What To Know Before Your Next Brazilian Waxing: Skin Care And More

An intimate wax can be an intimidating process. Undressing from the waist down and lying on a table in front of a stranger is not for everyone. But with beachside vacations and summer festivals still on the horizon, taking care of “down there” may be a necessity for some.

Whether trying the process for the first time or returning for a refresh, knowing what the appointment may include and how to care for the skin post-wax may help customers make an informed decision about their body hair care.

The Waxing Process

A Brazilian waxing is an optional aesthetic procedure that uses heated wax and fiber strips to remove hair by the root. Hairs are trapped in the wax, and the strip is then adhered to the wax and pulled, tugging strands out by the follicle.

For the procedure to be effective, hair cannot be too short, or the wax may not fully adhere. This could leave strands behind and produce a less desirable outcome.

Let The Hair Grow

The wax needs to grip the strands of hair, meaning they should be at least a grain of rice in length (or a quarter of an inch). While a ruler would be difficult to use for this, simply letting the hair grow with minimal trimming before the waxing appointment may help hair be the optimal length.

For more specific questions or concerns, clients may choose to reach out to their esthetician.

But letting the hair grow is not the only important consideration when researching how hair length can affect the waxing process. The hair growth cycle also factors into maintenance.

The Hair Growth Cycle

Hair grows in three phases. Step one is anagen, or active growth. Step two is catagen, or the transition period. Lastly is telogen, the resting period. Individual hair strands can be at different points in the cycle at the time of waxing removal.

The first few waxing appointments may help with establishing a baseline for hair growth. With regular appointments, hair strands could begin growing on a similar schedule, possibly due to the simultaneous removal. This means that the smoothness of intimate areas may last longer in between appointments.

Pulling the hair from the root in the anagen, active growth phase may also contribute to finer, slower regrowth over time, which can help additional appointments feel more manageable. What is worn to the appointment can also shape comfort post-appointment.

Choosing Clothing For An Appointment

Choosing the right clothes can be the difference between a comfortable appointment and one that ends in itchy discomfort.

Brazilian waxing can be a tough process on the skin, and some discomfort is often common post-waxing. The right clothing may help.

Tight clothing may agitate freshly waxed skin, causing skin irritation or unwelcome friction. Loose, breathable clothing may feel more comfortable and allow airflow to reach the skin.

Changing lifestyle habits may also help the waxed skin recover post-appointment.

Give the Skin Time To Rest

High-impact activities are often a part of everyday routines pre-appointment, but these sweat-inducing physical activities should often be avoided for a time after a waxing appointment.

The tight activewear worn to workout classes and gyms can agitate the skin and promote sweating, increasing the skin’s vulnerability to irritation, redness, or bumps. Saunas and hot tubs should also be avoided until the skin is healed for the same reasons.

Heavy fragrance and aggressive exfoliation may also increase the likelihood of skin irritation, and people often choose to avoid this part of their daily routine immediately after service.

Getting waxed does not mean clients must stop these activities altogether. It is simply recommended to follow these suggestions for a brief time after each appointment to avoid unnecessary discomfort.

Knowing what to expect before and after your Brazilian waxing appointment can help individuals feel more comfortable walking in. Be sure to listen to the advice of professionals and give your body time to adjust after appointments.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.

BDG Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.