There’s probably no other beauty regimen that incites fear in the hearts of women all around the world than the infamous Brazilian wax.
You know what it is – it’s similar to a bikini wax, except everything is removed.
That’s right, every strand of hair around the sensitive area. Introduced by a group of sisters during the naughty nineties, it has remained the most popular method of hair removal in the U.S.
However, it doesn’t come pain-free. Brazilian waxes hurt like hell. Plus, you’ll be lying on a table with your private parts exposed to a stranger. The entire process is both frightening and awkward, especially for first-timers.
Here’s what to do before your first Brazilian wax treatment to ensure a comfortable and less scary experience.
Grow your hair out
Bikini and Brazilian wax specialists from West Valley state that you always need to make sure you’re hairy enough for your wax appointment. The ideal length is a quarter of an inch long or about the length of a rice grain. Think about it this way: short hair is denser. The shorter the hair, the harder the pull.
If it’s longer than the recommended length, don’t fret. Your wax specialist will trim it for you if needed. You might end up cutting it too short when you do it on your own.
Moisturize and exfoliate before the appointment
Coarse hair and dry skin make it easier for hair to break during the process. For you to achieve smooth and long-lasting results, the hair and surface should be healthy and rich in moisture. The best way to prepare is not to shave and to exfoliate and moisturize regularly.
A day before your wax, scrub your sensitive area to remove dead skin cells and reduce the chance of ingrown hairs. Dead skin cells can trap hairs underneath, making the waxing less effective and less clean.
Pop a painkiller
If you have a low tolerance for pain, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends taking over-the-counter pain medication, such as Advil or Ibuprofen, to reduce discomfort and inflammation. It’s good to take a painkiller around two hours before your appointment. Aside from pain relief, the painkiller will also help calm the skin down after the service.
Plan your wax-day outfit
You won’t want to wear your favorite skinny jeans or yoga pants. Anything tight-fitting will rub raw spots and make matters worse.
Think harem pants, maxi dresses, and breathable cotton fabrics. You can even wear your baggiest college sweatpants. Your wax specialist won’t judge you in any way. The important thing is you feel comfortable post-treatment.
Do Brazilian waxes get less painful over time?
Just like some people’s relationship status, it’s complicated. Waxing isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair as everyone’s body is different. Each person reacts differently, and pain during waxing generally depends on one’s mindset and overall tolerance for pain or discomfort.
The rule of the thumb is to try Brazilian waxing for at least two times. For many people, the second wax is more comfortable, and the results are smoother and longer-lasting. As time goes by, you’ll know what to expect, and the shock factor will go down. Regular waxes will also reduce the amount of hair that grows back, making the process less painful.
When it’s time for your first Brazilian wax treatment, it’s understandable to be afraid. However, don’t let your fear overpower your desire to be smooth down under. After all, what’s a little bit of pain for the sake of beauty?
