Waxing Cost and Procedure Guide

Tired of shaving, tweezing and plucking? Waxing is a spa treatment that uses wax, usually warmed wax, to help remove unwanted hair. It’s safe for most areas of the body, including your eyebrows, underarms, legs and bikini area.¹

Based on your rate of hair growth and how frequently you wax, a session can keep your skin smooth for three to six weeks.²

Here’s a look at what waxing costs, how the appointment works and what you might expect to pay in your area.

What Is Waxing?

Waxing is a form of hair removal in which wax is applied to the skin and then removed, bringing the hair with it from the root.¹ Because the hair is pulled out at the root rather than cut at the surface the way shaving cuts it, skin stays smoother for longer, and regular waxing can lead to hair that grows back finer and sparser over time.²

Types of Waxing

There are two types of wax:¹

• Soft wax. Applied in a thin layer and removed with a cloth strip, soft wax is typically used on larger areas like the legs, arms, back and chest.¹
• Hard wax. Applied in a thicker layer and removed without cloth strips once it cools, hard wax doesn’t adhere to the skin as much as soft wax, which makes it a common choice for delicate areas like the face, underarms and bikini area.¹

How Much Does Waxing Cost?

The national average cost** of waxing is $30 for a small area, $50 for a medium area and $75 for a large area per session, but costs can range from $23 to $135 depending on the type of facility, whether discounts are offered for repeat visits and other factors.³

What constitutes a small, medium or large area can vary by provider, so it’s a good idea to ask how the area you want waxed is priced when you book. Your total cost can also depend on factors like where you live, the type of salon or spa you visit and how often you go.

Calculate the cost of waxing near you**

Average small-area waxing cost by state/district

Below are the average costs** of waxing small, medium and large areas (per session) across all 50 states and the District of Columbia:³

Does Insurance Cover Waxing?

Health insurance typically doesn’t cover elective cosmetic procedures performed to improve appearance.⁴ Because waxing is considered an elective spa treatment, it’s a good idea to plan on paying for the cost yourself.

How Can You Pay for Waxing?

There are several ways to pay for waxing, depending on what your provider offers and your budget. Some pay up front with cash, check or a credit/debit card. Others may choose a payment plan offered through the practice.

If you’d prefer to pay over time, the CareCredit credit card is another option many patients use for out-of-pocket health and wellness services. If approved, you can make monthly payments (with promotional financing options where available). Promotional financing options vary, so review the details and ask the office whether they accept CareCredit before deciding.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Waxing works for most people, but it may not be the best fit if you have particularly sensitive skin, since the wax lifts away surface skin cells along with the hair.¹

Dermatologists also note that waxing may not be recommended if you have a sunburn or have taken isotretinoin in the past six months. If you use retinol or a prescription retinoid, stop applying it two to five days before a facial wax to avoid removing skin along with the hair.⁵

Waxing also may not be recommended while you’re taking prescription acne medications, so talk with your esthetician or dermatologist about timing if you use one.¹

How Does Waxing Work?

During a professional waxing appointment, your esthetician will typically start by talking through the area you want waxed and answering any questions. For most treatments, they’ll then warm the wax, test the temperature, apply the wax in the direction of hair growth and remove it quickly in the opposite direction. At the end of the session, they’ll cleanse the area and may apply a soothing lotion or oil to help calm any redness or irritation.⁶

There are things you can consider to prepare for your waxing treatment. It helps to let your hair grow to about 1/4 to 3/4 of an inch before your appointment.⁵ Skipping lotions and oils on the day of your visit helps the wax grip the hair, and exfoliating gently a day or two beforehand may help reduce ingrown hairs.⁶

At-home waxing kits are an option for some areas, but dermatologists recommend leaving delicate spots like the bikini area to the professionals.⁵

Potential Side Effects or Complications

Because waxing pulls hair out at the root and lifts away surface skin cells, some short-term redness, tenderness or swelling is normal.¹ Any redness usually settles within a few hours.⁶

Applying a cold pack can ease any soreness right after your wax, and wearing loose clothing and using an oil-free moisturizer can help your skin settle down.⁵ Ingrown hairs and small breakouts may pop up as hair grows back. Right after waxing, it’s important to stay out of direct sunlight, and for the first 24 hours avoid exercise, hot tubs and harsh skin care products. Once your skin has calmed, gentle exfoliation can help keep ingrown hairs in check.¹

If redness or swelling lasts more than two days, check in with a board-certified dermatologist.⁵

An Option For Your Hair Removal Routine

If shaving, tweezing and plucking have become part of your regular routine, waxing may offer a longer-lasting way to keep unwanted hair at bay. With results that can last several weeks, it can leave your skin feeling smooth while giving you a break from daily hair removal. Whether you’re looking to tidy up your brows, smooth your legs or prepare for a special occasion, waxing can be a convenient addition to your self-care routine.

Managing Health and Wellness Costs With the CareCredit Credit Card

If you are looking for an option to help manage your health and wellness costs, consider financing with the CareCredit credit card. The CareCredit credit card can help you pay for the care you want and need and make payments easy to manage.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a provider near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

Your CareCredit credit card can be used in so many ways within the CareCredit network including vision, dentistry, cosmetic, pet care, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases and spa treatments. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Kristin Driver is a digital writer with Synchrony. She specializes in writing about healthcare, finances and pet care. Her work has been published by Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Health, Stanford Health Care, Risk & Insurance, Modern Health Care, Risk Insider, CIO Review and more.