The complete guide to strip waxing.
Strip waxing applies a thin layer of warm wax that's lifted off with a cloth strip, pulling hair from the root. It's fast and effective over large areas like legs, arms and backs, and lasts three to six weeks. It isn't the same as hot wax, which suits intimate and sensitive areas — the best results use the right one for each part of the body.
In short
- Strip wax = thin warm wax removed with a fabric strip; grips hair and the skin surface.
- Best for large areas: legs, arms, back — fast and even.
- Lasts 3–6 weeks; regrowth comes back finer with regular waxing.
- For intimate and sensitive areas, hot wax is gentler — we use both.
- Hair should be ~¼ inch; exfoliate before, and arrive with clean, bare skin.
What strip waxing is
Strip waxing is the fast, efficient way to clear hair from the larger areas of the body.
A thin layer of warm wax is spread over the skin in the direction the hair grows, then a cloth or paper strip is pressed on and pulled off against the growth — lifting the hair out from the root. Because it's applied thin and removed in broad sweeps, it covers ground quickly, which is exactly what you want on legs, arms and backs.
How it works, step by step
- The skin is cleansed and lightly prepped so the wax grips the hair, not lotion or oil.
- Warm strip wax is spread thinly in the direction of hair growth.
- A fabric strip is pressed firmly over the wax.
- The strip is pulled off quickly against the direction of growth, taking the hair from the root.
- The area is soothed with an aftercare product to calm the skin.
A skilled therapist keeps the skin taut and the pull quick and low — the technique that makes the difference between a sharp sting and a clean, near-painless lift.
Which areas it suits best
Strip wax shines on large, robust areas: full and half legs, arms, and men's backs, shoulders and chests. It's quick and even where speed matters. For intimate areas (bikini, Brazilian, Hollywood), underarms and the face, hot wax is gentler and more thorough — see our guide to hot wax vs strip wax for which to pick where.
How to prepare and what it costs
Preparation is simple: grow the hair to about a quarter of an inch, stop shaving in between, exfoliate gently a day or two before, and arrive with clean, dry, product-free skin. Our full waxing prep guide covers the detail.
At our Aldgate clinic, ladies' strip wax starts from around £45 for full legs and £28 for full arms; men's from £59 and £39. A course of six is the price of five and never expires. See the full waxing menu for every area.
How long it lasts, and aftercare
Expect three to six weeks of smooth skin, depending on your growth cycle — and finer regrowth the longer you stick with it. Afterwards, avoid heat (gym, sauna, hot baths) and tight clothing for 24 hours, then exfoliate gently two to three times a week between appointments to keep ingrowns away. Rebook every three to five weeks to stay on one growth cycle. Our common mistakes guide covers the rest.
Common questions.
What is strip waxing?
How long does strip waxing last?
Is strip wax or hot wax better?
How should I prepare for strip waxing?
Does strip waxing hurt?
Book your strip wax.
Fast, even strip waxing for legs, arms and backs with premium Lycon wax. One minute from Aldgate Underground, for women and men.
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