How Long Before a Holiday Should You Wax?

How long before a holiday should you wax? For most people, the best time is two to three days before travelling. This gives any temporary redness or sensitivity time to settle before your skin meets strong sun, heat, chlorine, salt water or tight swimwear.

If this is your first wax, you have particularly reactive skin or you are having an intimate wax, allowing three to five days gives you a little more breathing room. Everyone’s skin responds differently, so booking earlier is sensible when you do not yet know what is normal for you.

How long before a holiday should you wax?

Here is the short answer:

• Regular waxer: Two to three days before travelling

• First wax or sensitive skin: Three to five days before travelling

• Wax plus spray tan: Wax first, then wait at least 24 hours before your tan

• Leaving tomorrow: Ask your therapist for individual advice and be prepared to avoid heat, swimming and sun while your skin settles

At Therapy, our standard aftercare is to avoid sun exposure, swimming and exfoliation for at least 24 hours after waxing. Booking a few days ahead makes that much easier and means you should not have to sit out the pool on the first day of your holiday.

Why should you avoid waxing on the day you travel?

Waxing removes hair from the root and can leave the skin temporarily red, warm or sensitive. This is a normal short-term response for many people, but an airport, a long journey and an immediate change into swimwear are not the gentlest conditions for freshly waxed skin.

Leaving a buffer before you travel allows you to avoid:

• Swimming pools, hot tubs and the sea while your skin is freshly waxed

• Strong sunshine and heat immediately after treatment

• Friction from tight clothing or swimwear

• Saunas, steam rooms, hot baths and intense exercise

• Perfumed or highly active products on the treated area

The aim is not simply to feel smooth on departure day. It is also to give your skin a calm start to the holiday.

Is the day before a holiday too late for a wax?

It is possible to wax the day before travelling, particularly if you wax regularly and know your skin settles quickly. However, it is not the ideal timing.

You will still need to follow your aftercare advice for at least the first 24 hours. If your plans involve going straight from the airport to the beach or pool, book earlier instead.

For a first wax, try not to leave it until the last minute. A few extra days will let you see how your skin responds without the pressure of a flight or special event the next morning.

How long should your hair be before waxing?

For the most thorough result, we recommend allowing the hair to grow to around 5mm before your appointment. Try not to shave immediately beforehand because the wax needs enough length to grip the hair effectively.

Therapy uses the professional Lycon waxing system, which can remove very short hair. However, arriving with a little more growth usually gives your therapist the best chance of achieving an even result.

If the hair is considerably longer, ask us whether it needs trimming rather than cutting it too short yourself.

You can learn more about available treatment areas, prices and Lycon wax on our waxing in Canterbury page.

How to prepare for your pre-holiday wax

In the weeks before your appointment

Allow the hair to grow rather than shaving between appointments.

If you have never had the area waxed before, speaking to the salon in advance can help you choose the most suitable treatment and appointment date.

Tell your therapist about any skin sensitivities, allergies, medicines or skincare products that may affect your skin. This is particularly important for facial waxing if you use retinoids or strong acne treatments.

Do not wax skin that is sunburnt, broken or actively irritated. If you are unsure whether waxing is suitable for you, ask your therapist and seek advice from a healthcare professional where appropriate.

One or two days before your appointment

Gently exfoliate the area if this is suitable for your skin and part of your normal routine.

Avoid aggressive scrubbing, which could leave the skin sensitised before your treatment.

On the day of your appointment

Arrive with clean, dry skin and avoid applying heavy oils or lotions to the area.

Loose, breathable clothing is a good choice, particularly after leg, bikini or Hollywood waxing.

Every waxing appointment at Therapy begins with a brief consultation. Please tell us if it is your first wax or if your skin has reacted to waxing previously. This allows us to tailor the treatment and advice to you.

What should you avoid after waxing?

For at least 24 hours after your appointment, avoid:

• Sunbathing and direct sun on the waxed area

• Swimming, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms

• Hot baths and very hot showers

• Vigorous exercise that creates heat and friction

• Exfoliation, fragranced products and fake tan on the area

• Tight clothing that rubs against freshly waxed skin

Follow the personalised aftercare advice given by your therapist, as the right approach can vary depending on the area treated and your skin.

Once your skin has settled, continue to protect exposed skin from the sun with suitable clothing, shade and broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Temporary redness or small bumps can happen after waxing. If you experience severe or worsening pain, marked swelling, discharge or a reaction that does not settle, contact an appropriate healthcare professional.

Should you wax before or after a spray tan?

Wax first and have your spray tan afterwards.

Waxing after a spray tan can remove some of the colour and leave an uneven finish.

Allow at least 24 hours between your wax and tan so your skin has time to settle. If you know your skin stays sensitive for longer, leave a larger gap.

Therapy recommends waxing a day or two before a professional spray tan. On the day of your tanning appointment, arrive without moisturiser, deodorant or perfume.

Read our spray tan preparation advice if you are planning both treatments before your holiday.

A simple pre-holiday treatment timeline

If you are travelling on a Saturday, a comfortable schedule could look like this:

• Monday or Tuesday: Gently exfoliate if suitable for your skin

• Wednesday: Have your wax

• Thursday or Friday: Have a spray tan, if wanted, once your skin has settled

• Saturday: Travel with both treatments complete

This is a guide rather than a strict rule. Your skin, treatment area and previous waxing experience all matter.

If you are arranging several treatments before a wedding, festival, graduation or longer trip, booking early gives us more flexibility to help you plan them in the right order.

Planning a holiday wax in Canterbury?

Therapy Hair Body Nails offers facial, underarm, arm, leg, bikini and Hollywood waxing using the Lycon system. Treatments take place in a calm, private setting at our salon on Burgate, close to Canterbury Cathedral.

Whether you are a Canterbury local, a student heading home for the summer or a visitor preparing for the next part of your trip, we can help you choose the right treatment and timing.

Book your waxing appointment or call 01227 767677 if you would like advice before booking.

Frequently asked questions

How many days before a holiday should I wax?

Two to three days before departure is a good general guide. Allow three to five days if it is your first wax, you have sensitive skin or you simply want more time for any redness to settle.

Can I get a wax the day before my holiday?

You can, but you will need to avoid sun, swimming, heat, friction and exfoliation for at least 24 hours afterwards. If you plan to swim or sunbathe as soon as you arrive, schedule your wax earlier.

Can I wax on the same day as a spray tan?

It is better not to. Wax first, allow at least 24 hours for your skin to settle and then have your spray tan. This also prevents the wax from removing or disturbing the tan.

How long will a wax last on holiday?

Results vary depending on the treatment area and your individual hair-growth cycle. Many clients enjoy smooth results for around three to six weeks, although some regrowth may appear sooner because individual hairs grow at different stages.

What if I have never been waxed before?

Book three to five days before travelling rather than leaving it until the last minute. Tell your therapist it is your first appointment so they can explain the treatment, discuss relevant sensitivities and tailor the advice to you.