Quite aware that I was massively letting the side down, I marched myself up the hill to the Gary Ingham Spa.  Gary Ingham is a boutique salon and spa in Hampstead, handily situated opposite the tube.  After receiving the warmest of welcomes, I was ushered upstairs into the lobby, where, surrounded by rushes and mahogany, I was instantly whisked back to the Banyan Tree in Thailand. 

My beauty therapist called me in before I could even make the contents page of InStyle, which made a refreshing change from other spas where you can tell the big spenders are seen first. As I was left to change to the sound of whales and the scent of fragrant candles, I was actually excited. In the hands of undoubtedly the most well-groomed and coiffed beautician I have ever met, as I prepared myself for half an hour of discomfort, my only hope was that I would emerge half as polished as my practitioner.

For those of you who are yet to try the hot wax, I couldn’t recommend it more highly. As opposed to a strip wax, the wax- usually in candy colours of pink or blue (perhaps to offer the illusion of looming fun times) is slathered on and left to dry. Once hard the wax can be pulled off with relatively little discomfort.

With each strip, I awaited the tears, the overheating or, simply, the mental strength oft needed to stay and continue to be mercilessly stripped; but alas, it never came. 
Instead, I found myself murmuring in surprise at the absence of pain and perhaps overstating my praise. 

In search of some advice on maintenance, I enquired as to the best methods for upkeep and to avoiding those pesky in-growns. I was instructed to exfoliate, moisturise and never ever revert back to shaving despite the mid-month urge. 

I have to say that the wax at The Gary Ingham Spa was undoubtedly the most enjoyable, thorough and least painful wax I have ever had, and I urge you all when you’re next in the Hamp to book an appointment, you won’t be disappointed!

Brazilian Hot wax from £42, Gary Ingham Spa,
 63-67 Heath St, Hampstead, London, NW3
T:020 7431 0777 E: info@garyingham.com
 Mon–Wed: 10am–7.30pm | Thu–Fri: 10am–8.30pm | Sat: 9am–6.30pm | Sun: 11am–6pm
Tweet: @GaryInghamHair