If you’ve never had a Brazilian wax before, this type of waxing involves grooming of pubic hair. Depending on your preferences, you can have all your pubic hair removed or leave a strip of it in the front.
Brazilian Wax vs. Bikini Wax – What’s the Difference?
Basic bikini line waxes groom hair in the area of the groin, particularly hair that may be visible if you’re wearing a bikini. Bikini full waxes, on the other hand, removes the hair in this area as well as the hair on the front of the pubic bone.
But what makes a Brazilian wax different from the bikini full wax is that it goes a step further by completely removing pubic hair – from the front to the perineum as well as the hair in the anus.
Preparing for Your Brazilian Wax Appointment
To make sure you’re ready for your waxing session, be sure that:
- Your pubic hair has a length of ¼-inch. If it’s ½ inch or longer, lightly trim it.
- Gently exfoliate down there a few days before your appointment to avoid having to deal with ingrown hair.
- Cut down on caffeine and alcohol on the day of your appointment as these things can make waxing more uncomfortable.
- Avoid tanning at least a day before your appointment.
- Wear loose cotton underwear.
- Arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment so you can use the toilet if needed.
Brazilian Wax Procedure
A Brazilian wax session for a first-timer could take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes depending on factors like how much hair you want removed and how much hair you have.
Before the session, you’ll need to remove your clothing from the waist down.
- Inform your wax technician whether you prefer a full Brazilian or a full bikini, and so on.
- You’ll be asked to hop on the table and then the tech will perform some cleansing, followed by pre-wax treatment. This is usually in the form of powder or oil to protect the skin.
- Then your tech will either use cloth or strips of paper to remove pubic hair. Any hair that is missed will be removed using tweezers.
- Afterward, the area will be soothed and rejuvenated using cream or serum.
And you’re done! Be sure to tip your tech generously!
Is Brazilian Wax Painful?
The first session is usually the most uncomfortable and most people who have tried it admit to experiencing some pain. But it depends on your pain tolerance, really. As a general rule, soft waxes hurt more than hard waxes. So if you’re concerned of the pain, do ask the salon if they offer hard waxes.
A Brazilian wax usually lasts around 4 weeks. You can go for another treatment once the pubic hair is at least ¼ inch long. Maintaining a monthly waxing schedule will definitely make the whole process less painful and at the same time, prevent itchiness, ingrown hair and skin irritation.
After Treatment
Once you’re done, you may notice some redness or tenderness – this is normal, but you can relieve it by applying cold compress or putting on some hydrocortisone cream. Experts advise against sexual activity for at least a day from the time of waxing as the skin needs to heal. You can take a shower but a bath is not advisable as this may cause irritation.
Who Shouldn’t Get a Brazilian Wax?
If you have sensitive skin or if you are taking certain medications such as oral acne medications, antibiotics and topical retinoids, waxing may not be recommended for you.
Finding a Reputable Salon
Look up salons in your area that specialize in Brazilian waxing. Brazilian Wax prices vary depending on the reputation and experience of the salon, location, and the type of waxing you want.
Choose a professional salon that has well-trained estheticians who can, not only set your mind at ease, but also ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.