Waxing — Chest

Chest waxing removes hair across the chest and pectoral area at the root, giving three to four weeks of smooth skin without the itchy regrowth shaving causes on this area.

Chest hair is usually coarse, so the first wax is the most uncomfortable — after that it gets noticeably easier, and regrowth tends to come back finer with regular appointments.

Your therapist works in small sections and can leave a natural edge rather than a hard line where the chest meets the stomach.

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 chest and pectoral area
• Stray hairs tweezed for a clean finish
• Soothing product applied
• Aftercare advice

Allow about 30 minutes. You lie back while your therapist cleanses the skin and applies wax in small sections.

Coarse hair means a sharper sensation, particularly over the sternum and around the nipples. Strays are tweezed and soothing product applied. Redness and small bumps are normal for several hours.

Anyone who wants a smooth chest without shaving and the itchy regrowth that follows. Not suitable on broken skin, with prescription acne medication, or over moles and skin tags — your therapist will work around those.

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
• The first wax is the worst; it gets much easier after that
• Take a painkiller an hour before if you're sensitive
• Ask for a blended edge rather than a hard line at the stomach