What To Know BEFORE Getting Your First Brazilian Wax
It'll be painful — but so, so worth it.
Making the commitment to get a Brazilian wax is no easy feat. You know it’s going to be painful and you know there’s not way around that. The 10 to 15 minutes it takes to take down all the hair in your private areas will be tough, but at the end of it, you will be left with smooth and soft skin that lasts for days on end.
We reached out to a waxing expert Deja-Kai of The Foxy Mobile salon who has been in the business for over a decade, to get her tips for making your first Brazilian wax as painless as possible.
What are some of your tips for prepping for your first Brazilian wax? Are there some obvious rules that most people might not know about in the beginning?
Gently Exfoliating the skin a couple days before a wax loosens the hair follicle so it can be removed easier. It’s good to keep your skin moisturized, but avoid using a moisturizer right before waking as it will make it hard for the wax to adhere to the hair.
It’s always good to wear loose breathable clothing so you don’t have the fabric rubbing against your freshly waxed and slightly irritated skin. If you have a lower pain tolerance, then taking an ibuprofen about a half hour before the wax helps.
What should someone look for when choosing a waxing salon or professional? (Maybe some info into the cleanliness, whether they reuse the wax, the rollers, etc.)
Cleanliness is a must! Since your hair follicles and pores are open and susceptible to infection because of the hot wax, you want to make sure the place is clean, the esthetician is using gloves and there is no re-use of wax or spatulas.
Are there different types of wax for different parts of the body? Do some hurt more? Less?
This depends on the esthetician. Some like to do sugaring, some only use hard wax and some only use soft strip wax. Hard wax, which is great for more sensitive areas like the face and certain parts of the bikini area and soft wax is great for everywhere else.
How long does the hair need to be to make for an efficient waxing session?
Hair should be at least a quarter inch. If it's your first time waxing the hair should be a little longer, maybe three-quarters of an inch to make sure the wax grips it well.
What are some aftercare strategies to keep the irritation to a minimum?
For 48 to 72 hours after your wax, it’s best to wear loose, breathable clothing, stay out of steam rooms, saunas, pools, and hot showers and take a break from working out and having any kind of friction on the area. The skin will be overly sensitive, so anything that would irritate it should be avoided.
Are there any people for whom a Brazilian wax is not recommended?
Certain medications or health conditions can cause the skin to be more sensitive. Make sure you describe them to your esthetician so you can make the best decision together. If you are really worried, you can always check in with a physician just to make sure.
How long does someone wait before hitting the beach or the gym after a Brazilian?
Usually about 48-72 hours, depending how your skin is reacting. The skin should not be irritated or sensitive in any way when you put on a bathing suit and hit the gym.
Can I still wax if I have some ingrown hairs from shaving?
Yes. Ingrown hairs are a pain but they can be waxed over and it actually exfoliates them. Waxing consistently helps you get rid of ingrown hairs.
Any other tips for a peaceful and somewhat pleasant first Brazilian?
Just try to breathe, relax, and trust your esthetician. It might not be our favorite experience in the books, but the results are always worth it. Feel free to talk to your esthetician about any other worries or concerns you might have.
Lavinia Lumezanu is a communications and public relations executive who is passionate about reading, fitness, self-improvement and the latest advancements in technology.
Watch AwesomenessTV discuss if shaving or waxing is better.