At my beauty salon in Maghull, waxing with thread veins comes up more often than you might think. A client lies down, then quietly points to a little web of red or purple lines behind her knee. “Is that going to be a problem?” she asks. In most cases, the honest answer is no, as long as I adapt how I work.
Thread veins and varicose veins are not the same thing, though. One I can usually wax around with care, and the other I won’t wax over at all. So in this guide, I’ll explain the difference, how I change my approach, and when your GP should see your legs first.
Thread Veins or Varicose Veins – Why the Difference Matters
Thread veins are the fine red, blue or purple lines that sit flat in the skin. They often look like a small spider’s web or a few short squiggles. Many women spot them on the thighs, around the knees or near the ankles. On their own, they’re very common.
Varicose veins are different. They’re swollen, twisted veins that often bulge above the skin, usually on the calves or the backs of the legs. Some women find them achy or heavy by the end of the day. The NHS guide to varicose veins and their symptoms explains them clearly if you’re not sure which you have.
Why I Won’t Wax Over Varicose Veins
I don’t wax over a bulging vein, full stop. The skin over a varicose vein can be delicate, and the vein itself sits close to the surface. Pulling wax across it isn’t something I’m prepared to risk. That rule hasn’t changed since I qualified at Hugh Baird College in 1999.
That doesn’t always mean no wax at all. Instead, I can often wax the rest of the leg and leave a clear margin around the vein. Of course, if the leg is sore, swollen or hot, we leave the whole leg and you see your GP.
How I Adapt Waxing With Thread Veins
For thread veins, I change the way I work rather than turning you away. First, I look at your legs in good light before I start. Then I note where the veins sit, so I can plan around them. As a result, nothing comes as a surprise halfway through.
Next, I work in smaller sections over those areas. A smaller strip means less pull on the skin at once. I also hold the skin firmly as the wax comes off, which I do for every client. However, over thread veins I’m especially careful to keep that support steady.
Checking the Wax Temperature
I use the Lycon waxing system, and I always test the wax temperature before it touches your skin. Where there are thread veins, I’d rather be extra cautious with warmth. So I check again before working over those patches. If anything feels too warm, tell me and I’ll stop straight away.
Afterwards, a little redness around the area is fairly common. In my experience, it settles as the skin calms down. That said, if you notice bruising that doesn’t fade, ring me and we’ll talk it through.
Thread Veins After Pregnancy and With Age
Many of my clients first noticed thread veins after having a baby. Others saw them creep in during their forties and fifties. For example, hairdressers, carers and shop staff on their feet all day often mention them. Long shifts at Aintree hospital don’t help either.
Skin changes with age as well, so I adapt for that too. I’ve written about waxing mature skin after 50 if your legs feel thinner or drier than they used to. Many of the same principles apply here. In other words, slower, smaller and gentler usually wins.
Aftercare for Legs With Thread Veins
For the rest of the day, keep your legs cool. Skip hot baths, saunas and very tight leggings until any redness has settled. Also leave out perfumed lotions on freshly waxed skin. Then, once the skin feels calm, a plain moisturiser helps with dryness.
If you’re walking the dog along the canal towpath, loose trousers are kinder than tight jeans that rub. Leg waxing results last up to around four weeks, depending on your hair growth cycle. So you’ll have a while before the next appointment comes round.
Don’t Let Thread Veins Put You Off
Plenty of women stop waxing because they feel self-conscious about their veins. Some switch to shaving and then struggle with stubble and rashes all winter. Honestly, I see thread veins every week, and they don’t shock me at all. Waxing with thread veins is simply a case of planning, not a reason to give up.
Equally, you don’t need to hide them or apologise. Just point them out when you arrive, so we’re both on the same page.
When to See Your GP First
Please see your GP before you book if a vein is painful, swollen, red or warm to touch. The same applies if your leg feels heavy and achy, or the skin around a vein has changed colour. I’d also ask you to get checked if new veins have appeared suddenly. Those aren’t things a beauty therapist should guess about.
Once you have the all-clear, I’m happy to help. Bring any advice your GP has given you, so I can work around it.
Booking Waxing With Thread Veins in Maghull
I’m the only therapist at the salon, so you’ll see me at every appointment. Because of that, I remember where your veins sit and how your skin coped last time. It saves you explaining it all again, which most women appreciate.
You can read more about my leg waxing Liverpool appointments before you book. Then, if you have questions about waxing with thread veins, call me on 0151 909 6116 or contact us. Tights season is here, so it’s a good time to get booked in.
