Waxing — Half Legs

Half leg waxing covers either the lower legs from the knee down, or the thighs from the knee up. Most people choose the lower legs, since that's the area most often on show.

Leg hair removed at the root means two to four weeks of smooth skin instead of shaving every couple of days — and no stubble, no razor bumps, no nicks.

The lower legs include the knees and ankles, which are bony and feel sharper. Your therapist works those areas in smaller sections.

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, and to varicose veins or broken skin.

• Consultation and check for contraindications
• Skin cleansed and prepared
• Wax applied and removed across either the lower legs including knees and ankles, or the thighs
• Stray hairs tweezed for a clean finish
• Soothing product applied
• Aftercare advice

Allow about 30 minutes. You lie down while your therapist cleanses the skin and applies wax in strips, working up the leg.

Bony areas around the knee and ankle are done in smaller sections. Both legs are completed in turn, strays tweezed, and soothing product applied. Pinkness and small bumps settle within a few hours.

Anyone tired of shaving their legs. If you want both halves, the full leg wax is better value. Not suitable on broken skin, with prescription acne medication, or over varicose veins — tell your therapist.

For the first 24 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 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 single most effective way to prevent ingrown hairs. Moisturise daily too.

• 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 hours
• Wear loose clothing to your appointment
• Book every three to four weeks to keep hair on the same cycle