Waxing — Abdomen

Abdomen waxing removes hair across the stomach — including the line below the navel, which is where most people want it dealt with.

Hair here is often a mix of fine and coarser growth, and it's very visible in swimwear or a crop top. Waxing clears it entirely rather than leaving the stubble that shaving produces on such a visible area.

The skin across the stomach is soft and relatively forgiving, so this is one of the more comfortable body waxes.

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 laser treatments, peels or sunburn on the area.

• Consultation and check for contraindications
• Skin cleansed and prepared
• Wax applied and removed across the abdomen, including the line below the navel
• Stray hairs tweezed for a clean finish
• Soothing product applied
• Aftercare advice

Allow about 25 minutes. You lie down while your therapist cleanses the area and applies wax in sections across the stomach.

Strays are tweezed and soothing product applied. Pinkness settles within a couple of hours.

Anyone with visible stomach hair, particularly before a holiday or event. Not suitable if you're pregnant, on broken skin, or using prescription acne medication.

For the first 24 to 48 hours avoid heat and friction: no hot baths or showers, no sauna or steam room, no gym or swimming, and no direct sun or sunbeds. Wear loose cotton clothing and keep the area clean and untouched — freshly waxed skin has open follicles and is easy to irritate.

From 48 hours, exfoliate gently two or three times a week. This is the most effective way to prevent ingrown hairs. Moisturise daily.

• Let hair grow to about a quarter of an inch — roughly two weeks
• Don't shave between appointments; it disrupts the growth cycle
• Exfoliate gently from 48 hours afterwards to prevent ingrown hairs
• Avoid heat, sweat and sun for 24 to 48 hours
• Wear loose cotton clothing to your appointment
• Book every three to four weeks to keep hair on the same cycle