Time truly plays a key role — in many areas of life, and especially when it comes to waxing. Hair length is crucial here. If you visit a specialist too early, the hairs will be too short, and the wax simply won’t be able to grip them properly. On the other hand, if you delay the procedure, the hair will grow too long, making the waxing less comfortable and less effective.

But is hair length really that important? Can it be too short — or, conversely, too long — for waxing?

Keep reading to learn everything about the proper hair length for waxing, as well as how to prepare for the procedure if you’ve delayed your appointment a little.

The ideal hair length for waxing depends on the area being treated:
 
• For eyebrows: about 4 mm.

• For other body areas: the optimal hair length is approximately 6–13 mm. The minimum length of 6 mm is necessary to ensure the waxing is as effective as possible and doesn’t leave any patches behind. 

The question of how often to get waxed comes up quite often. For eyebrows, it depends on individual characteristics, but on average, the procedure can be repeated every 2–7 weeks. Experts recommend an interval of 4–5 weeks to maintain shape and a well-groomed appearance. For body waxing, the recommendations are similar: it’s best to start with an interval of about 4 weeks so that all hairs are roughly in the same growth phase.

Hair goes through three growth stages: anagen, catagen, and telogen. One cycle can last up to a month, while the telogen phase can last from 3 weeks to 3 months. Therefore, hairs that appear a few weeks after the previous waxing are usually in the same stage and ready for removal. If you wait longer, hairs will move to the next phase, become visible above the skin surface, allowing for a more thorough procedure and longer-lasting smoothness.

It’s important to remember that there is no universal rule — hair growth rate is individual, so the interval between sessions should be chosen based on your body’s unique characteristics.

If the hair is too short, the wax may not fully grip it, which can cause breakage and make it nearly impossible to achieve perfectly smooth skin.

For the first waxing session, hair length doesn’t matter. However, if you wax regularly, a long gap between sessions can lead to ingrown hairs and make the process more painful.
This is especially important for larger areas. The bigger the area being treated, the more important it is to maintain regular sessions to minimize discomfort. Long gaps between waxing sessions significantly increase unpleasant sensations—especially on the body.

Two key ways to prepare for waxing are exfoliation (especially a day or two before the procedure) and daily skin hydration. Exfoliation is recommended 2–3 times a week to remove accumulated skin cells and ensure more effective hair removal. Don’t forget to moisturize your skin 1–2 times a day: this nourishes the skin and hair, allowing hairs to be removed from the root, while the results last longer and appear smoother.

If the hair length exceeds the recommended length for waxing, several preparatory steps can be taken, but shaving is not one of them. It is not recommended to shave the hair within 14 days before the procedure. Once you’ve started a waxing course, there’s no need to shave between sessions.

It’s better to trim the hair carefully, but not too short, and choose the right tool. Trimming is especially helpful if it’s been a while since your last bikini wax. Any small scissors will do, and for safety, rounded-tip scissors are recommended — they make trimming the intimate area easier and safer.

Regarding eyebrows, special preparation is not required; however, experts advise against plucking them between visits.

Long hair is not the only reason why choosing the right time for waxing is important. Even if the hair length is optimal, skin preparation and following certain rules remain key for a comfortable and safe session.

Before an eyebrow procedure, avoid products containing vitamin A, such as Retin-A and Tretinoin, as well as over-the-counter retinol and AHA peels. Some other OTC products may also increase skin sensitivity. If you are taking any medications, be sure to consult your doctor before booking an appointment.

Do not schedule waxing immediately after a peel or laser treatment. If you have a sunburn, it’s better to postpone the session. Also, consider your menstrual cycle: during your period, the skin becomes more sensitive, and the procedure may be more painful. If you have a low pain threshold, plan your waxing sessions accordingly.

Read also: Top 3 Home Waxing Kits: The Secret to Silky Smooth Skin