Why you should never shave in between wax appointments

When you’ve been religiously attending your monthly waxing appointments, the results can feel life-changing. Your skin is consistently smooth, the appearance of hair is minimal, and you don’t have to deal with the regular hassle of shaving. But sometimes, life gets in the way. Maybe your regular wax appointment got pushed back or you have an event coming up, and the temptation strikes—“Should I just shave this once?”

If you’ve been committed to waxing, this thought can feel like a step backward. You’ve worked hard to achieve smooth, silky skin with minimal regrowth. Your hair has learned to grow on a unified cycle, reducing the appearance of stray hairs and stubble. But should you break your routine by picking up a razor in between wax appointments?

The short answer: No. Shaving in between wax appointments can undo all of your hard work and lead to several unwanted consequences. Here’s why you should skip the razor and stick to your waxing schedule.

What Happens If You Shave Between Wax Appointments?

Waxing and shaving are two completely different hair removal methods, and mixing them up can be a mistake. Here’s why:

1. You’ll Disrupt the Hair Growth Cycle One of the major benefits of waxing is that it encourages your hair to grow on the same cycle. Over time, waxing pulls hair from the root, which weakens the hair follicle and results in finer, softer hair growth. When you shave, however, you cut the hair at the skin’s surface, which encourages hair to grow back quicker, thicker, and more coarse. This means that shaving just once can set you back and cause you to start the waxing process all over again.
2. Your Hair Will Appear Thicker Shaving cuts the hair at the surface level, which gives the hair a blunt tip. This blunt tip can make your hair feel and appear thicker when it grows back. In contrast, waxing pulls hair from the root, allowing it to grow back thinner and softer over time. Shaving between waxes will leave you with stubble and may even encourage thicker regrowth in the future.
3. You’re Encouraging Faster Regrowth By shaving between waxes, you’re stimulating the hair follicle, which encourages faster regrowth. One of the main reasons people switch to waxing is to enjoy longer periods of smooth skin. Shaving defeats this purpose because you’ll find the hair returning much quicker—sometimes within just a few days.
4. Increased Risk of Ingrown Hairs Ingrown hairs are a common issue that can arise from shaving, particularly in areas that are regularly waxed. Shaving can cause the hair to grow back unevenly or curl back into the skin, leading to red, painful bumps. Waxing, on the other hand, helps to reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs by removing the entire hair from the root. If you shave between wax appointments, you’re more likely to experience this unpleasant side effect.
5. Skin Irritation Shaving can cause skin irritation, especially if you’re used to the smooth results of waxing. Razor burn, nicks, cuts, and bumps are common issues that can arise when you return to shaving after waxing. Your skin might not be as resilient to the harshness of the razor, leading to irritation and discomfort.

The Importance of Patience Between Waxes

It can be frustrating to feel like your next wax appointment is too far away, but patience is key. The benefits of sticking to your waxing routine far outweigh the temporary fix of shaving. If you resist the urge to shave, you’ll notice longer-lasting results and smoother skin over time. So, what can you do in the meantime if you’re feeling the need for smoother skin?

• Exfoliation Is Your Friend: One of the best ways to keep your skin feeling smooth between waxes is to exfoliate regularly. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and reduces the chances of ingrown hairs. We recommend using a high-quality scrub, like the Perron Rigot Double Scrub, which is available at Queen B. This dual-action exfoliator not only smooths the skin but also nourishes it, keeping it healthy and glowing between waxes.
  We recommend this scrub from Perron Rigot
• Hydration Is Key: Keeping your skin hydrated is essential for maintaining the smoothness of a wax. Moisturised skin not only feels softer but also reduces the chances of irritation or ingrown hairs. Be sure to apply a good moisturizer daily, focusing on the areas where you wax.
• Reschedule If Needed: If you’re in desperate need of a wax and can’t stand the idea of waiting, give us a call. At Queen B, we’re happy to put you on a waiting list for an earlier appointment. This ensures you don’t have to shave and compromise the benefits of your regular wax routine.

Pre-Booking Your Wax Appointments

One of the best ways to avoid the temptation of shaving between waxes is to pre-book your appointments in advance. Waxing is most effective when done on a consistent schedule, so why wait until the last minute to secure your spot? At Queen B, we recommend booking your wax appointments for the entire year. By scheduling your appointments ahead of time, you ensure that you’re always on track and avoid the last-minute panic that can lead to picking up the razor.

Pre-booking your wax appointments can also help you maintain the optimal hair length for waxing. Waxing is most effective when the hair is about ¼ inch long. If your hair is too long or too short, the wax might not work as effectively, and you won’t get the smooth results you desire. Sticking to a regular schedule ensures that your hair grows at the right rate and remains at the ideal length for waxing.

Never shave in between wax appointments – But here is a hint – Book your waxes in for the rest of the year. You wax once a month so rather than wait until you need a wax to book your appointment, secure them in advance and that’s one less thing to worry about!

How you take care of your skin during your wax appointments has a huge impact on the results. Keeping your skin hydrated is the key and so is exfoliation – When you exfoliate, you are removing the dead skin and helping to prevent ingrown hairs at the same time.

If it is your very first wax, please let us know so we can allow a little more time to your appointment and make sure you read how to prepare for your first wax.

How to Prepare for Your First Wax

If this is your first time getting a wax, it’s important to be properly prepared. At Queen B, we take extra care to ensure that first-timers have a comfortable and positive experience. Here are some tips to prepare for your first wax:

1. Let Your Hair Grow: For the best waxing results, allow your hair to grow out to at least ¼ inch in length. This ensures that the wax can effectively grip the hair and remove it from the root.
2. Exfoliate Before Your Appointment: Exfoliating the day before your wax can help remove dead skin cells and make the waxing process smoother. However, be gentle—avoid harsh scrubs that could irritate your skin before your appointment.
3. Stay Hydrated: Hydrated skin is easier to wax and less prone to irritation. Drink plenty of water and apply a light moisturiser the day before your appointment.
4. Communicate with Your Therapist: Let your therapist know if it’s your first time waxing, so they can take extra care to explain the process and make you feel comfortable.

Check out this blog for more of an in-depth preparation guide on How to prepare for your first wax