The wax we use
For intimate areas we use Perron Rigot Euroblonde hot wax. It is a non-strip wax that shrink-wraps around each hair, which gives a better grip and makes the whole thing quicker and less unpleasant than strip wax on sensitive skin.
For larger body areas we use a honey wax in a roller system. It is hypo-allergenic, fragrance-free and free of rosin, so it suits sensitive skin including people who react to sticking plasters.
No chocolate wax, no hazelnut wax, no gimmicks. Fragrance in wax is a marketing decision, not a skin-care one.
Intimate waxing, specifically
You get five minutes of private time to get ready, with wet wipes provided. The treatment is done lying down, not on all fours, which we mention because plenty of salons still do it the other way and people are too polite to ask.
A Hollywood removes everything. A Brazilian leaves a strip at the front, and you decide how thick, or a triangle if you prefer, with everything else removed underneath and round the back. A standard bikini is a tidy-up of what shows.
Afterwards you get privacy again to check you are happy, and a soothing oil goes on to calm everything down. There is a lollipop with every intimate wax, which sounds silly and is surprisingly welcome.
Brazilian or Hollywood?
A Hollywood removes everything, front and back. A Brazilian leaves a strip or a triangle at the front, exactly as thick as you want it, with everything else removed underneath and round the back. Both are £41 and take about 30 minutes, using the same hot wax.
Which one you pick is really personal preference. Some people go for a Hollywood because there is nothing left to think about; others keep a Brazilian because they prefer some coverage. Your therapist will ask what you want before starting either way, and you can change your mind between appointments. For more on how the two compare, see our Brazilian versus Hollywood wax guide.
Hair needs to be about a quarter of an inch, roughly two to three weeks of growth, for the wax to grip properly. If you are unsure whether to trim beforehand, do not: come as you are, and your therapist will tell you on the day if anything needs shortening first.
The first 48 hours
For the first 24 to 48 hours after any intimate wax, skip saunas, steam rooms, hot baths, sunbeds and sunbathing. Avoid the gym, swimming and sex too. Heat, friction and sweat on freshly waxed skin is what causes irritation and ingrown hairs, not the wax itself.
Cool showers are fine, and loose cotton underwear helps more than anything else you can buy. If anything looks unusually red or inflamed after 48 hours, call the salon rather than waiting it out.
Getting the best from it
Rebook every four to five weeks for intimate waxing. Regular waxing gets the whole area onto a common growth cycle, which is what makes later appointments quicker and more comfortable.
For ingrown hairs, we stock Ingrow Go and Bump Eraser. Exfoliating gently a few days after your appointment prevents most of them.
Waxing at three Bristol salons
Waxing runs at all three of our salons: Clifton Down, Westbury on Trym and Westbury Park, with NVQ Level 3 qualified therapists at each. Book online for whichever is closest, or get in touch if you would rather ask a question first.
Who you’ll see
- Clifton Down: Klara
Ask for a therapist by name when you book.