lip. Most people find it very manageable, and it usually becomes easier with repeat appointments. Tell your therapist if you would like to pause at any point.
How often should I book?
Most people come back every three to four weeks for body areas and every two to three weeks for facial waxing, but hair growth varies a great deal between individuals. We can suggest a rhythm once we have seen how your hair regrows.
Can I be waxed while I’m on my period?
Yes, intimate waxing is possible during your period provided you are wearing a tampon or menstrual cup. Some people find skin feels a little more sensitive around that time.
Is there anything that means I shouldn’t be waxed?
Waxing is not suitable over broken, irritated or sunburnt skin, and certain prescribed skin treatments such as oral acne medication mean waxing should be avoided. Let us know what you are using when you book and we will advise. If you are unsure, check with your GP or prescriber first.
Further reading
Related advice
Longer answers to the questions people ask us most about this treatment.
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