The Ultimate Pre-Wedding Hair Removal Guide

When it comes to your wedding day, it would be an understatement to say there’s a lot to plan. Then comes your beauty prep, where each detail is meticulously arranged, from your hair to your makeup and everything in between. With so much to consider ahead of saying "I do," however, it can be easy to forget about the minor tasks on your to-do list, like hair removal.

Though we often head straight to shaving as the only hair removal option, there are plenty of methods to choose from—seven to be exact—each with various pros and cons depending on your individual preferences. And while choosing to remove your body hair is completely your decision, if you’ve decided to embrace this process before your big day, it’s important to know what's available in order to avoid any unwanted side effects.

That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate pre-wedding hair removal guide, covering every treatment for brides and grooms-to-be. From waxing to laser hair removal and even sugaring, we’ve called in the experts to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know. 

Shaving

What is it?: Shaving uses a “razor to cut hair at the skin’s surface,” explains Amy Peterson, a medical esthetician and founder of Miami-based medspa, Skincare by Amy Peterson. “It’s painless and non-invasive, but the results are temporary because it doesn’t target the follicle." Peterson also explains that shaving is commonly used for beards and faces, arms, underarms, legs, and the bikini area, though “technically it can be done anywhere on the body for unwanted hair.”  

When to do it?: For facial hair, it's typically recommended that you shave the morning of your wedding for the best results, or a couple of days prior if you prefer a little stubble. As for your body, this generally depends on whether or not you’re scheduled to get a spray tan. (You have to wait 24 hours after shaving to get a spray tan, so bear that in mind ahead of the big day.) If you aren’t getting a spray tan, most people shave the day before for optimal results.

Side effects and limitations: The good news is that shaving is low on the list for complications, though you should still be careful when using this method. “Shaving is pretty safe for most, and the main risks would be bucking your skin with a razor or possibly developing folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles) or ingrown hairs,” explains Dr. Rebecca Marcus, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MaeiMD.

For best results, Peterson recommends softening the hair with warm water and using shaving cream to minimize skin irritation. Additionally, always use a fresh blade when it comes to big events, as this reduces the risk of nicks and cuts and gives a smoother finish.

One major downside? Shaving isn't long-lasting, and depending on your hair growth rate, you’re looking at one to three days before you start to see your hair again.

Waxing

What is it?: “Waxing is a hair removal method where warm or cold wax is applied to the skin and then quickly stripped off, pulling hair out from the root," Peterson explains. It’s most commonly used for legs, underarms, bikini lines, face, and eyebrows. 

When to do it?: According to Peterson, waxing requires regular maintenance, and individuals should ideally get waxed every three to six weeks depending on their hair growth rate and desired smoothness. As for your pre-wedding timeline, it's typically recommended to schedule your appointment two to three days before walking down the aisle. You should also schedule a few trial treatments to see how your skin responds and to get your aftercare routine down to a T. In general, many people prefer waxing over shaving because the results last far longer—typically between three to four weeks.

Side effects and limitations: It’s not uncommon to experience temporary redness, irritation, or potential ingrown hairs, with the former being especially true if you have sensitive skin. What's more, waxing can be a painful and unpleasant experience. “There’s a risk of burns or skin removal if not done correctly or with overheated wax,” Peterson adds, which is why we always recommend visiting a professional rather than trying this at home. Another limitation is that “it requires hair to be at a certain length before treatment, therefore one has to wait for regrowth between sessions,” Peterson shares.

If you’re new to waxing, in particular, Dr. Marcus suggests trying this method at least two months prior to your big day “so that in case you have an adverse reaction or experience folliculitis, your skin will have plenty of time to recover.”

Sugaring

What is it?: The most pleasant sounding of the bunch, “sugaring is an ancient Middle Eastern method of hair removal,” Peterson says. She explains that a paste made primarily of sugar, lemon juice, and water is “applied to the skin and then quickly pulled off, removing the hair from the root." What differentiates sugaring from waxing, however, is that sugaring is considered less painful, as it doesn’t adhere as strongly to the skin. Plus, it’s a more natural alternative, which is great for anyone whose skin doesn’t love waxing ingredients. 

When to do it?: Just like waxing, be sure to try this method prior to your wedding to see how your skin reacts. Once you know how many days it takes for your skin to calm down, use that timeline as your guide to schedule your pre-wedding appointment.

Side effects and limitations: Again, similarly to waxing, it can cause skin irritation and requires hair to be at a certain length to give the paste something to grab onto. We recommend visiting a professional to avoid irritation and burns to your skin.

Laser Hair Removal

What is it?: Laser hair removal is typically the most favored type of hair removal method before the big day. The procedure uses “concentrated light to target and destroy the hair follicle, inhibiting future growth,” explains Peterson. “The laser energy is absorbed by the pigment in the hair, creating heat that damages the hair follicle.” Shelley D’Aquino, owner and head esthetician at Le Parlour NYC Laser Spa, adds that “It’s a more permanent solution, as waxing and other methodologies need to be performed on a regular basis and can cause irritation such as bumps, acne, rashes, and pigmentation.”

The most common areas for laser hair removal include the legs, underarms, arms, chest, bikini area, back, and buttocks. 

When to do it?: “Brides interested in having the optimal results with laser hair removal should start the process at least four months in advance,” D’Aquino advises. “This gives you time to add more sessions if necessary.” Dr. Marcus echoes this: “Laser hair removal typically takes around six to eight sessions to see full results, and these sessions are spaced about four to six weeks apart.” 

Side effects and limitations: Laser hair removal is generally safe for all skin types, but the “efficacy and risk can vary depending on skin and hair color,” Peterson explains. “Typically, those with a Fitzpatrick type I to IV have better results and less complications due to their light skin pigment and dark hair. With recent advances in laser technology, those with darker skin tones, Fitzpatrick V to VI, now can benefit from lasers specifically designed for darker skin types."

Another limitation? Multiple sessions are required well ahead of the big day, which isn’t great if you’re getting married fairly last minute. Also, if not carried out correctly, “risks can include burns, scars, and pigmentation changes to the skin,” says Peterson. Lastly, laser hair removal is one of the more expensive options, though the price can be worth it as it can save you time and stress in the long run, D’Aquino explains.

Depilatory Cream

What is it?: Depilatory cream—known colloquially as hair removal cream—is a “chemical-based product used to remove unwanted hair by breaking down the hair’s protein structure,” says Peterson. The cream is applied to areas where you wish to remove hair, allowing the ingredients to break down your hair before wiping or rinsing everything off with water. Often utilized as a painless alternative to waxing, it is commonly used on areas including the legs, arms, chest, bikini line, and occasionally on the face (but always check if it’s safe for the face and avoid the eyes and eyebrows). 

When to do it?: Similarly to the other methods, don’t try this out for the first time right before your wedding. Nonetheless, depilatory creams can be used a day or two before your big day to ensure your skin remains smooth once it's time for you to get married.

Side effects and limitations: Depilatory cream is typically safe for everyone, but should be used with caution for sensitive skin types and should never be used on skin conditions like eczema. More specifically, they can cause “skin irritation, allergic reactions or chemical burns if left on for too long or used on sensitive areas,” Peterson says. She also notes that they may not work as effectively as other methods on coarser hair types. The main limitation of hair removal creams, though, is the incredibly strong, unpleasant odor. 

Tweezing

What is it?: Tweezing refers to the process of plucking hair follicles out one by one, using a pair of small metal tongs. Since each hair is removed individually, tweezing is reserved for small areas including the eyebrows and upper lip.  

When to do it?: Given that tweezing is a temporary hair removal method, it is typically done every two weeks depending on the growth rate of your brows and facial hairs. To be on the safe side and to avoid irritation, tweeze any areas you need a few days before your wedding, and make sure to follow up with a soothing cream should your skin get a little irritated. 

Side effects and limitations: Since tweezing is a method reserved for the smallest areas, it isn’t a great option for the legs and underarms. It can also be quite time-consuming and you could accidentally remove more than you intended, so go steady when tweezing your hair.

Threading

What is it?: Originating from parts of India, the Middle East, and Central Asia, threading has gained popularity worldwide for its effectiveness and minimal skin irritation, explains Peterson. The technique involves a “thin, twisted cotton thread rolled over areas of unwanted hair, plucking the hair at the follicle level,” she shares. "[It is] mostly used for shaping eyebrows and removing facial hairs.” 

When to do it?: Since results can last from two to six weeks, depending on individual growth rates, “most people return for touch-ups every three to four weeks,” Peterson says. As for brides and grooms, it's recommended that you get threaded within a week of your big day—but as with other hair removal methods, be sure to try it out in advance to see how your skin reacts.

Side effects and limitations: It's important that you see someone highly skilled when using this method, as it can be painful and can cause irritation and temporary raised bumps. “Regular sessions can sometimes lead to finer and less dense hair regrowth over time,” adds Peterson, so threading may not be the best solution if don't want your hair to thin out over time.