How Long Should Hair Be to Wax? Your Guide to Preparing for Your First Wax

Co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: January 7, 2022 References

Waxing is a great hair-removal strategy—it’s effective, inexpensive, and lasts longer than shaving. But what length should your hair be to wax? We’ve answered this question and more below so you can achieve silky, smooth, stubble-free skin.

Question 1 of 6:

Can you wax very short hair?

No, your hair should be at least ¹⁄₄ inch (0.64 cm) long.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} If it’s any shorter than this, the wax won’t be able to properly grasp the hair, and it may break off. If your hair is too short, wait a week or so before waxing.^{[2]
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- Having trouble visualizing ¹⁄₄ inch (0.64 cm)? Your hair should be about the length of a sprinkle or grain of rice.
- In places where your hair is thick, like your underarms and bikini area, let it grow a little longer so the wax will grip the hair and pull it out completely.

Question 2 of 6:

Should you trim before a wax?

Yes, if your hair is longer than ³⁄₄ inch (1.9 cm).^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} If your hair is too long, waxing will be more painful. Trim it down to about ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) before you wax for the best results.^{[4]
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Question 3 of 6:

How long should you wait between waxes?

Wait about 2-6 weeks. For best results, your hair should be ¹⁄₄–¹⁄₂ inch (0.64–1.27 cm) when you wax. However, hair grows at different rates on different parts of your body. Here’s the breakdown on how long to wait between waxes:^{[5]
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- Face: 2-3 weeks
- Underarms: 3-4 weeks
- Arms and legs: 4-5 weeks
- Bikini area: 3 weeks
- Back: 4-6 weeks

Question 4 of 6:

How long does waxing actually last?

You’ll have smooth, soft skin for about 2 weeks after waxing.^{[6]
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Research source} As hard as it might be, resist the temptation to shave in between waxes—you’ll end up waiting longer because your hair needs to grow out in order for the wax to grip it. If you’ve never waxed before, see a pro the first time. They can give you a lesson so you can learn the proper way to wax at home.

Question 5 of 6:

How do you prepare your skin for waxing?

1
Clean and dry your skin. ^{[7]
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Expert Source

Mohiba Tareen, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.} Exfoliate 24 hours before you wax. The day that you plan to wax, wash your skin with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that doesn’t contain oil.^{[8]
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Research source} Dry your skin gently and avoid moisturizing, as lotion can prevent the wax from gripping your hair.^{[9]
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Research source} Right before you wax, soak up any excess oil on your skin with baby powder if necessary.^{[10]
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- Don’t wax any area with broken skin, moles, irritation, or sunburn.^{[11]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mohiba Tareen, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.}
- You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever and/or apply cold packs to your skin a half-hour before you wax.^{[12]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}
- Stop using or taking any products that contain retinoids for 2-5 days before you wax. Otherwise, you risk ripping up the skin along with the hair. Ouch!^{[13]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source} Let your waxer know about any other medications you're taking, as well.^{[14]
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2
Avoid waxing if you're on your period. When you're dealing with your menstrual cycle, your skin is more sensitive than usual because of increased hormone production. For this reason, experts recommend postponing your waxing session by a few days.^{[15]
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- If you want to go ahead with your appointment, let your waxer know that you're on your period and use a tampon or menstrual cup instead of a pad—that'll keep things neater and prevent fluids from interfering with the wax's ability to adhere to your skin and hair.
3
Steer clear of caffeine and alcohol before you wax. Both caffeine and alcohol increase blood flow, which makes your skin more sensitive and prone to bruising. Hold off on that latte or cocktail until after your appointment.^{[16]
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Question 6 of 6:

How do you take care of your skin after waxing?

1
Soothe your skin with ice and moisturizer. If your skin is still stinging, apply cold packs to help with the pain.^{[17]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}^{[18]
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Research source} If you go to a salon, your esthetician might provide a cream for you to put on your skin after waxing. You can also moisturize with a water- or aloe-based product that won’t clog your pores or hair follicles. ^{[19]
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Expert Source

Mohiba Tareen, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.}
- Wear loose-fitting clothes made of natural fibers to prevent irritation and ingrown hairs.^{[20]
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2
Avoid harsh products and sun exposure. No suntanning after waxing! It makes your skin extra sensitive, so stay in the shade the day you get waxed.^{[21]
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Research source} Skip the hot baths or hot tubs, too.^{[22]
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Research source} Avoid shaving or exfoliating your skin for 48 hours, as that increases skin irritation.^{[23]
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- Don’t apply self-tanner for a full day since waxing opens your pores.^{[24]
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