How Much Is a Full Body Wax? A Guide To Total Hair Removal
If you’re tired of keeping up with a complicated waxing schedule and want to streamline your self-care routine, you might wonder, “How much is a full body wax?” Nationwide, the average full body wax price is $153. This may sound a little steep at first, but if you get waxed regularly, then booking a full body wax can actually save you some cash.
If you prefer completely smooth skin, it can be a lot of work to keep up with removing hair across multiple areas. A full body wax includes the most popular wax services like a full leg wax, arm wax, Brazilian wax, and more.
How much is the average full body wax?
The average full body wax costs $153, according to our internal StyleSeat data. Wax pricing varies based on the type of wax used, areas waxed, salon location, and esthetician experience. Some salons charge an extra fee if it’s your first wax so your esthetician can take the time to make you feel comfortable and ensure they don’t miss any hair.
| State | Average full body wax cost |
|---|---|
| AL | $120 |
| AZ | $147 |
| CA | $241 |
| DE | $150 |
| FL | $249 |
| GA | $102 |
| IL | $229 |
| IN | $157 |
| KS | $163 |
| KY | $212 |
| LA | $160 |
| MD | $199 |
| MI | $152 |
| MO | $164 |
| NC | $258 |
| NE | $118 |
| NJ | $97 |
| NV | $161 |
| NY | $260 |
| OH | $138 |
| OK | $280 |
| PA | $177 |
| SC | $93 |
| TN | $116 |
| TX | $143 |
| VA | $113 |
| WI | $139 |
How does a full body wax work?
The basic steps for a full body wax are the same as any other wax. Here’s what your esthetician will do to unveil smoother skin during your appointment:
- Your esthetician will cleanse the area they’re waxing with an alcohol-based wipe or spray to remove excess oil.
- They’ll dip a disposable applicator into the hot wax, let it cool for a couple seconds, and test it to ensure it’s not too hot for your skin.
- Next, your esthetician will use the disposable applicator to spread the wax on your skin in the direction of hair growth.
- If they’re using hard wax, they’ll remove the wax with their hands in the opposite direction of hair growth.
- If they’re using soft wax, they’ll apply a clean linen cloth over the wax and use that cloth to remove the wax in the opposite direction of hair growth.
- To reduce irritation, most salons will moisturize your skin with aloe vera. In some cases, like if you have very sensitive skin, cold packs might also be helpful to soothe freshly waxed skin.
As with any service, your salon might do things a bit differently. For example, before starting, your esthetician might lightly massage or dry brush the area so that your hair stands up straight. But there are a couple of red flags to look out for. If your salon does any of these things, stop the service and look elsewhere for your waxing needs:
- Not properly cleansing your skin, the waxing area, or tools before starting
- Double dipping with the same applicator into the wax pot
- Not listening if you need a break or checking in with you throughout the service
- Skipping out on testing the wax temperature
What does a full body wax include?
The typical full body wax includes:
- Eyebrow wax – $20
- Lip wax – $11
- Underarm wax – $22
- Arm wax – $39
- Back wax – $56
- Stomach wax – $28
- Bikini or Brazilian wax – $58
- Full leg wax – $70
If you added the average cost of those services together, a full body wax would cost $304. This is much more expensive than the average full body wax, but your potential savings will depend on where you live and what’s included in your salon’s body wax service.
Some salons offer a limited body wax. This is a similar service but excludes less common areas such as your back or stomach. It might also exclude facial waxing.
If your local salon doesn’t list which services are included in a body wax or if you’d like to add on other services like a facial massage, reach out to them directly.
How long does a full body wax last?
A full body wax lasts around six weeks. Many estheticians recommend waxing every four to six weeks for maintenance, but this depends on how quickly your hair grows back. Because waxing removes hair from the follicle, it generally lasts longer than other hair removal methods. If you get waxed regularly, your hair might thin out over time, but this isn’t a guarantee.
How do I prepare for a full body wax?
Once you’ve booked your waxing appointment, you might think, “What now?” Here’s how you can get ready and prep your skin for the smoothest wax:
- Two weeks before your appointment, you should stop using skin care products with active ingredients on the areas you’re planning to wax. In particular, retinoids make your skin more sensitive to waxing. If you don’t pause retinoid use, you can significantly increase your risk of a wax burn.
- Two to three days before your appointment, you should exfoliate your skin. This time frame allows any micro-tears to heal and prevents infection post-wax.
- The day of your appointment, skip out on any coffee or alcohol. These can make your skin more sensitive. Also, ensure your hair is about ¼ inch long, which is the ideal hair length for waxing. If it’s too short, you should wait longer to wax. If your hair is longer, trim it down a bit.
- One hour before your appointment, you should shower so you’re all clean for your esthetician. Just don’t use any products on your skin post-shower. You can also take an over-the-counter painkiller, like ibuprofen, to reduce your discomfort.
Does a full body wax include private parts?
Typically, a full body wax includes a bikini or Brazilian wax. If you have a preference between a Brazilian vs. bikini wax, call your waxing salon ahead of time to confirm what your appointment includes. If you’d rather not include a bikini area wax at all, just let your esthetician know. A reputable salon will respect your boundaries and wishes.
Full body wax aftercare
After your full body wax, especially if it’s your first time, you might be a bit uncomfortable. Here are our top tips to take care of your sensitive skin after a wax:
- For soreness: Try an ice pack, aloe vera, or over-the-counter painkillers
- For sensitivity: Wear loose clothing
- For safety: Stay out of the sun and avoid skin care or exercising for 24 to 48 hours.
- For longevity: Gently exfoliate after 24 hours
Some people with sensitive skin might see red dots immediately after waxing from irritation and inflammation in the hair follicles. This normally resolves itself in a day or two but might require a visit to your doctor if it persists.
Whether you’re looking to get ready for a special occasion or simply loathe shaving, full body waxing is a hair removal service that can save you time and keep you smooth longer. When you know how much a full body wax costs, you can scope out a local deal. Book an appointment to give it a try and explore your local esthetician options.
