A Brazilian wax involves the complete removal of pubic hair. This thorough treatment includes hair removal from the front of the pubic bone, around the external genitals, between the upper thighs, and around the anus. You can choose to remove all hair in the area or leave a small strip of hair at the front, depending on your personal preference.
A basic bikini line wax targets hair that could be visible outside a swimsuit or underwear, covering the sides of the bikini line and between the belly button and pubic bone. A bikini full wax extends this treatment to include the front of the pubic bone and allows for various styles such as a strip, triangle, or square of hair left behind.
The Brazilian wax goes a step further by providing complete hair removal from the entire pubic area, including the perineum (the area underneath the pubic bone) and around the anus.
At Wax&Co, we recommend the following steps to ensure a smooth waxing experience:
1. Hair Length: Make sure your hair is at least ¼ inch long—about the size of a grain of rice. If it’s longer than ½ inch, trim it slightly to help the wax grip better.
2. Exfoliation: Gently exfoliate with a buffing mitt or washcloth a couple of days before your appointment to help prevent ingrown hairs.
3. Avoid Tanning: Steer clear of tanning for at least 24 hours before your appointment to prevent increased skin sensitivity.
4. Reduce Alcohol and Caffeine: Limit your intake on the day of your appointment, as both can tighten pores and increase discomfort.
5. Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose breathable, cotton underwear or loose-fitting bottoms for your visit.
6. Pain Relief: Consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever about 30 minutes before your appointment to ease any potential discomfort.
7. Arrive Early: Arrive at least 5 minutes before your appointment to check in and use the bathroom if needed.
Your first waxing appointment at Wax&Co typically lasts between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of hair and the type of waxing you choose. Here’s what you can expect:
Preparation: You’ll be asked to undress from the waist down and get onto the table.
Consultation: Your technician will discuss your preferences with you. Let them know if you want a bikini line wax, bikini full, full Brazilian, or if you’d like to leave any strips of hair.
Cleansing: The technician will clean the area to ensure the wax adheres properly.
Pre-Wax Treatment: A pre-wax treatment, usually an oil or powder, will be applied to protect your skin.
Waxing: Depending on the type of wax used, your technician will apply and remove the wax with either paper or cloth strips. Smaller strips may be used around the anus, while larger strips are used on the front of the pubic bone.
Touch-Up: Any missed hairs will be addressed with tweezers.
Aftercare: The area will be treated with a soothing serum or cream to reduce irritation and prevent ingrown hairs.
Pain tolerance varies from person to person. The first appointment is often the most uncomfortable, but many find subsequent sessions much less painful. Generally, hard waxes are less painful compared to soft waxes.
To help prevent ingrown hairs, gently exfoliate a few days before your appointment using a washcloth. Avoid harsh physical or chemical exfoliants. If you develop ingrown hairs, avoid picking at them to prevent further irritation and potential scarring.
A Brazilian wax offers several benefits beyond just a smoother bikini area. This type of waxing provides deep exfoliation, removing dead skin cells from the top layer and promoting collagen production, which can enhance the effectiveness of topical treatments.
Waxing is also one of the least irritating hair removal methods, causing fewer rashes, bumps, or other skin irritations compared to shaving or using an epilator. Additionally, because waxing pulls hair out from the root, it often results in hair that grows back weaker, softer, and thinner over time. This means less hair to groom and more manageable regrowth.
While waxing is generally safe, it can have some side effects. It’s common to experience redness, discoloration, or bumps immediately after your wax, but these should subside within 24 hours. To aid in the healing process and prevent ingrown hairs, use lotions or serums designed for the pubic area. You may also experience itchiness if you’re new to pubic hair removal; resist scratching to avoid further irritation or microtears. Instead, apply a soothing topical hydrocortisone cream or aloe vera gel.
If you have sensitive skin or are taking certain medications, it’s best to consult with your doctor before scheduling a waxing appointment. Medications and conditions to be cautious of include:
These products can weaken the skin barrier, making waxing potentially painful due to over-exfoliation. Radiation and chemotherapy can also increase skin sensitivity and dryness, making waxing less comfortable.
If you’re menstruating, consider rescheduling your waxing appointment if possible. Menstrual periods can make the skin around the pubic area more sensitive and increase cramping. If you decide to go ahead with your appointment, use a tampon or reusable cup, as most professionals prefer not to wax if you’re using a pad or if there is free-flowing blood.
At Wax&Co, we find that the results of a Brazilian wax typically last between 3 to 4 weeks, depending on your individual hair growth rate and colour. To maintain smooth results, schedule your next waxing session once your hair reaches at least ¼ inch in length.
To avoid increased itchiness, irritation, or ingrown hairs, we recommend avoiding shaving between sessions. Sticking to a regular monthly waxing schedule can make the process more comfortable and less painful over time. However, if you miss appointments and disrupt your hair growth cycle, subsequent sessions may be more uncomfortable as you’ll be starting from scratch.
