The Pre-Wedding Hair Removal Guide
In the whirlwind of pre-wedding preparations, tackling your beauty routine can feel like a full-time job. Whether you're planning on going smooth and hair-free for the big day or simply exploring your options, knowing the pros and cons, possible side effects, and the best timing for each method is essential. From waxing and laser treatments to shaving and sugaring, each approach comes with unique benefits, and understanding these can help you achieve the results you want with minimal hassle. For brides and grooms aiming for that flawless, hair-free look, this guide is the ultimate companion to pre-wedding hair removal, ensuring you're prepared every step of the way.
Your ultimate pre-wedding hair removal guide with all the tips to get smooth, wedding-ready skin
Pre-Wedding Shaving
Shaving involves using a razor to cut hair right down to the skin’s surface. The sharper the blade, the better the cut! Shaving is commonly used for beards and faces, arms, underarms, legs, and the bikini area but it can really be used anywhere on your body.
Benefits
- Quick and easy: Shaving is the fastest way to remove hair, especially for larger areas like your legs or arms.
- Pain-free: Unlike other methods, shaving is generally painless and can easily be done at home.
- Affordable: Requires minimal investment; just a razor and some shaving cream.
Limitations
- Temporary results: Hair grows back quickly, often within a day or two, this can make knowing when to shave more complicated than it needs to be.
- Can cause irritation: Razor burn, nicks, and ingrown hairs are common issues that no one wants to deal with on their wedding day.
- Hair regrowth: Regrowth may feel stubbly and coarse. It’s not exactly the sexiest feeling in the world.
When to do it
1-2 days before the event: Shave close to the wedding day for the smoothest results, but make sure to leave enough time to address any irritation that might occur. However, this becomes more challenging if you are planning on getting a spray tan. Since most tans require that you shave at least 24 hours before a spray tan and it’s recommended that you also get a tan around 2 days before the event, things can get tricky. Shaving after a spray tan means you’re taking off that beautiful glowing layer. For facial hair, it’s recommended that you shave the morning of or at least the night before depending on if you want stubble or not.
Top Tip
Using warm water and a shaving cream can help minimise irritation where possible. Using a new razor means the blades are sharper and will deliver a closer shave in just one stroke. Constantly going back and forth over an area will worsen irritation.
Pre-Wedding Waxing
Waxing is where warm or cold wax is applied to the skin and then, once set, quickly pulled to take hair out from the root to deliver longer-lasting but still temporary hair removal. Waxing can be done at home or at a salon. It’s most commonly used for legs, underarms, bikini lines, face, and eyebrows.
Benefits
- Versatile: Works well on various body areas, including legs, arms, underarms, and the bikini line.
- Longer-lasting results: Waxing pulls hair from the root, so results last for 2-4 weeks. Waxing can also reduce hair growth over time with consistent use.
- Smoother regrowth: Hair tends to grow back softer and thinner over time.
- Exfoliates skin: Removes dead skin cells, leaving skin feeling soft.
Limitations
- Painful: Can be uncomfortable, especially in sensitive areas.
- Skin sensitivity: May cause redness, bumps, ingrown hairs or even bruising.
- Requires hair growth: Hair needs to be long enough (about ¼ inch) to be effectively removed. Let that hair grow!
When to do it
3-5 days before the wedding: This gives skin time to heal from any redness, bruising or sensitivity.
Top Tip
Try this hair removal method at least two months prior to your big day so that you know how your skin reacts to the wax as well as the hair removal method in general. Certain waxes e.g. hot wax might be better or worse for your skin type. Plus, there are also different methods of using this wax, so your aesthetician can work with your skin to understand its response.
Pre-Wedding Laser Hair Removal
We spoke to Debbie Thomas, Founder of D. Thomas Clinic in Chelsea all about laser hair removal. Probably the most popular method of hair removal for weddings, laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses concentrated light energy (laser) to target and destroy hair follicles, which are the structures in the skin responsible for hair growth. The laser emits light that is absorbed by the melanin in the hair, which is why laser hair removal works best on dark, coarse hair. That being said, there are now devices that “allow us to treat 80% of hair types on all skin tones. The heat from this is what actually destroys the hair follicle. It can be used on various areas, including the face, arms, legs, and bikini.
Benefits
- Permanent reduction: With multiple sessions, hair growth can be significantly reduced or even permanently removed.
- Long-term smoothness: Reduced regrowth and finer hair if it does return.
- Low maintenance: After several sessions, you can reduce or eliminate the need for frequent hair removal.
- Manageable pain: Minimal pain compared to waxing, especially with IPL technology and other brand-new cooling lasers.
Limitations
- Costly: Requires an upfront investment and multiple sessions that can be expensive.
- Not ideal for all hair types: Works best on dark, coarse hair and light skin tones. However, some lasers, like the AGAIN laser at D. Thomas Clinic, have been proven to work on dark skin, so do your research!
- Commitment required: You need 6-8 sessions spaced weeks apart, so the whole process can take several months. You’ll need to start laser hair removal early enough before the wedding to see the results you want.
When to do it
Start 6-9 months before the wedding: This allows time for multiple sessions. Debbie says, ”After a laser session, it takes up to 2 weeks for the existing hairs to fall out, so you need to plan a session around the big day and/or honeymoon.” Schedule a touch-up a couple of weeks before the event if needed (maybe every 9-24 months or less).
Top Tip
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it’s important to attend the appointment freshly shaved and without any tan (fake or real)! This is why some lasers can’t be used on darker skin tones since they can cause scarring. It’s best to get your laser hair removal done in wintertime! Thanks to living in modern times, Debbie points out that, “Now, however, we have lasers like Deka’s AGAIN laser, which can be used within two weeks of sun exposure.”
Pre-Wedding Hair Removal Cream
Hair removal cream, also known as a depilatory cream, breaks down the protein structure of the hair (which is what can cause that strong smell associated with these creams). After several minutes, the hair removal cream can be swiped away leaving you smooth and hair-free!
Benefits
- Pain-free: No discomfort or downtime needed; simply apply and wipe away. Plus, special ‘sensitive’ depilatory creams are available for more sensitive skin and areas.
- Quick and effective: Good for sensitive areas and easy to do at home.
- Affordable: Generally inexpensive and easy to access.
Limitations
- Short-term solution: Results last only a few days to a week, similar to shaving since this doesn't remove hair from the root.
- Can cause skin reactions: Potential for allergic reactions or burns, especially if left on too long.
- Strong odour: Many people may find the chemical scent unpleasant as the cream works.
When to do it
Best to use 1-2 days before the wedding to ensure smooth skin. Do a patch test 48 hours in advance, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Top Tip
Skin prep is important here! Make sure the skin is clean, dry and free of oils or dirt to help the cream better do it’s job. Check your progress continually to avoid any harsh reactions or taking off the cream too prematurely.
Pre-Wedding Tweezing
Tweezing, also known as plucking, is the process of removing hair from the body by hand using tweezers. It’s quick, inexpensive and the most common form of everyday hair removal and maintenance.
Benefits
- Precise: Ideal for small areas like eyebrows or stray hairs.
- Long-lasting results: Similar to waxing, as it removes hair from the root. You can expect regrowth to come through 2-6 weeks later.
- Inexpensive: Only requires a good pair of tweezers and can be done quickly and efficiently.
Limitations
- Time-consuming: Not suitable for large areas due to the time needed.
- Painful: Can be uncomfortable, especially for sensitive areas.
- Can cause bumps: If done too close to the skin, it may lead to ingrown hairs or irritation.
When to do it
For eyebrow shaping, aim for 3-5 days before the wedding to allow for any touch-ups or settling especially if you intend to tint your brows too! Other tweezing should be done 1-2 days before the wedding.
Top Tip
When plucking, try to only pluck one hair at a time so you don’t cause yourself unnecessary pain. The more you pluck, the less pain you’ll feel over time! Also, try to pull in the direction of hair growth to ensure the hair grows back as it should.
Pre-Wedding Threading
Threading is a hair removal technique that uses a twisted cotton or polyester thread to pluck unwanted hairs right out from the follicle! It's great for getting finer hair and is most commonly used for maintaining facial hair and eyebrows.
Benefits
- Great for sensitive skin: Doesn’t involve any chemicals or heat, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
- Precise and long-lasting: Ideal for shaping eyebrows or removing facial hair.
- Quick and effective: Especially useful for the face and areas with finer hair that may not always be picked up by waxing or tweezing.
Limitations
- Painful: Can be uncomfortable, especially around sensitive facial areas.
- Temporary: Results last a few weeks, similar to waxing with a regrowth of 2-6 weeks expected.
- Requires skill: Best done by a professional to ensure accuracy and reduce skin irritation. Luckily, this service is usually affordable.
When to do it
2-3 days before the wedding: This allows time for any redness or bumps to subside. Definitely trial this method out before the wedding to make sure you like it!
Top Tip
If getting threading done on your face make sure to gently exfoliate the skin before your appointment to assure a a better removal and leave you feeling extra soft afterwards.
Pre-Wedding Electrolysis for Permanent Hair Removal
Electrolysis is a hair removal treatment that uses an electric current to destroy hair follicles and permanently remove hair. It works by inserting a fine wire into the hair follicle that sends an electric current to destroy the hair at the root. Electrolysis can be used on the face, underarms and bikini line.
Benefits
- Permanent hair removal: The only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal.
- Works for all skin and hair types: Unlike laser, electrolysis can work on any colour or thickness of hair.
- Low maintenance: Once the sessions are complete, hair removal is permanent.
Limitations
- Time-intensive and costly: Requires multiple sessions, and each session can be lengthy, which is why electrolysis is better suited for small, precise areas like eyebrows, upper lip, or chin.
- Can be uncomfortable: Some people find the process painful or uncomfortable.
- Potential side effects: Redness, scarring, or swelling may occur.
When to do it
Start 12 months or more before the wedding: Start as early as possible if you plan on electrolysis, as each area may need multiple sessions over several months.
Top Tip
To see the best results from this, look after your skin! Avoid the sun, harsh chemicals or skincare products, don’t eat anything especially sugary or drink alcohol, and hydrate before your sessions.
Pre-Wedding Sugaring
Sugaring is a hair removal method that uses a paste of sugar, lemon, and water to remove hair from the root. The paste is heated until sticky and then applied in the direction of hair growth. Using quick flicking motions the paste is gradually pulled off and is a lot gentler than waxing as it doesn’t directly stick to live skin cells.
Benefits
- Natural Ingredients: Sugaring paste is typically made from sugar, water, and lemon, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
- Gentle on Skin: Sugaring removes hair in the direction of growth, reducing breakage and lowering the chance of ingrown hairs.
- Exfoliates: Sugaring removes dead skin cells along with hair, leaving skin soft and smooth.
- Lasting Results: Results can last between 3-6 weeks, similar to waxing.
Limitations
- Pain: Although some find sugaring less painful than waxing, it can still be uncomfortable, especially in sensitive areas.
- Requires Hair Growth: For effective sugaring, hair needs to be about 1/8-1/4 inch long, meaning some regrowth is necessary between sessions.
- Availability and Cost: Sugaring may be less commonly available than waxing and could be more expensive, especially for larger body areas.
When to Do It
Schedule sugaring 3-5 days before the wedding to allow any minor redness or sensitivity to subside. For a first-time sugaring, try it at least a few months before the wedding to see how your skin reacts and ensure it suits your comfort level.
Top Tip
Avoid heat or sun exposure after sugaring to prevent further irritation. After sugaring, you can clean off the stickiness with a damp warm towel or shower and then lather on a moisturiser or oil that won’t clog pores or irritate the skin.
Find out the pros, cons and side effects of every hair removal method to decide which one may work for you
So, we’ve spoken about what to do with the hair you want to get rid of but what about the hair you want to keep? Nourishing your hair and starting a wedding haircare routine is a great way to go to achieve your hair goals before the wedding! Luckily for you, we’ve put together the best haircare tips and products that are available to shop right now! You also should be thinking about your skincare routine! Take a look at our guide for the ultimate bridal skincare routine.
