The number one thing that holds people back from waxing is fear of pain. And while we’re not here to tell anyone waxing is 100% painless, we are separating fact from fiction. Waxing is one of the most effective ways to remove unwanted hair. It lasts a lot longer than shaving (no more day-after stubble), and it leaves your skin feeling noticeably smoother, so you feel confident taking on anything.
We don’t want anyone to miss out on waxing because they’re expecting the worst. The discomfort is brief, and just one small part of the process. Luckily, there’s a lot you can (and we) can do to make your appointment more comfortable. Let's talk about how much waxing actually hurts, what affects your pain level, and the best ways to make waxing a more comfortable experience.
How Painful Is Waxing on a Scale of 1 to 10?
Everyone experiences pain differently, so it’s hard to say how much waxing will hurt. Discomfort is influenced by factors like pain tolerance, hormones, and the area being treated.
With that said, most of our guests describe the discomfort as a quick sting after the wax strip is removed, and it only lasts a few seconds. Thanks to our trained Wax Specialists, people find it a lot easier than they expected, with anticipation and nerves being the worst part.
How European Wax Center Makes Waxing Less Painful
At EWC, comfort is part of our expertise. Every detail, down to the temperature of the waxing suites, is considered to give you the best experience possible.
Our Comfort Wax®
It’s in the name. Comfort Wax® is our iconic violet wax. It’s strip-less, highly effective, and formulated with beeswax for a soothing effect. Comfort Wax®, especially when used during our signature 4-step-process, is designed to cling to hair, not skin. It removes what you don’t want, and protects what you do, for a more comfortable waxing experience.
Our Experts
We don’t just hire “good enough.” We train experts. Our Wax Specialists are trained in techniques that make waxing as comfortable as possible, including special waxing patterns designed to pick up maximum hair with minimum passes. As soon as a strip is removed, your waxer will apply pressure to help with discomfort.
Temperature of Our Waxing Suites
We keep our private, sanitized waxing suites at 68-72 degrees. Not just for your comfort, but also for a better wax. The cooler temps pull double duty by helping you sweat less (you’re welcome) and making the wax harden faster. All of this allows the wax to set quickly and properly. This helps with easier removal and makes your service go by faster.
Faster Services
While we never sacrifice results for speed, we’ve got waxing down to a science. Our efficient services mean fewer passes, less time in the waxing suite, and less discomfort overall.
How You Can Make Waxing Less Painful
Combining good preparation with our expert waxing methods is the best path to a more comfortable waxing experience.
Prepare skin properly before your appointment.
A good wax starts at home.
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Exfoliate 2-3 days before your appointment to remove dead or dry skin. (Avoid exfoliating the day before. Waxing exfoliates, too, and it could be too much.)
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Moisturize consistently between waxes to keep skin healthier and more resilient.
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Arrive with clean skin. No lotion, oils, or other products.
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Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol on the day of your wax. Both can make skin more sensitive.
See our full guide to preparing for your first wax.
Keep up with a consistent wax routine.
Waxing is kind of like flossing—the more consistently you do it, the easier it gets. When you wax consistently instead of sporadically, the process becomes faster, easier, and more comfortable (and ends with smoother results).
Don’t shave or tweeze between waxes.
This can disrupt your hair growth cycle and make regrowth uneven, which can cause more discomfort during waxing. If it’s your first wax, make sure your hair is at least ¼” long so the wax has enough to grab onto.
How to Make Waxing More Comfortable for the Bikini Area
The bikini area is, understandably, the most daunting for people. There are a few additional tips and tricks you can follow to help make bikini waxing more comfortable.
Time waxes with your cycle.
Your skin can feel more sensitive leading up to your period because of hormonal fluctuations. If you’re worried about pain, avoid scheduling around this time.
Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing.
It’s normal for your skin to feel a little sensitive after a wax, so go for soft, breathable fabrics that won’t irritate the skin.
Can I Make Waxing More Comfortable at Home?
At-home or DIY waxing might sound appealing because it gives you control, but it’s actually more likely to hurt than a professional wax. It’s a lot more difficult to use proper waxing techniques on yourself. Too-hot wax, excessive tugging, or improper removal can all make waxing hurt more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How painful is waxing?
It depends on the person, since everyone has a different pain tolerance. Most people find waxing very tolerable when done by a professional. They say the pain is a sting that lasts just a few seconds after the wax strip is removed.
What type of waxing is least painful?
Professional waxing is the least painful. Our Wax Specialists are trained to minimize pain, and our hard, strip-less Comfort Wax® makes the experience more comfortable.
Is there any painless waxing?
There’s no such thing as truly painless waxing, but Comfort Wax® is as close as it gets. It grips hair while keeping skin protected to minimize excess pulling and tugging. Beeswax helps soothe and calm skin.
Can I use numbing cream before a wax?
Using numbing cream is not recommended. It can create safety concerns by making it harder for you to gauge the temperature of the wax, and it can make the wax less effective by creating a barrier.
Ready for a more comfortable wax? Find a location near you and let our experts take it from here.
