Most of us have been there. Standing in front of the mirror with a pair of tweezers, trying to tackle a few stubborn hairs above the lip. Or maybe you have tried shaving and noticed the regrowth came back faster than you expected, with that prickly texture that makes you wish you had never touched it in the first place.
Upper lip waxing is one of those treatments that sounds intimidating until you actually try it. The process is quick, the results last for weeks, and once you get into a routine, it becomes one of the easiest parts of your beauty regimen to maintain.
If you have been curious about lip waxing but have hesitated because of questions about pain, how long it lasts, or whether it will make your hair grow back thicker, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is Upper Lip Waxing?
Upper lip waxing is a hair removal method that uses warm wax to pull hair out from the root. A thin layer of soft wax is applied to the skin above your lip, and then it is quickly removed with a fabric strip, taking the hair along with it.
Because the hair is removed from the follicle rather than cut at the surface like shaving, the results are smoother and last significantly longer. The process takes just a few minutes from start to finish, making it one of the fastest ways to deal with unwanted facial hair.
At The Brow Fixx, we use a soft wax that is gentle on the delicate skin around your mouth. The technique matters just as much as the product, which is why having a trained professional handle your lip wax makes a real difference in both comfort and results.
How Long Does Lip Waxing Last?
This is the question everyone asks first, and the answer is good news. Upper lip waxing typically lasts anywhere from three to six weeks, with most clients seeing regrowth around the four week mark.
Compare that to shaving, which might give you a day or two of smoothness before stubble starts showing up again. Or tweezing, which can take forever and still miss half the hair. Waxing removes everything in one quick motion and keeps the area smooth for weeks at a time.
The more consistently you wax, the longer your results tend to last. Over time, regular waxing can weaken the hair follicle, causing hair to grow back finer, sparser, and slower than before.
How long your specific results last depends on a few factors. Your natural hair growth cycle plays a role, as does your age, hormones, and even the time of year. Some clients notice faster regrowth during certain seasons or hormonal shifts, while others find their results stay consistent year round.
Does Lip Waxing Hurt?
Honestly, yes, there is a moment of discomfort. But it is brief. The actual wax removal takes less than a second, and the sensation fades almost immediately.
Most clients describe it as a quick sting followed by nothing. It is not the kind of pain that lingers or makes you dread your next appointment. In fact, many people find that lip waxing is less uncomfortable than they expected, especially compared to tweezing each hair individually.
If you have sensitive skin or lower pain tolerance, there are a few things that can help. Avoid scheduling your appointment right before or during your period, when skin tends to be more sensitive. Exfoliating gently a day or two before can also help the wax grip the hair more effectively, which means a cleaner pull and less tugging.
After your first few sessions, you will likely notice the discomfort decreasing. As the hair grows back finer and the follicle weakens, there is simply less resistance during removal.
Upper Lip Waxing vs Threading
Both waxing and threading remove hair from the root, which means both offer longer lasting results than shaving. But the techniques are quite different, and each has its own advantages.
Threading uses a twisted cotton thread to trap and pull out individual hairs. It is incredibly precise and works well for shaping, which is why it is popular for eyebrows. For upper lip hair removal, threading can work, but it takes longer since the technician is removing hair in small sections rather than all at once.
Waxing covers the entire area in one application and removes all the hair in a single motion. This makes it faster and often more comfortable for larger sections of facial hair. Waxing also exfoliates the skin as it removes hair, leaving the area smoother and brighter.
| Waxing | Threading | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very fast, a few minutes | Takes longer, hair by hair |
| How long it lasts | 3-6 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
| Best for | Larger areas, coarse hair | Fine hair, precision shaping |
| Exfoliation | Yes, removes dead skin | No |
| Sensitive skin | Use caution with very sensitive skin | Generally gentler |
For most clients looking for quick, efficient upper lip hair removal, waxing is the better choice. If you have extremely sensitive skin or prefer a chemical free method, threading might be worth considering. We offer both services at The Brow Fixx, so you can try each and see which feels right for you.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
If you have never had your lip waxed before, here is exactly what happens so there are no surprises.
Your esthetician will start by cleaning the area to remove any oil, makeup, or moisturizer. This helps the wax adhere properly to the hair rather than sliding around on the skin.
Next, a thin layer of warm wax is applied to the upper lip area, following the direction of hair growth. A fabric strip is pressed onto the wax, and then removed quickly in the opposite direction. The whole thing takes just a few seconds.
Afterward, your esthetician will apply a soothing product like aloe vera or a calming serum to reduce any redness and help the skin recover. Most clients experience some pinkness immediately after, but this typically fades within 30 minutes to a few hours.
The entire appointment, from walking in to walking out, usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. It is one of the quickest services we offer, and clients often add it on to their eyebrow waxing appointment.
Lip Waxing Aftercare
Taking care of your skin after waxing helps you avoid irritation and keeps your results looking smooth longer.
For the first 24 hours after your appointment, avoid direct sun exposure on the waxed area. Freshly waxed skin is more sensitive and can burn or develop dark spots if exposed to UV rays too soon.
Skip heavy makeup on the area for at least a few hours. Your pores are open after waxing, and piling on foundation or concealer can lead to clogged pores or breakouts.
Avoid hot showers, saunas, or intense workouts immediately after your appointment. Heat and sweat can irritate freshly waxed skin. Lukewarm water and gentle cleansing is the way to go for the rest of the day.
If you notice any redness or sensitivity lingering, a simple aloe vera gel can help calm the skin. Most clients find that any irritation resolves within a few hours.
Will Waxing Make My Hair Grow Back Thicker?
This is one of the most common myths about waxing, and it is not true. Waxing does not cause hair to grow back thicker or darker.
What actually happens is the opposite. When hair is repeatedly removed from the root, the follicle can weaken over time. This often results in hair growing back finer, softer, and sometimes sparser than before. Many long term waxing clients notice they need appointments less frequently as the years go on because there is simply less hair to remove.
The reason people sometimes think hair grows back thicker after removal is because of shaving, not waxing. Shaving cuts hair at the surface, leaving a blunt edge that can feel coarse as it grows out. Waxing pulls the entire hair from the root, so when it regrows, it has a natural tapered tip that feels softer.
Ready for Smooth, Hair Free Skin That Lasts?
First time clients receive 15% off their lip waxing service.
Book Your Lip Wax in Santa Monica, Brentwood, or Austin
At The Brow Fixx, we specialize in facial waxing that is quick, comfortable, and leaves you with smooth results that last. Our estheticians are trained to work efficiently while being gentle on sensitive facial skin.
Whether you are adding a lip wax to your regular brow appointment or trying it for the first time, we are here to make the experience easy. Stop by one of our locations on the Westside in Santa Monica, in Brentwood near the 405, or in Austin near The Domain.
Our Locations
Santa Monica: 1333 2nd St Ste 46, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Brentwood, Los Angeles: 100 Barrington Walk Ste. C, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Austin, Texas: 10515 N Mopac Expy Suite 320, Studio 20, Austin, TX 78759
