Introduction

Waxing “down there” can be frightening and if you’ve never had a bikini wax before you probably have a lot of unanswered questions. The reality is that bikini waxes are not fun but knowing the facts should relieve your anxiety. So, we’ll answer the most common questions waxing newbies have before they take that first trip to the salon.

Should you exfoliate before and after waxing?

If you’re getting a bikini wax, you should exfoliate 24 to 48 hours prior to getting waxed and again 24 to 48 hours after. Moisturize with an exfoliator right after waxing and continue use for the following three days in combination with a gentle moisturizer. After the three-day time frame, you can continue to use the exfoliator as needed.

Should you trim before waxing?

Trimming your hair isn’t necessary before going in for your wax appointment. Don’t worry about potentially grossing out your wax technician. They wax for a living and shouldn’t be bothered by the sight of an unkempt bikini area. Please note that if you decide to trim prior to waxing you risk cutting the hair too short, which can lead to ingrown hair.

How do you avoid ingrown hairs & what to do once they’ve surfaced?

As stated above, you should be exfoliating regularly. Also, make sure that you’re spacing your waxing appointments far enough apart that you give the hair enough time to grow back to the appropriate length. If you do end up with ingrown hairs, put a little bit of ingrown hair serum on them. That along with exfoliating is usually enough to eliminate those pesky ingrown hairs painlessly. Also, tanning lotions, alkaline cosmetics, after-shave products containing alcohol and bars of soap also leave a film on the body that can cause ingrown hairs. You should steer clear of these types of products for at least 48 hours after grooming.

How long does the hair need to be when you go in for a wax?

Your hair should be ¼ – ½ of an inch long. When the hairs are shorter than a quarter of an inch, they tend to break in half instead of being removed from the roots, which can cause irritation and ingrown hairs. We know that you want to keep your bikini area spotless, but it’s very important to be patient. The longer the hair is, the better the results will be.

Can you get a bikini wax during your period?

Yes, you can get a bikini wax during your menstrual cycle as long as you wear a tampon. However, your skin is usually more sensitive during that time of the month and it’s suggested to avoid waxing during those days. If you’re adamant about it, the best time is on the most fertile day of your cycle because your pain tolerance is at its highest.

Will the technician wax your butt?

You can get your butt waxed if you’re getting a Brazilian wax or if you specifically ask the technician to go back there. During your appointment, don’t be afraid to let the technician know exactly what you want and how tolerant or intolerant you are of pain. It’s imperative to keep an open line of communication so that you’re satisfied, plus it’s their job!

Is there any way to make it hurt less?

The good news is that the answer is yes! Thirty minutes prior to your appointment, take an over the counter pain reliever like Motrin or Advil. Also, try to avoid getting waxed less than five days before your cycle since your skin is extra sensitive during that time.

Can you shave every day?

It is not recommended to shave every day and waxing is the better option. It’s more efficient because it removes hair below skin level, which immediately weakens the hair follicle, so the hair grows back more slowly and lightly over time. But if you insist on shaving instead of waxing, be sure to shave in the direction of the hair growth and not against. You must always use shaving cream or gel to protect your skin from irritation and ingrown hair. Additionally, use a razor with a sharp blade because dull blades can cause nicks and leave you with an uneven shave.

What are the signs of a bikini wax gone wrong and how should you treat it?

This all depends on the circumstances. If your skin is burned from hot and hard wax, you would need to wait until the burn fully heals to wax again and be sure to never go back to that particular salon. Skin lifting from waxing will probably look like a red raw spot and this is definitely a red flag! An ointment like Neosporin will help heal this type of spot. If you get ingrown hairs, they will look like pimples at first. Be sure to get the hair out once you determine it’s an ingrown hair because it has the potential to become a very painful abscess.

Why is your skin itchy after waxing and how do you relieve irritation?

This can occur if the technician uses synthetic wax. Using an aloe-based product or anything with tea tree or lavender will help soothe and heal the skin if irritation does occur.

How can you extend a great wax?

There are a few ways to extend a good wax. Exfoliation will extend the wax, but only for so long. Heat stimulates hair growth, so it will naturally grow back faster in the summer, so try to keep it cool down there. Avoid tanning beds, sun exposure, saunas, intense exercise, and hot baths for at least 24 hours after waxing.

Conclusion

We hope this covers everything you were curious about before having your first bikini wax. Don’t be afraid to ask your technician about any other questions or concerns you may have to make your experience the best it can be.

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