Waxing 101: A pro’s guide to smooth results

Whether you’re a waxing regular or still working up the nerve to book your first session, our latest catch up with Urban pro Olga will set you up for success.

With over eight years of experience in beauty therapy, including as a mobile therapist, Olga knows what makes for a smooth, stress-free wax.

Here’s her guide to getting the best results, every time.

It’s all in the prep

It turns out a little prep goes a long way when it comes to waxing. For Olga, the golden rule is to avoid moisturiser for 48 hours before your wax.

Any lotion, cream or oil on the skin can affect how well the wax grips the hair – and can make the treatment less effective. Instead, Olga recommends exfoliating a day or two before your appointment.

“Dry exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and can prevent ingrown hairs, especially in areas like the bikini line. Have a steam shower or bath before you exfoliate,” she explains.

When to wax – from hair length to your menstrual cycle

If you’re never quite sure whether your hair is long enough to be waxed, Olga explains: “Your hair should ideally be between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch long. If you’ve shaved, then you should wait 7-10 days before having a wax. If you’ve waxed, then wait 4-5 weeks for your next appointment.”

She also points out that for women, your menstrual cycle can play a part in how painful the wax may feel: “It can be more painful three days before menstruation, and 2-3 days afterwards – so best to avoid these days.”

This is because the hormone shift during this time makes the skin more receptive to pain, making it extra sensitive.

First-timers: Keep breathing, and book a chatty pro

Olga admits that waxing can hurt more if it’s your first time, and that it’s all down to feeling nervous. Yep, feeling stressed and anxious before your wax can release chemicals like cortisol, which can mess with your skin’s natural barrier and leave it more sensitive than usual.

She has two tips for first-timers: “Breathing can really help, and keep talking while the waxing is going on – it helps distract you.”

Post-wax care: what to do (and avoid)

Once your wax is finished, what you do next can make a difference to your skin’s recovery. Olga’s top aftercare tip is: “Avoid heat, friction and sun exposure for 24-48 hours.” That means no hot baths, sunbathing or workouts that cause rubbing in the treated area – especially if you’ve had a bikini or underarm wax.

Another common mistake is wearing tight clothes straight after. Leggings, tights and jeans can trap sweat and create friction, which can lead to ingrown hairs – loose-fitting cotton clothing is the way to go.

She also recommends skipping the swimming pool for at least 24 hours post-wax, to avoid irritating freshly-waxed skin.

Self-waxing kits helps your wax last longer than shaving

In-between sessions, Olga actually prefers home waxing kits to shaving: “It’s a convenient way to keep your skin smooth for weeks, giving you more recovery time between hair removal sessions than shaving. It keeps your skin fuzz-free for weeks at a time.”

But she of course recommends booking in with a pro when you can.

The takeaway: Prep smart and give your skin time to recover

Whether you’re booking a bikini wax before a holiday or just want a smoother routine, Olga’s advice is easy to follow: prep properly, skip moisturiser and don’t underestimate the power of loose clothes and good timing.