Beyond the One and Done: Why Three Waxes are Your Passport to a Flawless Holiday Glow

The sun drenched beaches, the shimmering infinity pools, the feeling of pure, unadulterated relaxation, a holiday is a time to escape, to rejuvenate, and to feel your absolute best. And for many, feeling their best includes achieving that perfectly smooth, hair free skin that allows them to slip into their swimwear with complete confidence. The solution? A pre-holiday wax. However, a common mistake many people make is treating their holiday wax as a one off event. They book a single appointment just before their trip, hoping for a magical transformation. While a single wax can certainly provide temporary smoothness, it’s a far cry from the long lasting, flawless results that are truly achievable. The secret to a truly impeccable holiday wax lies in a strategic approach, having at least three waxes in the months leading up to your trip.

This isn't an upsell or a clever marketing ploy, it's a fundamental principle of effective hair removal. The benefits of this three step process are rooted in the science of hair growth and the mechanics of waxing. By committing to this series of treatments, you're not just removing hair, you're actively training your hair to grow back finer, sparser and more manageable. You are setting the stage for a holiday glow that is not only smooth but also enduring, minimising the risk of irritation and maximising your holiday bliss.

So, why is this three wax rule so crucial? Let’s break down the science, the benefits and the undeniable importance of graduating from the one and done approach to a more thoughtful, effective, and ultimately rewarding pre holiday ritual.

The Science of Hair Growth: Why a Single Wax Isn’t Enough

To understand the benefits of multiple waxes, we first need to understand the hair growth cycle. Our hair doesn't all grow at the same time. Instead, it follows a three phase cycle:

1. Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the active phase where the hair follicle produces a new hair. This phase can last anywhere from a few weeks to several years depending on the body part.

2. Catagen (Transition Phase): A short, transitional phase where the hair follicle shrinks and hair growth stops.

3. Telogen (Resting Phase): The final phase where the old hair rests in the follicle before being shed, making way for a new anagen hair.

At any given time, your skin has hairs in all three of these phases. When you get a single wax, the therapist can only remove the hairs that are currently in the anagen and catagen phases and are long enough to be grabbed by the wax. The hairs that are still in the telogen phase (the ones that are about to be shed) or are just beginning to emerge in a new anagen phase are left behind.

This is why, a few days after your one and done wax, you might notice some stubble or a new growth of hair. This isn't because the wax was ineffective, it’s simply because those hairs were not at the right stage of their growth cycle to be removed. This new growth can be frustrating and can significantly diminish the longevity of your smooth skin, especially when you're trying to make the most of your holiday.

The Benefits of the Three Wax Journey

By committing to a series of three waxes, spaced approximately four weeks apart, you're not just removing hair, you're synchronising your hair growth cycle. Each subsequent wax targets a new batch of hairs that have now entered the anagen phase, and with each session, you're pulling more and more hairs directly from the root.

Here's how this three step process transforms your waxing experience and guarantees a flawless holiday:

1. Taming the Hair Growth Cycle:

The first wax is often the most challenging. You're removing a full cycle of hair that has been shaved or left to grow, which means the hairs are likely to be thick and deeply rooted. This wax will get rid of a significant amount of hair, but as explained above, some hairs will be left behind. The second wax, four weeks later, will remove the new growth that has emerged, targeting a fresh batch of anagen phase hairs. The third and final wax, just before your holiday, will be the ultimate refining touch. By this point, a significant majority of your hair will be growing in a synchronised cycle. This means that a much larger percentage of hairs will be in the anagen phase at the time of your holiday wax, leading to a much cleaner, smoother result that lasts significantly longer.

2. A Less Painful Experience:

Let’s be honest, waxing can be uncomfortable, especially during the first session. The hair is thick, the roots are strong and the skin may be sensitive. However, each subsequent wax becomes progressively less painful. Why? Because with each session, the hair that grows back is finer and has a weaker root. The hair follicle itself becomes less robust over time. By the time you get to your third wax, the process is far less uncomfortable, making your final pre holiday treatment a much more pleasant experience.

3. Reduced Risk of Ingrown Hairs:

Ingrown hairs are a common and unwelcome side effect of hair removal, particularly shaving. While waxing is generally a better alternative, a single wax on a full growth of hair can still lead to ingrown hairs, especially if the hair is thick and coarse. By consistently waxing, you're encouraging the hair to grow back finer and straighter. This makes it easier for the hair to break through the skin's surface, significantly reducing the likelihood of those pesky, painful bumps.

4. The Long Lasting Smoothness You Actually Want:

A single wax might give you a few days of smooth skin before the first signs of stubble reappear. A three wax series, however, can provide weeks of truly smooth, hair free skin. By the time you get your third wax, your hair will be growing back at a much slower rate and will be much finer. This means you can spend your entire holiday without worrying about your hair growth. You can go from the beach to a dinner out without a second thought, basking in the confidence of your flawlessly smooth skin.

The Strategic Timeline: A Sample Plan

So, what does this three wax journey actually look like in practice? A good rule of thumb is to start your journey around three months before your holiday.

• Wax 1 (3 Months Before Holiday): This is your foundational wax. It's the most important step, as it gets the hair growth cycle started and begins the process of weakening the hair follicles.

• Wax 2 (2 Months Before Holiday): This wax is crucial for catching the new growth and further synchronising the hair cycle. You will likely notice a significant difference in the amount and texture of the hair.

• Wax 3 (A Few Days Before Holiday): This is your grand finale. This wax will be quick, less painful, and will leave you with a perfectly smooth, long lasting result. Scheduling it a few days before your trip allows any potential redness or irritation to subside completely, ensuring your skin is absolutely holiday ready.

Conclusion: Invest in Your Holiday, Not Just a Quick Fix

Your holiday is an investment in your well being, a precious time to be cherished. And just as you would plan your flights, your accommodation, and your itinerary, it's worth investing a little extra time and effort into your pre holiday beauty routine. The temptation to book a single, last minute wax is understandable, but the results simply don't compare to the flawless, long lasting smoothness that a three wax series provides.

By embracing this strategic approach, you're not just getting rid of hair, you're embarking on a journey towards healthier, more manageable skin. You're minimising discomfort, reducing the risk of ingrown hairs, and ultimately, ensuring that your holiday is filled with confidence and a glow that lasts as long as your memories. So, ditch the one and done mentality and start your three wax journey. Your future self, lounging on that beach, will thank you for it.

Sadiah x