Winter is the ideal window to reset hair growth cycles for smoother, finer regrowth by summer
As clients look ahead to the warmer months, winter offers the perfect opportunity to begin a waxing routine that delivers smoother skin, softer regrowth and easier long-term maintenance.
According to waxing specialists, the colder season creates ideal conditions for regulating hair growth cycles, improving skin comfort and helping clients commit to a consistent schedule – all essential factors for achieving the best results by summer.
Why winter is the best time to start a waxing routine
Winter isn’t necessarily a quiet season in the salon calendar – it’s actually the most strategic time for clients to begin long-term hair removal plans. Jessica McLeay, a waxing specialist and educator, explains, “Starting a waxing routine in winter can help your clients achieve smooth, hair-free skin by summer.”
Jessica DeLuca, a therapist at Strip Hair Removal Experts in London, agrees, noting that, “Winter is the ideal season for new waxers because it allows the hair growth cycles to regulate, resulting in softer and finer regrowth by summer.”
Colder weather, she adds, makes the grow-out phase “easier to manage,” thanks to long clothing that helps clients “stay consistent with the recommended four-to-six-week routine without worrying about visibility”.
For salons, highlighting these benefits can help encourage clients to commit early, boosting retention and supporting better long-term results.
How hair growth cycles work, and why winter matters
Understanding the science behind waxing is key to achieving smooth, long-lasting results. As McLeay explains, “Hair grows in cycles, which means not all strands are at the same stage at any given time.” After a first wax, visible hairs are removed, “but new growth lying beneath the skin’s surface will start to appear within weeks”.
DeLuca expands: “Hair grows in four natural cycles. Waxing removes hair from the root but only fully affects those in the active growth (anagen) phase.”
Because new clients often have hairs growing at different times, initial results can appear uneven.
Both experts emphasise that consistency in winter is the key to synchronising hair growth.
McLeay explains that by booking appointments every four to five weeks:
- “Hair growth becomes synchronised”
- “Waxing sessions become more effective”
- “Clients enjoy smoother, longer-lasting results”
DeLuca notes that “Most clients notice meaningful improvement after their third or fourth session – typically around the 8-12-week mark… Regrowth appears softer, finer, and less dense.”
Does waxing make hair thinner? What clients can expect by spring
One of the most searched waxing questions centres on whether hair grows back thinner over time. McLeay confirms, “One of the benefits of regular waxing is that hair grows back finer and less dense.”
Clients starting in winter can expect:
- “A visible reduction in hair thickness by spring”
- “Hair that’s softer and less noticeable between appointments”
- Increased confidence ahead of summer holidays
DeLuca adds that early winter sessions “build tolerance,” and by spring and early summer, “regrowth becomes finer and more predictable.” Around four to six months, many clients can safely stretch appointments to six weeks.
Why winter waxing leads to better skin health
Dry, dehydrated winter skin can make shaving more irritating, but waxing offers exfoliating, skin-smoothing benefits.
DeLuca explains, “Winter skin is generally drier and more prone to flakiness… Waxing in winter exfoliates dry, dull skin, leaving it smoother and better hydrated.”
To prevent ingrowns and maintain smooth results, she recommends:
- Gentle exfoliation two to three times per week
- Oil-free scrubs, enzyme exfoliants, or exfoliating mitts
- Hydrating moisturisers or oils
- Ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, shea butter and hyaluronic acid
Therapists should also tailor winter aftercare for sensitive clients. DeLuca notes adjustments can include using gentle waxes, lowering temperatures, and reinforcing barrier-supporting skincare.
Dispelling common winter waxing myths
Winter waxers often arrive with misconceptions that can affect commitment or expectations. DeLuca highlights a few:
- “Waxing in winter is pointless”.
- “My hair needs to be really long” – actually, a grain-of-rice length is sufficient.
- “It will always hurt this much” – discomfort decreases significantly as hair becomes finer.
Some clients also expect permanent reduction early on. DeLuca explains that while noticeable results appear around eight to twelve weeks, “meaningful thinning typically occurs after four to six months.” Clear messaging helps maintain client motivation.
Choosing the right wax for winter appointments
Winter skin tends to be more sensitive, making product choice especially important.
DeLuca shares her professional preference for intimate treatments: “I prefer Lycon’s Lavender Wax. It contains lavender and chamomile, which soothe and calm the skin – particularly beneficial in winter when skin is drier and more sensitive.”
It also removes hair as short as 1mm, making it ideal for maintaining results without tweezing.
A winter-to-summer waxing plan clients can follow
Both experts highlight that strategic timing helps clients achieve the best summer results.
DeLuca outlines a simple plan:
- December-February: Establish routine and manage denser winter regrowth
- March-May: Growth becomes finer and more predictable
- June onward: Clients may extend to six-week intervals as regrowth slows
McLeay echoes this: “Two to three sessions are enough to synchronise hair growth before spring. By summer, clients will need less frequent appointments for silky smooth skin.”
Client behaviour trends: why winter waxers get better results
Therapists report more first-time intimate waxers in winter, driven by long-term planning and lower visibility during grow-out phases. DeLuca explains that winter starters are “more strategic and focused on long-term results”, while summer clients often book reactively.
She adds that winter layering “makes it easier for clients to stick to appointments without feeling self-conscious”.
Tailored winter advice for different client needs
Whether clients are beginners, experienced waxers, prone to ingrowns, or active gym-goers, personalised winter care boosts results.
DeLuca recommends:
- Avoid intense exercise for 24 hours post-wax
- Wear loose clothing afterward
- Stay hydrated
- Maintain regular exfoliation and moisturising
McLeay notes that once sessions become consistent, “clients can extend the time between appointments to up to six weeks”, ideal for summer holidays and travel.
The long-term results clients can expect by summer
Clients who begin waxing in winter enjoy:
- Finer, softer regrowth
- Reduced density
- Longer gaps between appointments
- Fewer ingrowns and less irritation
- Smoother, more even skin
As DeLuca summarises, “By summer, clients who wax consistently typically experience reduced density, finer regrowth, and smoother skin for longer periods.”
McLeay reinforces the message: “By summer, clients will need less frequent appointments for silky smooth skin.”
Conclusion: why therapists should encourage winter waxing
DeLuca’s ultimate advice is simple: “Consistency is the key recommendation… Committing to four-to-six-week intervals helps align growth cycles, resulting in smoother waxes, less discomfort, and finer regrowth by spring and summer.”
With expert guidance, clear expectations and a well-timed winter routine, clients can enter the summer season already smooth, confident, and in a sustainable waxing rhythm – and salons can build stronger year-round loyalty.
FAQs: winter waxing and hair growth cycles
Why is winter the best time to start a waxing routine?
Winter allows hair growth cycles to regulate and synchronise. Layers and long clothing make the grow-out phase easier to manage, while reduced sun exposure lowers the risk of post-wax irritation or pigmentation. Starting in winter gives clients time to build consistency and achieve finer, softer regrowth by summer.
How long does it take to see results from winter waxing?
Most clients notice meaningful improvements after three to four sessions (around 8-12 weeks). By this point, more hairs are removed in the active growth phase, leading to smoother skin and softer, less dense regrowth.
Does waxing make hair grow back thinner?
Yes, with consistent waxing, hair typically grows back finer, softer and less dense. Clients who begin waxing in winter often see a visible reduction in thickness by spring and enjoy smoother, longer-lasting results.
How often should clients book waxing appointments in winter?
Experts recommend booking every 4–6 weeks. This helps synchronise hair growth cycles and ensures each wax removes more hair in the active phase. After several months, many clients can extend appointments to six-week intervals.
Is waxing more comfortable in winter?
For many clients, yes. Cooler temperatures reduce inflammation and make the grow-out phase less noticeable under winter layers. Discomfort also decreases after the first few sessions as regrowth becomes finer.
How does waxing affect dry winter skin?
Winter waxing can exfoliate dry, dull skin, helping to remove dead cells and support smoother regrowth. However, winter skin is more prone to dryness, so therapists usually recommend consistent moisturising and gentle exfoliation to prevent ingrown hairs.
What aftercare should clients follow after a winter wax?
Clients should exfoliate 2-3 times per week using an enzyme exfoliant, oil-free scrub or exfoliating mitt. Hydrating moisturisers or oils, particularly those with shea butter, hyaluronic acid or natural oils, help support the skin barrier. Avoid intense exercise, saunas, and hot baths for 24 hours.
What type of wax is best for intimate areas in winter?
Gentle, soothing waxes are ideal. Many therapists prefer waxes that can calm sensitive skin and can remove shorter hairs, helping clients maintain results even when hair is only 1mm long.
Can clients get ingrown hairs from winter waxing?
Ingrown hairs are less likely when clients exfoliate regularly and keep the skin hydrated. Ingredients like salicylic acid and glycolic acid can help prevent clogged pores and support smoother regrowth.
How does winter waxing help with summer holiday prep?
Starting in winter gives clients enough time to regulate hair growth, reduce density, and achieve long-lasting smoothness. By summer, most clients can extend appointments to six weeks; ideal for holidays, events and swimwear season.
Is winter waxing suitable for first-time waxers?
Yes. Winter is often the easiest time for new waxers because clothing hides the grow-out stage, and consistent appointments build tolerance. Therapists often see an increase in first-time intimate waxers during colder months for this reason.
Can active or gym-going clients wax in winter?
Yes, but they should avoid intense exercise for 24 hours post-wax and wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing to prevent irritation. Regular exfoliation and hydration help maintain smooth skin.
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