Here’s when to wax your body parts (if you want to)

Brows, legs, those cheeky chin hairs – you can wax wherever you want, if you want to. The only rule? Timings. Hair needs to be long enough for wax to grab from the root, and that varies across the body. Technical stuff, sort of, but we’ve got your back (and front): here’s a timeline of when to wax each body part, so all you need to worry about is which pair of wide-leg trousers to wear afterwards.

By Rachel Spedding

• 1 Face: every 2-3 weeks

  Facial hair, from the brows to the lip, can grow much quicker than the rest of the body. More frequent trips may be needed to minimise regrowth, think every 2-3 weeks. The good news? The old wives’ tale that hair will grow back thicker post-wax is exactly that – an urban legend. Regular removal can actually reduce regrowth. Result. Heading to the salon is less messy than DIY’ing it; leave your face in the hands of a trained professional, and you’ll be hair-free in no time – well, fifteen minutes. ​
• 2 Brows: every 3-4 weeks

  When it comes to sculpting your brows, waxing is cost-effective, and seriously efficient: we’re talking ten minute appointment, maximum. Your shape will last between 3-4 weeks, but a quick tweeze between salon trips will help to maintain it (and let’s face it, we’re all fans of the fluffy brow). For arches that rival Mcdonald's, wax them brows.
• 3 Bikini: every 3-4 weeks

  The bikini wax. A few yoga positions on your therapist’s treatment table, with a strip or two of hot wax, and you’ll be as hair-free as you wish for up to four weeks. For the stragglers – the hairs peeping out your bikini line – it's a more regular thing. Every two weeks, normally.  Remember, hair down there should be around ½ inch to be waxed properly (so the wax can really take hold of the follice). Left it too long? You’ll need to trim it. Your therapist can help, or tackle it yourself with scissors before your appointment. ​
• 4 Underarms: every 2 weeks

  Though so many of us are familiar with underarm shaving, waxing gives a longer-lasting result, without the underarm itch, or red-speckled situ. Turns out, underarm hair actually thins quicker than anywhere else – a consistent schedule helps, so head for a wax every two weeks (if your underarms need it). Save your skin from ingrown hairs, and the peril of rubbish razors, with a wax. Hard wax is best for this sensitive area,  FYI. Go on, make a pit stop at the salon – literally. ​
• 5 Legs: every 4-5 weeks

  For the legs, think every 4-5 weeks for a waxing trip. As soon as the hair reaches ¼ inch in length (that’s around one grain of rice), you’re ready. Any shorter, and the wax will struggle to grab the hairs, meaning more of a painful pull (and inappropriate swearing). For the ladies amongst us, remember, waxing is more painful during your period, so try to time your appointment around it. Sure these things are hard to plan in advance, but booking last minute will help with that. One week after your period, go go go.

  With Treatwell, you can book beauty online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Discover amazing spas in your area.