Brazilian Wax 101

Getting a Brazilian or bikini wax for the first time can be pretty intimidating. The best way to psych yourself up is to know exactly what to expect from beginning to end.

Finding your perfect wax specialist is crucial. Not all wax specialists are created equal. Finding a waxing salon is easy, just google “Brazilian wax in my area.” It’s important that you read reviews for the spa that you are planning to be waxed at. Make sure that whoever is waxing you has the proper license from the state board of cosmetology. See what measures the facility takes to make you safe and comfortable. Pricing doesn’t always guarantee the best wax. The best wax I’ve ever had only cost me $50. The worst was $70. Don’t go for the best deal just because you want to save a few bucks.

Waxing hurts. Theres no way around it. The darker the hair, the deeper the root the more pain. But you will get through it. Certain areas hurt more than others. But if you keep going to your wax appointments within the time frame your wax specialist recommends, it will get easier every time.

What should you do before your appointment? Exfoliate the day before your appointment to stimulate the hairs, it will help make sure the most hair possible comes out at your appointment. Try to shower or freshen up before your appointment as well so that your wax specialist isn’t dealing with any embarrassing odors or any materials/waste left behind. (It happens!)

Make sure you show up to your appointment on time! They have their whole day planned out with other clients, your first time wax could take the entire appointment time. Even if you don’t have a lot of hair it could be very stubborn hair. You don’t want to force your wax specialist out of their schedule or have them deny you your wax.

Be honest with your wax specialist about any question they ask you. They’re asking for a reason. Their job is to remove the hair and keep your skin as healthy as possible. Certain medications or skin care products combined with waxing can ruin your beautiful skin.

How long will it take for your hair to grow back? As an esthetician I get asked this question every time I wax someone. I answer it the same way every time. Your hair has three stages of growth; anagen, catagen, and telogen. During anagen and sometimes catagen your hair is connected to the blood supply (this is why you may bleed during your wax, its normal! It's actually good!) This helps the hair grow. During telogen the hair is pretty much dead, it just kinda stays there not growing. You want your hair removed during anagen or catagen so that it will be gone for the longest period of time, and possibly gone permanently. The hair removal can be permanent if the hair is connected to the blood supply at the time of removal.

Aftercare is just as important as the actual wax. Ingrown hairs are common among all people who remove their hair. What’s the best way to prevent it? Exfoliate exfoliate exfoliate. Use a loofah or exfoliating gloves the day after your wax and everyday after that. Do not use any sugar scrubs on your Brazilian area because you do not want them near your hoo-ha. Your hoo-ha is diabetic.

I hope this helped you learn more about getting waxed, safely. If you have more questions, do not be afraid to ask your wax specialist. We actually love hearing all of your questions, it shows us that you care!