How Long Your Hair Should Be Before Waxing?

(Spoiler: length really does matter — at least when it comes to wax.)

If you’ve ever wondered how long your hair should be before your next wax, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get at Smooth Criminals Wax Co., and getting it right makes all the difference between a flawless wax and a not-so-smooth experience.

Let’s break it down — short, sweet, and silky smooth.

✂️ The Magic Number: ¼ Inch (About the Length of a Grain of Rice)

For the perfect wax, hair should be around ¼ inch long, or roughly 2–3 weeks of growth after your last shave.

That’s just long enough for the wax to grip each strand properly, but not so long that it causes extra discomfort.
If the hair’s shorter, the wax can’t grab it — leaving patchy results. Too long? It can tug more than necessary.

So yes… there is a sweet spot. And we’re here to help you find it.

🚫 What Happens If It’s Too Short?

If you’ve recently shaved and your hair feels stubbly, it’s best to hold off for a bit.
Wax just can’t stick properly to hair that’s shorter than ⅛ inch, meaning you’ll likely miss some spots and need a touch-up sooner.
Think of it this way — waxing short hair is like trying to catch snowflakes with oven mitts. Not ideal.

🌿 And If It’s Too Long?

If it’s been a while since your last wax (hey, no judgment here), your hair may be longer than ½ inch.
Don’t panic — we can still work with it! But trimming it down slightly before your appointment will make the process more comfortable and more effective.

At Smooth Criminals, we’re happy to help if you’re unsure — we’d rather take a minute to prep properly than rush and compromise your results.

💡 Pro Tips for the Perfect Wax Appointment

✅ Exfoliate gently a day before your appointment to lift any trapped hairs.
✅ Avoid lotions or oils on the day — they make wax less effective.
✅ Don’t shave between appointments! It resets your growth cycle and affects consistency.
✅ Regular waxing makes hair grow back finer and slower — meaning smoother skin for longer.

💬 So, How Do You Know You’re Ready?

Here’s the rule of thumb: if your hair feels like sandpaper, it’s too short. If it’s soft and fuzzy, you’re good to go.
And if you’re still not sure, our team can check before your treatment — no awkwardness, just expert advice.

💎 The Smooth Criminals Promise

At Smooth Criminals Wax Co., we take the guesswork (and the worry) out of waxing.
Our experienced aestheticians use premium, skin-soothing wax to deliver smooth, long-lasting results — every time.
Whether it’s your first wax or your fiftieth, we’ll make sure you leave feeling confident, comfortable, and criminally smooth.

✨ Ready to book your next wax? Your perfect length is waiting.

Book now online or give us a call — because smooth skin shouldn’t be complicated, it should be your standard.