If you’re a woman living in Dubai and considering waxing for the first time, you’re not alone. With its long-lasting results, smooth finish, and growing popularity, waxing is one of the most sought-after hair removal methods in the city. But let’s be honest — first-time waxing can feel a little intimidating. Questions like “Will it hurt?”, “How do I prepare?”, and “What happens afterward?” are completely natural.
This blog is here to ease your nerves and answer all your questions. Whether you’re planning to visit a professional salon like Elata or try an at-home waxing kit (though we strongly recommend the former), here’s everything you need to know before your first waxing session in Dubai.
Why Waxing is Popular Among Women in Dubai
In a fast-paced city like Dubai, where fashion, grooming, and wellness go hand in hand, women prefer beauty solutions that are both effective and time-saving. Waxing checks both boxes. Compared to shaving or hair removal creams, waxing offers:
- Longer-lasting results — usually 3 to 4 weeks of smooth skin
- Finer, softer hair regrowth over time
- No stubble or razor bumps
- Smoother skin texture, especially when done regularly
And with Dubai’s beach culture, frequent events, and warm weather, it’s no surprise that more women are turning to waxing as their go-to hair removal solution.
1. Know What Type of Wax You’re Getting
Before you book your appointment, understand the type of waxing service you’ll be receiving. At professional salons like Elata in Dubai, two main types are commonly offered:
Soft wax (strip wax): Ideal for large areas like legs and arms. It’s applied warm and removed using a cloth or paper strip.
Hard wax (stripless wax): Best for sensitive areas like the face, underarms, and bikini line. It hardens on the skin and is pulled off directly without a strip. This type is generally less painful and more precise.
Depending on your skin type and area being treated, your technician will recommend the right option.
2. How to Prepare Before Your Appointment
Preparation is key to a smoother, more comfortable waxing experience. Here’s what to do before your session:
Let your hair grow out
Your hair should be at least a quarter of an inch long — about the length of a grain of rice. This allows the wax to grip the hair properly. Avoid shaving for at least 2 weeks before your appointment.
Exfoliate a day before
Gently exfoliate the area 24 hours before your waxing appointment. This removes dead skin cells and helps prevent ingrown hairs. Use a mild scrub — nothing too harsh.
Avoid lotions and oils on the day of waxing
Moisturizers or oils on the skin can prevent the wax from adhering properly. Keep the area clean and dry before heading to the salon.
Wear loose, breathable clothing
Tight clothes can cause friction and irritation after waxing. Opt for cotton fabrics and loose fits — especially if you’re waxing sensitive areas like the bikini line.
3. What Happens During Your Waxing Session
If it’s your first time waxing in Dubai, here’s a walk-through of what you can expect at a reputable salon like Elata:
Cleanse and prep
Your technician will start by cleansing the area to remove oil, sweat, and any surface impurities. A light dusting of powder may be applied to absorb moisture.
Wax application
Depending on the area and wax type, the warm wax will be applied in the direction of hair growth. For soft wax, a strip will be placed on top and pulled in the opposite direction. For hard wax, the technician waits for it to harden before removing it directly.
Removal
Yes, there is some pain — but it’s quick and manageable. Most clients describe it as a quick sting. Areas with thicker hair (like underarms or bikini line) may feel more intense the first time, but it gets easier over time.
Post-wax care
A soothing lotion or oil is applied to calm the skin and reduce redness. This is especially important in Dubai’s dry climate where skin can become irritated more easily.
4. How Much Does It Hurt (Really)?
Pain is the number one concern for first-timers — and understandably so. But here’s the truth: the discomfort lasts only a few seconds with each pull, and the overall session is usually quick. Most women find the anticipation worse than the actual sensation.
Here are a few tips to minimize discomfort:
- Avoid waxing right before or during your period, when sensitivity is heightened.
- Take a mild pain reliever like paracetamol 30 minutes before your session if you’re particularly sensitive.
- Breathe deeply and try to relax. Tension can increase pain perception.
- Communicate with your technician. A good therapist will work with your comfort level.
And remember — the first time is usually the worst. Future sessions will be less painful as your hair grows back finer and sparser.
5. Aftercare Tips to Soothe and Protect Your Skin
How you treat your skin after waxing is just as important as the waxing itself — especially in Dubai, where the climate can irritate freshly waxed skin if not cared for properly.
Avoid heat and sweat for 24 hours
Skip hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, sunbathing, and heavy workouts. Heat can further inflame the skin and lead to bumps or irritation.
Skip tight clothing
As mentioned earlier, loose-fitting clothing reduces friction and gives your skin room to breathe.
No exfoliation or scrubs for 48 hours
Give your skin time to heal. After 2 days, gentle exfoliation helps prevent ingrown hairs.
Apply soothing products
Use aloe vera gel, chamomile lotion, or post-wax balms to reduce redness and calm irritation.
Don’t touch or scratch
Avoid touching freshly waxed areas unnecessarily. This can introduce bacteria and lead to breakouts or infection.
6. Book Regular Appointments for Best Results
In Dubai, hair growth cycles can vary slightly based on your skin type, hormones, and lifestyle. However, most women find that waxing every 3 to 4 weeks gives the best results.
Regular waxing helps reduce regrowth over time and makes the hair thinner and easier to remove. If you maintain a consistent schedule, future sessions will be quicker, less painful, and far more effective.
You can even set up reminders or pre-schedule sessions with your salon — many women in Dubai do this to align with their social calendar, events, or beach holidays.
Final Thoughts: Waxing in Dubai Doesn’t Have to Be Scary
Trying waxing for the first time in Dubai can feel daunting, but with the right information and a trusted salon, the experience can be smooth — literally and figuratively. From prep to aftercare, a little planning goes a long way in making your first wax a positive one.
If you’ve been relying on shaving or hair removal creams, waxing is a refreshing upgrade. It’s efficient, long-lasting, and with regular sessions, it becomes a breeze.
At Elata Beauty Salon, our trained professionals make sure your first waxing experience is as comfortable and effective as possible. We use premium waxes, prioritize hygiene, and tailor the service to your skin’s needs — whether you visit us at Sunset Mall or opt for our convenient home service across Dubai.
Book your first waxing session at Elata today — and enjoy silky-smooth skin that lasts for weeks, not days.
