Waxing 101:  The Leg Wax (Jen, February 2, 2005)

We’ve done brows, bikini, and Brazilian.  Now it’s time to talk legs.

After my second experience at getting my legs waxed I can probably now consider myself a pro.  The concepts are simple and very similar to every other wax we’ve written about…

Step 1:  Grow Hair

Step 2:  Put Wax On

Step 3:  Take Wax Off

Before I start to sound too much like a scene from Karate Kid, let me tell you there are a few things to know when it comes to getting the legs done.

Step one above is valid for any wax…you’ve gotta have hair if you want to wax it off!  The hair must long enough to be waxed and the rule of thumb we hear says it should be about ¼ inch long.  Why?  Well, the layer of wax needs something to cling to.  Just how long you need to go through the growing stage varies by person and really depends on how fast your hair grows.   For some, this might be a week, while others could be looking at 3 weeks or more of resisting the urge to shave it all away.   

Growing out the legs is much more difficult than growing out the bikini line especially during the summer months.  It takes a little planning  and dedication on your part.  If you want to be hair free (or razor free) for a specific event or vacation, you need to take out your calendar and plan it.  I wanted a leg wax for my wedding and honeymoon…great idea...but my hair grows pretty slow so this meant that I used my trusty razor for the last time in mid-August for my September wedding….imagine my discomfort wearing pants in 90+ degree weather!  My second wax was planned much better!

Since you are waxing a large section of your body, the wax could take a half hour or more.  This is because the wax needs to be applied and removed in small sections.  Your hair also grows in different directions so you’ll need to be waxed from different angles, so don’t be shy about bending your legs in funny positions.

All in all, I find the pain to be less than that of a bikini wax.  It’s quick and really only stings for a second or two. Unfortunately, despite the pain and time you’ll have invested in this process, you might not end up with silky smooth skin.  You see, besides growing in different directions, your hair also grows at different rates so you’ll have some hairs that aren’t long enough to be waxed.  Have no fear though, if you’re left with anything, it will be very fine, soft, sparse, and not apparent to the eye.

For a few weeks of freedom from the razor, the growing out, the wax, and the pain is worth every second!