All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Thinking of going bare down there? While there are lots of pros to waxing it all off (no stress of strays during bikini season, fewer ingrowns, and feeling crazy smooth) there’s also a lot to consider before taking the plunge. Skincare and waxing expert, Stephanie Coyle of SenSpa in San Francisco spills everything you need to know.
It's Going to Hurt
Like, for reals. Popping two Ibuprofen about 30 minutes prior to your appointment will ease the ouch factor a bit since it will minimize inflammation and desensitize the nerve endings. Also helpful: numbing sprays (like Gigi’s Anesthetic Spray). But while those may take the edge off, it's not going to be a comfy feeling. The good news: it will all be over in about 30 minutes and it hurts less each time you go back. So hang in there!
You Have to Grow Your Hair Out!
It will be hard for the wax to grip your hair if it isn't at least 1/4 of an inch long (about the length of a grain of rice). If you usually shave your bikini area, you'll need to toss the razor for a while pre-appointment! “Your waxer may even request that it be 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch long — so check with them when you book. Trying to wax hair that is too short can lead to breakage and ingrowns,” Stephanie explains. Yikes! Also important, if your hair is longer than an inch long, the waxer will need to trim it before the service.
The Spa Tech Will Be Really Up in Your Business
For regular bikini waxes, the spa will offer you disposable paper undies, but for a Brazilian, you'll pretty much be laying there naked from the waist down. The waxer will probably ask you to spread your knees apart but keep the soles of your feet together (for easy access to your bikini area — not to test your yogi skills). If you want a full Brazilian (AKA no hair back there), they'll also ask you to bring your knees to your chest to wax you in the back. Veteran waxer tip: wear a skater skirt (not jeans)! You can keep your skirt on during the appointment and just lift it up instead of laying there with just a shirt on like Donald Duck. Plus, tight jeans may irritate your freshly waxed parts.
There May Be a Teeny Bit of Blood—That's Okay!
If you've never waxed before, the bulbs of your hair follicles will be larger than the pores they're being yanked out of. This may lead to a little bit of bleeding if the bulb tears the pore a teeny bit. Don't freak! It's common with newbie waxers and will lessen as you continue waxing.
You Will Feel a Little Tenderness After the Treatment
For about a day after the wax — especially your first one — it's going to feel a little sensitive. Wear cotton undies, skip super skinny jeans, and apply a soothing serum (like European Wax Center's Ingrown Serum — only to the external area). “We also implement a 24 hour rule of no heat, friction,or exercise,” Stephanie says.
It's Going to Be So, So Smooth Down There!
Unlike shaving, waxing removes the entire hair from the root! This means your skin is left insanely smooth. Also, the process exfoliates — so your skin will feel silkier too! To keep things silky and prevent irritation or ingrowns, Stephanie suggests gentle exfoliation about a week after your wax. She recommends using a loofah or body glove and a body lotion with a chemical exfoliant (Like AmLactin’s).
Related: 11 Things You Think Before, During, and After a Bikini Wax
