If there was one trend to come out of the 2000s that has well and truly stood its ground, it has to be the Brazilian wax. Since then, the popularity of this waxing technique has grown in leaps in bounds — specifically among women of pre-menopausal age.
While Brazilian waxing has a host of benefits, the most notable of which is the convenience, many women are still put off by the potential for pain. But is it really as painful as Sex and the City’s beloved Carrie Bradshaw made it out to be?
To learn all about what to expect from your first Brazilian wax, this blog is your go-to.
What Does Brazilian Waxing Entail?
There is the option to have a simple bikini wax that removes the hair at the sides and along the top line of the bikini/underwear. But if you dare to bare it all, and want to be smooth as a dolphin, bald as an eagle, and completely fuzz-free, then the Brazilian wax is your best option.
And yes, we’re talking about your pubic area.
The Brazilian wax removes all the hair from the top of the pubic area, as well as along the sides, the front, and right into those hard-to-reach areas at the back. In other words, it all goes.
However, if you prefer the idea of reserving some hair, you can opt for the shape of a triangle or landing strip to remain on top of the pubic area.
So, with this in mind, you may be wondering why it’s better to wax this area, rather than shaving it yourself? The answer is simple, a wax lasts far longer. This is because the hair begins to grow back at a slower pace, and also tends to grow back finer.
Shaving increases the rate of hair growth and can also cause darker, coarser hair to grow back in its place. There are also issues such as skin irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hair that you might want to avoid.
Top Tips for Your First Brazilian Wax Experience
Before you book an appointment, you want to prepare yourself accordingly. Unfortunately, you can’t book a Brazilian wax without considering a few important factors first. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of the experience:
1. Hair Length Is Important
Before you opt for a Brazilian wax, your pubic hair has to be long enough for it. Just like any other waxing treatment, you can’t rock up with short fuzz as the wax will have nothing to grip onto.
You want to make sure that your pubic hair is long enough for the treatment — ideally a 1/4 inch or 6mm in length. For example, if you’ve recently shaved that area but then want to go for a wax, you’ll have to wait about 3 weeks until you have a decent amount of hair length.
2. Know Which Type of Wax Shape You Want
When you book a Brazilian wax you don’t actually have to go full bald eagle if you don’t want to. But the key to a successful appointment is knowing what you do want in terms of the wax shape or style beforehand.
Consider whether you just want a simple bikini wax, which removes the pubic hair from the top and sides of the bikini line. Maybe you want a full bikini wax? This includes the removal of hair from the bikini line, the vulva, and the back, but keeps the triangle of hair on the pubic bone.
Or, maybe you want a Brazilian wax, but want to keep a thin strip of hair? Whether you want the whole nine yards, or something more discreet, know your options and speak up about what you prefer.
3. Should You Worry About Pain Levels?
The question on most newbie’s minds: does it hurt? In short, it may hurt a little, especially the first time around. Any type of waxing treatment that pulls the hair out of the follicles is not exactly a pleasant experience — and that’s the cold, hard truth.
However, pain level depends on your own pain tolerance, too. There are a few things you can do to counter some of the pain if you’re really worried about it. You could take an Ibuprofen about 20 minutes before your appointment or apply some numbing cream to the area.
But all in all, most women would tell you that it’s over before you know it and the pain is more like discomfort!
4. Prepare the Area Before You Wax
There are a few simple things you can do to ensure you have the best waxing experience and get the results you’re looking for. First thing’s first, you might want to book your appointment for the morning or late afternoon. This way, you can have a warm shower beforehand in order to soften the skin and open up the pores.
Make sure to exfoliate the area before your appointment with a loofah or exfoliating mitt. Do not feel tempted to apply any body gels, lotions, or oils onto your skin before your wax. You also want to avoid self-tanning before an appointment (at least 24 hours before).
Make sure you’re aware of any open cuts, moles, and skin tags in the area, and tell your beauty therapist about them. After your treatment is done, make sure you have something loose and comfortable to change into afterward. Your skin might be irritated in that area, so tight-fitting clothes such as jeans are not a good idea. It’s also wise to avoid exercising after your wax, too.
5. Prepare Yourself for Some Exposure
Before you head in for a Brazilian wax, you want to ask yourself how comfortable you are with exposing your private parts, i.e your pubic area with another person (your waxing therapist). The reality is that you will have to remove your pants and your underwear in order to get the full Brazilian treatment.
Some salons do offer the option of disposal underwear if you choose to have a bikini wax. However, a Brazilian wax requires you to be 100 percent naked below the waist. You may also need to move into awkward positions to enable your waxing therapist to do a thorough job.
So, with this in mind, assess how comfortable you are with this level of exposure and then go from there.
6. Don’t Schedule a Wax Around Your Period
If it’s coming up to that time of the month, you might want to avoid scheduling a Brazilian wax. This is because the pubic area might be extra sensitive during this time. And coupled with period cramps, this can make for an extra painful and uncomfortable experience.
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Brazilian waxing is not for everyone, but the good news is that with each appointment it becomes far less painful and uncomfortable. It’s also a long-lasting, cost-effective option as results tend to last for up to 4 weeks at a time.
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