Brazilian waxing has been an increasingly popular hair removal treatment in recent years, with more and more people desiring a smooth and hairless appearance. 67% of women ages 18-29 and 44% of women ages 30-44 said they got a bikini or Brazilian wax at least once a year in a 2022 poll by the American Med Spa Association.
But, if you’re thinking about getting a Brazilian wax for the first time, you probably have some reservations and questions. From what to expect during the session to how to care for your skin afterward, this article will offer you all you need to know before your first Brazilian wax, so you can make an informed decision and feel confident going into your appointment.
Preparing for Your Brazilian Wax
Planning ahead might make for a less stressful and uncomfortable Brazilian wax. Here are a few things to remember before your next waxing appointment:
1. Length of Hair Required for Waxing
It matters how long your hair is before you get a Brazilian wax. Your hair should be no longer than a quarter of an inch (roughly the length of a grain of rice). Hair that is too short may not be completely removed by wax because it will not have enough surface area to grab the hair. The opposite is true if the hair is excessively long; it may be more painful to wax.
2. Timing of Waxing Appointment
If you want to get waxed, it’s best to avoid doing it while you’re menstruating. Hormonal shifts during menstruation can make the vaginal area more sensitive, making waxing more painful.
In addition, your skin may be more sensitive and prone to irritation in the days leading up to your period, so it’s best to avoid booking your visit then.
3. Exfoliating Before Waxing
To exfoliate dead skin cells and loosen any hairs that may be stuck under the skin’s surface, exfoliating the bikini area a day or two before the session is recommended.
You may find that your waxing session goes more quickly and efficiently if you do this. However, exfoliating the day of the session can make the skin more sensitive and prone to irritation, so it’s best to wait until after the visit to exfoliate.
4. Avoiding Certain Products Before Waxing
Waxing can aggravate sensitive skin, which can be exacerbated by the use of certain creams. Before your visit, it’s best not to apply any kind of lotion or oil to your bikini line.
You should also stay away from alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and retinol, all of which can make the skin more sensitive and raise the risk of irritation.
5. Take Painkillers Before the Appointment
In particular, persons with a low pain threshold may find getting a Brazilian wax to be a very unpleasant experience. You may want to take an over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen 30 minutes before your visit to ease any discomfort you may be feeling.
As a result, you may have less discomfort and irritation after waxing. However, if you have any preexisting medical conditions or are currently taking any prescriptions, it is essential that you discuss this with your doctor prior to taking any medication.
If you follow these guidelines, your Brazilian waxing experience will be less painful and more efficient. Selecting a salon or spa that is clean, uses sanitary procedures and sells upscale products is also crucial.
What to Expect During the Waxing Process
If this is your first time receiving a Brazilian wax, you might be wondering what to expect. What usually occurs during the procedure is outlined below:
1. Description of the Procedure
Before beginning to wax, the esthetician will first clean and disinfect the targeted region. Then they’ll use a cotton strip to pull the wax and hair out of the hair follicles while applying warm wax.
This is done repeatedly until no more hair can be cut. In order to get rid of any stray hairs or fix any mistakes, the esthetician could use tweezers.
2. How Long the Process Takes
How long it takes to have a full wax depends on the amount of hair being removed and the expertise of the esthetician. A Brazilian wax might take anything from 15 minutes to 45 minutes to do.
3. How to Communicate with the Esthetician
It’s crucial to talk to your esthetician before, during, and after your waxing treatment. Don’t be shy about letting the staff know if you’re in pain or need a break from the operation. If you have any allergies or skin sensitivities, be sure to let the esthetician know.
4. What to Do if the Pain is Too Much
A Brazilian wax can be quite unpleasant, especially for people with a low pain threshold. Communicate your discomfort to the esthetician and request a break or an end to the session if it’s too hard to endure. Taking deep breaths or applying pressure to the area may also assist.
Aftercare Tips
After getting a Brazilian wax, it’s crucial to take the right steps to keep your skin healthy and free of infection. After your waxing appointment, remember these guidelines:
1. Keeping the Area Clean and Dry
Keeping the waxed area clean and dry is essential for avoiding infections. For at least 24 hours after getting waxed, you should stay out of saunas, hot tubs, and pools. Similarly, you should stay away from skin-irritating, form-fitting garments.
2. Avoiding Certain Products or Activities
For at least 24 hours after getting waxed, you should avoid putting any kind of lotion, cream, or other product on the area. All scented products, such as deodorants, perfumes, and aftershaves, should be avoided because they can cause skin irritation.
Also, for at least 24 hours, you should refrain from strenuous physical activity or other activities that could lead to excessive sweating.
3. Using a Soothing Cream or Oil to Reduce Discomfort
To alleviate any discomfort and soothe the skin, apply a soothing cream or oil after waxing, like aloe vera gel or tea tree oil. Products containing alcohol should be avoided because of the damage they can do to the skin.
4. Post-Waxing Sexual Abstinence
After getting a Brazilian wax, your skin needs time to repair and recover, therefore it’s best to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before engaging in sexual activity again. In addition, stay away from anything that could rub or scratch the waxed region, since this could lead to discomfort and irritation.
5. When to Schedule the Next Appointment
Brazilian wax treatments should be scheduled every 4–6 weeks to maintain hairlessness, though this may vary from person to person. In any case, you should wait until the hair is at least 1/4 inch long before waxing again.
Possible Risks and Side Effects
When performed by a skilled and knowledgeable esthetician, Brazilian waxing is typically regarded as safe. But, there are a few potential hazards and side effects to keep in mind.
- Skin irritation and sensitivity: Redness, inflammation, and heightened sensitivity in the waxed area are all common side effects. This is usually not severe and goes away in a few hours to a few days.
- Ingrown hairs: If the hair follicle gets caught or grows back into the skin, you may end up with ingrown hair. Waxing can irritate the skin, leading to redness, bumps, and general irritation. Regular exfoliation is one of the best ways to prevent ingrown hairs, along with avoiding clothing that is too tight and prone to trapping hair against the skin.
- Risk of infection: There is a chance of infection if neither the waxing equipment nor the skin has been properly sanitized before the waxing process begins. Infection in the waxed area manifests as redness, swelling, warmth, and pus. Those who experience any of these signs should immediately consult a doctor.
- When to seek medical attention: Go to the doctor if the waxed area hurts, turns red, or swells up for more than a day, or if you have a fever, chills, or other flu-like symptoms, as these could be signs of infection. Consult your doctor before getting a Brazilian wax if you have sensitive skin, a history of skin conditions or allergies, or if you are taking any medications that may have an effect on your skin.
