Waxing and Tanning Before a Holiday
Guide
Timing makes all the difference
Getting waxed and tanned before a holiday is straightforward, as long as you get the order and the timing right. Booked too close together, or too close to your flight, and you can undo the results.
Here's how we'd plan it, based on what works best for most clients.
How far ahead to book your wax
Book your wax a couple of days before you travel rather than the day before. Skin can look a little pink straight after waxing, particularly on more sensitive areas, and a day or two lets that settle completely.
Leaving it too long is the other risk. Wax more than a week ahead and there may be visible regrowth by the time you're actually away.
How long your hair needs to be
This is where most first-timers get caught out. Hair needs to be around a quarter of an inch long, roughly two to three weeks of growth, so the wax has enough to grip.
That means putting the razor away in the run-up to your appointment. Shaving in the days before means we may not be able to get a clean result.
For treatment options and pricing, see our waxing services.
Wax first, tan second
The order matters. Always wax before a spray tan, never after. Waxing exfoliates the skin, so tanning first and waxing second will lift the colour straight off.
Leave at least 24 hours between the two so the skin has settled, then have your spray tan closer to your departure date.
A simple holiday timeline
A plan that works well for most people:
Roughly:
- Stop shaving two to three weeks before, so there's enough growth
- Book your wax two to three days before you fly
- Leave at least 24 hours, then have your spray tan
- Moisturise daily once the skin has settled
- Pack aftercare, gentle products and sun protection
If you're combining treatments, mention it when you book so we can space the appointments properly.
Looking after your skin afterwards
Straight after waxing, skip very hot baths, saunas, swimming and heavy exercise for around 24 hours, as freshly waxed skin is more sensitive than usual.
Regular moisturising, and gentle exfoliation once the skin has settled, both help keep results smooth and reduce ingrown hairs on your return.
Ready when you are
Getting ready for a holiday?
Book your waxing and spray tan appointments online or contact our Canterbury salon and we'll help you time them properly.
FAQs
Common Questions
Two to three days before you travel is ideal. It gives any redness time to settle, without leaving so long that there's noticeable regrowth while you're away.
Around a quarter of an inch, which is roughly two to three weeks of growth, so the wax has enough to grip properly.
We'd recommend not shaving in the run-up to your wax. There needs to be enough growth for the wax to work, so shaving beforehand may mean we can't achieve a clean result.
Always wax first. Waxing exfoliates, so waxing after a tan would lift the colour. Leave at least 24 hours between the wax and the tan.
For around 24 hours, avoid very hot baths, saunas, swimming and heavy exercise, as the skin is more sensitive than usual straight after waxing.
We use the premium Lycon system throughout our waxing services, which is known for comfort and long-lasting results, including on more sensitive areas.