Whether you're counting down to a holiday, preparing for a summer wedding, or simply ready to feel your most confident in the warmer months, professional hair removal waxing is one of the most effective ways to get smooth, long-lasting results. Here's everything you need to know!
At Beauty Secrets Salon and Spa, we're a trusted beauty destination for clients across Horsham, Godalming, Chichester, Hove, and Patcham. Our experienced, fully trained therapists deliver professional waxing treatments in a relaxed, welcoming environment - helping you feel completely at ease from the moment you walk through the door. This is our expert guide to getting summer-ready.
When summer arrives, the pressure to feel smooth and confident in less clothing, swimwear, shorts, strappy dresses, is real. Shaving might feel like the easiest option, but it comes with a host of drawbacks: stubble reappears within days, the risk of razor rash and ingrown hairs is high, and you're never truly free from the upkeep.
Professional hair removal waxing removes hair from the root rather than cutting it at the surface. This means results last significantly longer - typically three to six weeks depending on your hair growth cycle and the area being treated, and with regular waxing over time, regrowth tends to become finer, sparser, and softer. For holiday prep, a busy summer social calendar, or anyone who simply wants to spend less time on hair removal, it's a far superior choice.
This is one of the most common questions we hear from clients - and the answer comes down to where you're having hair removed, your skin type, and your personal preferences.
There are two main types of wax used in professional salons: warm wax (also called strip wax) and hot wax (also called hard wax).
Warm wax is applied in a thin layer and removed using a strip. It's fast, efficient, and ideal for larger areas of the body such as the legs, arms, and back. It's the standard choice for most body waxing treatments.
Hot wax is applied more thickly and removed without a strip - it sets around the hair and is peeled away directly. This makes it gentler on the skin and much more effective at gripping shorter, finer, or more stubborn hairs. Hot wax is the preferred choice for sensitive areas including the bikini line, brazilian, underarms, and face. Many therapists also prefer it for clients with sensitive or reactive skin.
For summer specifically, hot wax treatments for the bikini and intimate areas will generally give the smoothest results with the least irritation - which is exactly what you want before stepping onto the beach or by the pool.
Understanding the different waxing options available helps you arrive at your appointment knowing exactly what you want - and feeling much more comfortable about the process.
Leg waxing is available as a half-leg, three-quarter leg, or full-leg treatment. Half-leg typically covers from the knee down, a three-quarter leg adds the lower thigh, while a full-leg treatment covers everything including the upper thighs. For summer, full-leg waxing is hugely popular - it delivers weeks of smooth skin without the daily shaving routine, and results tend to improve with regular appointments as the hair becomes finer over time.
Underarm waxing is one of the most popular treatments year-round, and for good reason - it keeps the area smooth for two to four weeks and removes the need for daily shaving. It's one of the quickest treatments on the menu too, making it easy to add on to any appointment.
Often overlooked but increasingly popular, arm waxing removes fine or darker hair from the forearms and upper arms. Available as a half-arm or full-arm treatment, it's a great option for those who feel self-conscious about arm hair in summer clothing.
Bikini waxing covers the hair outside the bikini line - essentially anything that would be visible in a standard swimsuit. It's the most popular holiday prep treatment and a brilliant starting point for anyone new to intimate waxing. Hot wax is generally used in this area for a gentler experience.
An extended bikini wax removes a little more hair than the standard treatment, tidying up more of the top and sides for a neater, cleaner result without going as far as a Brazilian. It's a popular middle-ground option.
A Brazilian wax removes most or all of the pubic hair, leaving either a small strip or triangle at the front (often referred to as a landing strip) or complete removal. It's become one of the most requested treatments at Beauty Secrets Salon and Spa, and while the name might sound intimidating, our therapists approach every appointment with complete professionalism and discretion, ensuring you feel comfortable and at ease throughout.
Hot wax is always used for a Brazilian, as it grips the hair effectively while minimising discomfort on this sensitive area of skin.
A Hollywood wax takes the Brazilian one step further, removing all hair completely from the pubic area, including the back. Like the Brazilian, it's performed using hot wax, and many clients find that with regular appointments, discomfort reduces significantly as regrowth becomes finer.
Lip, chin, brow shaping, and full-face waxing are all available and hugely popular. Facial waxing removes hair cleanly from the root for results that last much longer than threading or shaving.
Timing your wax correctly before a holiday makes a real difference to the experience and the results. Here's our advice:
Book two to three days before you travel - This gives any redness or sensitivity time to settle before you're exposing freshly waxed skin to sun, sea, and chlorine. Waxing opens the hair follicles temporarily, so skin can be more reactive in the hours immediately after treatment.
Don't wax the day before or on the day - Freshly waxed skin is more sensitive to UV rays, heat, and saltwater. Sun exposure directly after waxing can cause irritation, hyperpigmentation, or uneven tanning - none of which you want on day one of your holiday!
Make sure your hair is the right length - For best results, hair should be around 5-10mm long - roughly two to four weeks of growth after shaving. If you're a regular waxer, you'll likely be on the right schedule already.
Book in advance - Summer is our busiest time of year at Beauty Secrets Salon and Spa. If you have a specific departure date in mind, we'd always recommend booking your appointment as early as possible to avoid disappointment - especially for the most popular treatment slots.
If you know which treatment you're after, don't wait until the last minute - our appointment books fill up quickly through the summer months. Book your waxing treatment at Beauty Secrets Salon and Spa today and let our expert therapists take care of the rest.
A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a comfortable, effective waxing appointment.
Exfoliate two days before - Gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can trap hairs and make removal more difficult. Don't exfoliate the day of your appointment as this can leave skin more sensitive.
Arrive with clean, product-free skin - Avoid applying body lotions, oils, or fake tan to the area being waxed on the day of your appointment. These can create a barrier that prevents the wax from gripping the hair properly.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing - Tight clothing immediately after waxing can cause friction and irritation. Loose cotton clothing is ideal, especially after bikini or leg treatments.
Avoid caffeine beforehand - Caffeine can temporarily increase skin sensitivity, so it's worth skipping your morning coffee before an appointment - particularly for intimate area treatments.
Take a painkiller if needed - If you're particularly sensitive, an over-the-counter painkiller taken around 30 minutes before your appointment can help take the edge off.
Avoid heat for 24 hours - Hot baths, saunas, sunbeds, and steam rooms can irritate freshly waxed skin. Stick to cool or lukewarm showers for the first day.
Stay out of the sun immediately after - As mentioned above, freshly waxed skin is more vulnerable to UV damage. Apply a high-SPF sunscreen before any sun exposure and avoid prolonged sunbathing for 24 to 48 hours post-wax.
Don't swim straight away - Whether it's a chlorinated pool or the sea, it's best to wait at least 24 hours before swimming to reduce the risk of irritation or infection to open follicles.
Exfoliate and moisturise regularly - Starting a few days after your appointment, gentle exfoliation two to three times a week will help prevent ingrown hairs from developing. Follow with a soothing, fragrance-free moisturiser to keep skin soft and supple. Our Beauty Secrets therapists are always happy to recommend the best aftercare products for your skin type at the end of your appointment.
Don't shave between appointments - Regular waxing every four to six weeks gives the best long-term results. Shaving in between disrupts the hair growth cycle and means you'll be back to square one at your next appointment.
This is one of the most persistent myths in beauty, and the answer is a firm no. Waxing removes hair from the root rather than cutting it at the skin's surface, which means the hair grows back with a natural, tapered tip rather than a blunt edge. This is what makes waxed regrowth feel softer and appear finer than shaved regrowth.
Over time, with consistent waxing, many clients notice that their hair genuinely does grow back more sparsely. This is because repeated waxing can weaken the hair follicle, reducing its ability to produce as coarse or dense a hair. It's one of the most compelling reasons to commit to a regular waxing schedule rather than alternating between waxing and shaving.
Honestly - there is some discomfort involved, particularly in sensitive areas. But most clients are surprised by how manageable it is, especially compared to what they expected. Experienced therapists use technique, speed, and the right type of wax for each area to minimise any pain as much as possible.
It's also worth knowing that waxing genuinely does get easier over time. As regrowth becomes finer and less dense, removal requires less effort and causes less discomfort. First-time clients often find their second appointment noticeably more comfortable than the first.
Whether you're in Horsham, Godalming, Chichester, Hove, or Patcham, Beauty Secrets Salon and Spa offers professional hair removal waxing treatments in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Our therapists are experienced, discreet, and fully trained to deliver outstanding results - whatever treatment you choose.
Don't leave your summer prep to the last minute. Book your waxing appointment today and step into summer feeling completely confident.
