Waxing — Buttocks

Buttock waxing removes hair from the buttocks, an area that's awkward to manage yourself and where shaving causes particular irritation from friction with clothing.

Your therapist will position you comfortably and keep you covered except for the section being worked on. It's a routine treatment and handled professionally and discreetly throughout.

Regrowth is soft rather than prickly, and results last three to four weeks.

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 buttocks
• Stray hairs tweezed for a clean finish
• Soothing product applied
• Aftercare advice

Allow about 30 minutes. You lie face down, covered except for the area being worked on, while your therapist cleanses the skin and applies wax in sections.

Strays are tweezed and soothing product applied. Redness and small bumps are normal for a few hours.

Anyone who wants the area hair-free without the friction irritation shaving causes. Not suitable on broken skin, with prescription acne medication, or if you have haemorrhoids or any skin condition in the area — tell your therapist.

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.

Wear loose cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing for 48 hours. Skip scented products, bath oils and exfoliating on the area for the first 48 hours, then exfoliate gently to prevent ingrowns.

If you're prone to ingrown hairs, ask your therapist about a suitable product — it makes a real difference.

• 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
• Shower before your appointment; it's more comfortable for you
• Take a painkiller an hour before if you're sensitive, and avoid caffeine
• Avoid booking during your period if you'd rather not — skin is more sensitive then
• Wear loose cotton underwear afterwards