How to prepare for a waxing appointment.
The single thing that matters most: let the hair grow to about a quarter of an inch — roughly two to three weeks of growth — and do not shave in between. Exfoliate gently a day or two before, arrive with clean, dry, product-free skin, and go easy on caffeine and alcohol on the day. Everything else is comfort.
In short
- Hair should be about ¼ inch (5mm) — two to three weeks' growth. Too short and the wax can't grip.
- Don't shave between waxes; it resets the cycle and makes regrowth coarser and harder to wax.
- Exfoliate gently 1–2 days before — not on the day — to free trapped hairs and prevent ingrowns.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol on the day; both tighten pores and heighten sensitivity.
- First-time or intimate waxing? Arrive freshly showered — we handle the rest, discreetly.
Get the hair length right
The most common reason a wax disappoints is hair that's too short to grip.
Aim for about a quarter of an inch, or 5mm — two to three weeks of growth from your last shave. That's long enough for the wax to wrap and lift the hair from the root, but short enough to stay comfortable. If it's longer, don't worry: we'll trim it down on the day. If it's much shorter, the wax skids over the top and you'll be back sooner than you'd like.
Stop shaving — really
Shaving cuts the hair at the surface; waxing pulls it from the root. Mixing the two resets your growth cycle and leaves you with hairs at different lengths, so the wax can only catch some of them. Commit to waxing only for a few weeks and two things happen: every hair comes through on the same cycle, and over time regrowth comes back finer, softer and sparser. That's the long game waxing rewards.
Exfoliate and moisturise — with the right timing
One to two days before, exfoliate gently — a washcloth, a soft scrub or an exfoliating mitt — to lift dead skin and free any hairs trapped under the surface. This is the best thing you can do to prevent ingrown hairs.
On the day, do the opposite: skip exfoliating, and don't apply moisturiser, oil or deodorant to the area. Any product leaves a film that stops the wax gripping cleanly. Clean, dry, bare skin is exactly what we want.
On the day: pain, timing and comfort
If you're sensitive or it's your first time, you can take your usual over-the-counter painkiller about 30 to 45 minutes before. Go easy on caffeine and alcohol — both tighten the skin and dial up sensitivity. Wear loose clothing for the journey home, especially after leg or intimate waxing.
You can absolutely be waxed on your period — you may be a little more sensitive in the day or two before, and we ask you to wear a tampon for intimate waxing. It's completely routine for us, handled with zero fuss.
First time? Here's what actually happens
We use premium Lycon wax — low-temperature hot wax for intimate and sensitive areas, strip wax for larger ones. Your therapist talks you through each step, works quickly and discreetly, and finishes with a soothing aftercare product. Intimate and men's waxing is booked privately with Mikki or Manisha. Most appointments are quicker than you expect — a City lunch break is plenty for most areas.
Common questions.
How long does my hair need to be to wax?
Should I shave before a wax?
Does waxing hurt?
Can I get waxed on my period?
What should I do right before my appointment?
Book your wax.
Lycon hot and strip waxing for women and men, one minute from Aldgate Underground. Intimate and first-time waxing handled privately and without fuss.
Book now →