Upper or Lower Lip Waxing

Waxing the upper or lower lip removes fine facial hair at the root, leaving skin smooth for weeks rather than the day or two shaving or threading gives.

It takes under ten minutes. The upper lip is one of the more sensitive spots on the face, but it's over quickly — one strip each side and it's done.

Because the hair is removed at the root rather than cut, it grows back soft and tapered rather than blunt and stubbly.

Please tell us about any medication before your appointment — retinoids, prescription acne treatments such as isotretinoin, and some antibiotics make skin fragile and waxing unsafe. The same applies to recent chemical peels, laser treatments or sunburn on the area.

• Consultation and check for contraindications
• Skin cleansed and prepared
• Wax applied and removed in sections
• Stray hairs tweezed for a clean finish
• Soothing product applied
• Aftercare advice

Allow about 10 minutes. Your therapist cleanses the area, applies wax and removes it in one or two strips per side.

Strays are tweezed and soothing product applied. The area will be pink for an hour or so.

Anyone with visible upper or lower lip hair. Please specify which area you'd like when you request your appointment. Not suitable if you use retinoids or prescription acne medication on your face.

For the first 24 hours avoid heat and friction: no hot showers or baths, no sauna or steam room, no gym or swimming, and no direct sun or sunbeds. Skip makeup and any scented products on the waxed area, and try not to touch it — freshly waxed skin has open follicles and is easy to irritate.

After 48 hours, start exfoliating gently two or three times a week. This is the single most effective thing you can do to prevent ingrown hairs. Keep the area moisturised too.

Avoid makeup on the area for the rest of the day.

• Let hair grow to about a quarter of an inch — around two weeks
• Don't shave between waxing appointments; it disrupts the growth cycle
• Exfoliate gently from 48 hours afterwards to prevent ingrown hairs
• Avoid heat, sweat and sun for 24 hours
• Tell us about retinoids or acne medication before booking
• Book every three to four weeks to keep hair on the same cycle