How long does hair need to be for waxing?

About 5mm, roughly two to three weeks of growth. Shorter than that and the wax can't grip; much longer is more painful and can be trimmed first.

Does hair removal hurt?

Waxing and sugaring sting briefly, threading is sharp but very quick, and laser feels like a warm elastic snap. It gets easier with regular appointments.

Can I shave between laser sessions?

Yes — shaving is encouraged. Avoid waxing, plucking or epilating, because laser needs the follicle intact to work.

How soon before a holiday should I book?

Two to three days ahead for waxing or sugaring, so any redness settles. Avoid laser within two weeks of sun exposure.

All guides

Waxing, sugaring, threading or laser?

How long each method lasts, how much regrowth you need beforehand and what it costs across London.

Beauty guide · 5 min read

Beauty — Waxing, sugaring, threading or laser?

The short answer

Choose waxing for fast, affordable results on larger areas. Choose sugaring if your skin reacts badly to wax. Choose threading for precise facial work. Choose laser when you want to reduce hair permanently and can commit to a course.

Beauty options compared
Option	Smooth for	Appointment	Typical London price
Waxing	3–5 weeks	15–60 mins	£15–£60 per area
Sugaring	3–5 weeks	20–60 mins	£20–£70 per area
Threading	2–4 weeks	10–20 mins	£8–£25
Laser hair removal	Permanent reduction	15–60 mins	£40–£200 per session

Waxing

Warm or hot wax lifts hair from the root across large areas quickly.

Pros

Fastest for legs and body
Widely available
Hair grows back finer over time

Cons

Needs 5mm regrowth
Can irritate sensitive skin
Ingrown hairs without exfoliation

Best for: Legs, underarms and intimate waxing on a regular cycle.

Sugaring

A sugar, lemon and water paste applied at body temperature.

Pros

Gentler on reactive skin
No hot wax burns
Fewer ingrowns

Cons

Fewer trained pros
Slightly pricier
Slower on big areas

Best for: Sensitive, eczema-prone or easily reddened skin.

Threading

Twisted cotton thread removes hair in a precise line.

Pros

Most precise brow shaping
No chemicals on the skin
Safe on retinol users

Cons

Face only in practice
Sharp, brief sting
Not for very fine fluff

Best for: Brows, upper lip and facial detail work.

Laser hair removal

Light energy targets the follicle to reduce regrowth over a course.

Pros

Long-term hair reduction
No regrowth between sessions after a while
Ends ingrown hairs

Cons

6–10 sessions needed
Least effective on very fair hair
No sun exposure around sessions

Best for: Anyone tired of a monthly waxing cycle.

Common questions

How long does hair need to be for waxing?: About 5mm, roughly two to three weeks of growth. Shorter than that and the wax can't grip; much longer is more painful and can be trimmed first.
Does hair removal hurt?: Waxing and sugaring sting briefly, threading is sharp but very quick, and laser feels like a warm elastic snap. It gets easier with regular appointments.
Can I shave between laser sessions?: Yes — shaving is encouraged. Avoid waxing, plucking or epilating, because laser needs the follicle intact to work.
How soon before a holiday should I book?: Two to three days ahead for waxing or sugaring, so any redness settles. Avoid laser within two weeks of sun exposure.

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