Smooth Moves: The Ultimate Hair Removal Guide Before Your Wedding

There is an infinite to-do list when you are planning a wedding. Amid organizing vendors and assembling your look, smaller beauty details, such as hair removal, can slip through the cracks. So whether you’re looking for smooth, hairless skin for your wedding day, or a slick, sophisticated sensation every day, find the method that’s right for you.

It is a matter of personal choice and if you choose that it is a part of your pre-wedding prep, then being informed about your options can save you from irritation and keep your results lasting. From regular razors to long-term laser treatments, here is the definitive guide to pre-wedding hair removal for the bride and groom to be.

Shaving

What it is: Shaving slices hair at the surface of the skin with a razor. It is an easy, non-invasive application with fast, but short lived, results.

When to do it: For face shavers, shave on the morning of your wedding or a day or two in advance if you like a little stubble. For the body, shave the day before you want to darken, except if you are getting a spray tan (a 24-hour grace period is preferred).

Side effects: The risks are low, including cuts, razor burn or ingrown hairs. To minimize irritation, wet face with warm water and apply shave cream. If nothing else open a fresh blade for races or big events.

Drawback: The results usually don’t last more than one to three days.

Waxing

What it does: Wax is spread over the skin and then removed—along with the hair—after it hardens (you can use warm or cold wax). Perfect for legs, underarms, and the bikini area.

When to do it: Schedule your waxing session two to three days before the wedding. It's also a good idea to book a trial appointment in advance to make sure your skin doesn’t react negatively to the wax.

Side effects: Expect redness or potential irritation, or ingrown hairs. Steer clear from doing your own waxing (you are at risk of burning your skin and not optimally pulling hair), and stick to professional waxing treatments.

Downside: Hair must be a certain length for waxing to work. Regrowth is required between sessions.

Sugaring

What it is: A sugaring paste is a centuries-old hair-removal method using a paste made from sugar, lemon and water, and hair is pulled out from the root. Tends to be less painful than waxing, and is ideal for sensitive skin.

When: Do that trial sugaring ahead of time to determine how long it takes your skin to recover. Once you know, schedule accordingly.

Side effects: It can cause redness or irritation, as can waxing. Hair should be of a certain length.

Drawback: Best done by a pro.

Laser Hair Removal

What it is: A focused beam of light zeros in on hair follicles to stunt future growth. It is one of the most permanent hair removals.

When to do it: Start at least four months out, as you will need six to eight sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, for maximum results.

Side effects: Typically safe, although if done incorrectly, you may end up with skin pigmentation changes or burns. It works to varying degrees on skin and hair color.

Downside: Time-consuming and expensive Delivers long-term results, however.

Depilatory Cream

What it does: This chemical cream dissolves the hair structure so you can wipe or rinse it away. Frequently used on arms, legs, chest and bikini area.

When to test it: Test this technique well in advance. If you don’t experience any irritation, feel free to apply a day or two before your wedding.

Side effects: Skins may sting, itch, sting or feel sore; in rare cases, may trigger allergic reactions or chemical burns. Can be a bit drying for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

Drawback: Smells foul and not good for coarser hair.

Tweezing

What it is: Tweezing hairs one at a time. Best for small areas, like the eyebrows or upper lip.

When to do it: Tweeze a few days before the wedding, when any redness can subside. Repeat every couple of weeks.

Disadvantages: Can be painful and time consuming. Risk of over-plucking.

Cons: Not for use on large areas.

Threading

What it is: A twisted cotton thread that pulls hair out from the root. It is a popular product for eyebrows and facial hair.

When to get it: Book a treatment one week before your wedding, but have a trial done before to ensure your skin reacts well.

Side effects: May be accompanied by temporary redness or bumps. Repeated threading can, over time, lead to a reduction in hair thickness.

Limitation: Either of the triggers requires an experienced practitioner.

Ultimately, whichever method you opt for, be sure to give it a test run before the big day and allow your skin a moment to calm down. Hair removal is only one part of the wedding beauty puzzle—and the right move is always the one that makes you feel comfortable, confident and ready to party.