Brazilian Bikini Wax FAQ’s

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What exactly is a Brazilian bikini wax?

A Brazilian bikini wax is generally the complete HAIR REMOVAL in the genital area, including the front, back and everything in between. Whatever you want to call it, there are a multitude of different Brazilian wax names out there. Like the Playboy, the Hollywood, the Sphinx, the Frenchie, or the G Wax. Regardless of name, the bottom line is a Brazilian wax should be fast, affordable and a comfortable experience for you.

How long does a Brazilian bikini waxing appointment take?

Generally, the appointment should take about 15-20 minutes to complete. This is dependent on amount of area to be waxed and the coarseness of the client’s hair. Initial appointments may take a little longer with each subsequent appointment taking a shorter amount of time, since there is less hair and it is easier to remove. However, most skilled and experienced estheticians can complete the service in less than 15 minutes. You will definitely like it done FAST!

What are the advantages of waxing over shaving?

One of the most obvious advantages in waxing is that instead of taking the hair down even with the skin as you would with shaving, you are removing the entire hair from the papilla (root). This ultimately means you have longer lasting results, up to a few weeks instead of a few days. In addition, the more often you wax (within the growing cycle) the longer you will remain hair-free. Also, waxing over the same area repeatedly causes damage (not a bad thing) to the root of the follicle causing it to grow in slower and finer. Even though it may be convenient, shaving cuts the hair blunt off the top leaving you more susceptible to ingrown hair and bumps as the hair can curl into the surrounding follicles. Furthermore, you are at risk of nicking the area with the razor.

Ouch!!! Now that’s what I call painful!

Is Brazilian bikini waxing safe?

Definitely! However, your Brazilian bikini wax should always be performed using items that are completely sanitary and disposable. Disposable gloves should always be worn by the esthetician and non-reusable waxing paper should be used on the esthetics table. All items used during your service should be tossed in the trash after your wax. Any metal implements used (i.e. tweezers or scissors) should be sanitized between clients. Most importantly though, waxing spatulas should never be double-dipped in the wax. Double-dipping is completely taboo in this industry and completely unsanitary. If you see your waxer doing this…Run, don’t walk, right out of the spa!

What should I do to prepare for a Brazilian bikini wax?

I recommend you try to book your appointment about a week after your period. At this time, you tend not to be as sensitive. Please stop shaving for at least 2-3 weeks before your appointment. This will give your hair ample time to grow out to the length that is appropriate for waxing. The day of your appointment just try to relax. Even though you will be given a sanitary wipe to freshen up prior to your appointment, it is highly recommended you shower as close to your appointment as possible. Also, please avoid caffeinated beverages a few hours before your service. Caffeine can stimulate the nervous system and make us more jittery and anxious. In addition, you may want to take an over-the-counter pain reliever about 45 minutes before your appointment to help minimize inflammation, sensitivity and discomfort. If you are on a medications that might create sensitivity in the skin, please consult with your medical provider for further instructions. Wear something loose to your appointment too!

How long does the hair have to be to schedule a Brazilian bikini wax?

To maximize the waxing, I recommend the hair be at least a ¼ inch long. It doesn’t require that you get a ruler out and measure it. That’s normally about 2 weeks of outgrowth (no shaving!). Any shorter than that, and it’s very difficult to pull out. If you happen to have thicker or stubborn hair, you may want to grow your hair out a little longer like a 1/2 inch. Perhaps, 3 weeks instead of 2 weeks. Gives us grip power!

What can I expect during the service?

A professional esthetician will always make your comfort their top priority. Expect that you will disrobe from the waist down in a private room. Most likely, you will be laying face up on a bed or table. You can expect to change positions during the service so that all the hair can be removed. However, I never recommend a client get on “all fours” to remove the hair on the back side. That’s a little awkward… You can expect a little discomfort. It’s not a walk in the park, but it’s not a torture chamber either. An experienced waxer will be swift and thorough, A really good waxer will have you talking the entire time that you forget where you are and what you are doing. Those are few and far between. If you find someone like that, hold on to her for dear life!

What is the normal charge for a full Brazilian bikini wax?

Prices can vary from spa to spa. Some charge as little as $25 and some as much as $100 for a full Brazilian bikini wax. On average, the price usually hovers around $60-$85. Be leery of spas that charge very low prices. I always believe you get what you pay for. Very experienced and skilled waxers in your area will never charge the lowest level of pricing for their waxing services. Trust me on this one…

Brazilian Bikini WaxSpecial occasions and Brazilian bikini waxing?

My recommendation is always to schedule your Brazilian waxing appointment 2-4 days before any special occasion. It’s also not a bad idea to prepare yourself by doing a few waxing trial runs before the big day, just in case you experience redness or sensitivity before your wedding or vacation. You would rather have the extra day or two to recover than be miserable. It’s better to be safe than sorry…

Does a Brazilian bikini wax hurt?

Never as much as you would think. Most clients would agree that it was not as bad as they imagined it would be. The pain is equated to ripping off a large band-aid. The pain is only momentary and then it’s gone. Unfortunately, it just takes a little longer.

How do I alleviate some of the pain with Brazilian bikini waxing?

I strongly recommend taking 1-2 Ibuprofen 30-45 minutes before your appointment. Also, being tense or nervous can really make a huge difference in your ability to manage pain. Just try to relax and breath. Think happy thoughts!

Can I get a Brazilian bikini wax during my period?

Yes, it is absolutely acceptable to get a wax during your period. My recommendation is to wear a tampon during the service. While I understand life is unpredictable at times, please plan your Brazilian wax according to your monthly schedule if you are uncomfortable receiving a wax while you have your period. If you cancel for this reason within the 24 hour late notice cancellation time, you will still be charged the $25 late notice cancellation fee. This fee must be paid prior to booking any future appointments.

Will I experience any bleeding from getting a Brazilian bikini wax?

You may. This is considered a side effect of waxing rather than a complication. The hair follicle is connected to your body’s blood source. Once you quickly swiftly remove a hair from the follicle it may respond with pinpoint bleeding. Fortunately, the bleeding is extremely minor and will stop almost immediately.

Can pregnant women get Brazilian bikini waxes?

Absolutely! There are no current studies which would support that getting a Brazilian bikini wax is unsafe for Mom or baby. But, because of the ouch factor, it is a service I wouldn’t necessarily recommend if you have never had one done before. Because of the increase in hormones, sensitivities, and blood flow in a woman’s body during pregnancy, you may experience more discomfort than usual. To put your mind at ease, you may want to consult with your doctor. But…If you are dead set on getting a wax during pregnancy and you have never had one before… I recommend starting with a traditional bikini wax and then, over time, gradually take off more hair during each appointment. Or, think about it this way…A Brazilian wax can help you prepare for the amount of pain you experience when you give birth.

You will soon realize that the Brazilian was a total breeze.

Why is my skin peeling or itchy after getting a Brazilian bikini wax?

Occasionally, clients will experience some peeling or itchiness a few days after a wax. These are very minor side effects to waxing and usually occur when some minor inflammation or trauma is inflicted on the skin. My recommendation is not to apply anything to area, but rather have it run its natural course.

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It can take up to 1-2 days after your waxing appointment to recover. Initially, you may experience inflammation and redness in the area. Some, but not all, clients will experience red bumps (which will go away in a day or two). It has been my experience that clients with coarser, thicker hair seem to require more recovery time after a Brazilian wax. To speed up recovery, I always recommend that clients be very gentle on the area for at least 2 days post appointment. This means no tanning, exfoliants, heat, friction or lotions. Anything that could possibly irritate the area further. You get the picture!

How should I take care of my Brazilian bikini wax?

BE GENTLE!!! Avoid tanning and sun exposure for at least 1-2 days. The area is already sensitive. Let’s not add insult to injury. Hold off on taking a shower or bath for at least 8-10 hours after your appointment. The heat can further aggravate the hair follicles, causing additional redness and bumps. Also, do not apply lotions or creams to the waxed area. The softening of the hair from waxing and the softening of the skin from moisturizers, can lead to clogged follicles and pesky ingrown hairs. Additionally, anything that causes excessive rubbing a friction we will want to steer clear of. Most of all…DO NOT SHAVE!!! We want to weaken the follicle so hair grows in slower and finer from waxing. Shaving will do the opposite of that goal!

Can a Brazilian bikini wax make a woman feel sexier?

My clients who are loyalists to the Brazilian bikini wax always comment on this subject. ALL clients would agree that they feel fresher and cleaner after getting a bikini wax. And MOST would agree that men and women alike think that it not only looks sexy, but it also makes the woman feel sexy. It may put a swagger in her step, or make her feel more confident or allows the bedroom to become a runway to show off her privates. Brazilian waxing has been known to do all of that, plus a lot more! If something as little as a Brazilian bikini wax can spice up a couples’ sex life, why not give it a try? I think you may be pleasantly surprised at the reaction you will get.

When does the hair start to grow back?

This is the #1 question I get from my Brazilian waxing clients. I can’t wave a magic wand to not make the hair grow back. It will grow back at some point. How long it takes, varies from client to client. What I can tell you is that the rate at which your hair will start growing back is dependent upon many factors. Coarseness of hair, the hair cycle of any particular follicle and the length of hair initially when you came in for your first appointment. If you experience stubble in a few days after your appointment it is most likely hairs that were not waxed, but tiny hairs that were under the surface coming through. Generally, clients start to see minor outgrowth at about two weeks.

Fortunately, hair tends to weaken over a period of time from waxing, so you may notice it growing in much slower and finer. At about 4-5 weeks, the hair is at point where you will want to schedule another waxing appointment to keep it under control. It will also hurt a lot less than waiting longer. Anything longer than 8 weeks, you may be starting back to square one. Bummer!

What causes ingrown hairs and how can I get rid of them?

Ingrown hairs, especially in the bikini area, are annoying and troublesome to say the least. Shaving in the opposite direction of hair growth with a dull razor, tight clothing or excessive perspiration in the bikini area are the most common causes of them. But what really causes us to get ingrown hairs down there?

There appears to be 4 reasons why they might happen:

  1. Pubic hair grows sideways into tissue rather than out through the follicle thus clogging the surrounding follicle and causing a bump.
  2. When a hair curls back in the skin.
  3. When excessively tight clothing (i.e. yoga pants) is worn which does not allow the hair to grow normally, thus causing chafing around the follicle.
  4. Hair follicles are trapped with sebum or dead skin cells.

Fortunately, there are many proven ways to prevent and treat ingrown hairs. Gently exfoliating the area with a loofah or a rougher-textured washcloth can help to prevent then (but not always). Another way to prevent ingrown hairs is to skip the moisturizer in the bikini area. Hydrating pubic hair and the surrounding skin tends to help more with  ingrown hairs than on drier skin. When used as directed, Bikini Kitty is hands-down my favorite product to treat and prevent ingrown hairs. This product will not only keep the bikini area dry, its salicylic acid (skip it if you are allergic to aspirin) base helps to remove dead-skin build up. Keeping those irritating ingrown hairs under control and at bay!

These are some of the basic questions about Brazilian bikini waxing services. If you don’t see your question answered above, you are more than welcome to contact me to go over any thoughts or concerns you may have about any waxing service we offer. To have a successful Brazilian bikini wax, always keep the lines of communication open with your esthetician. We are there to answer questions, provide comfort and carry out a professional and speedy waxing service. This should be not be a traumatic event, but rather a positive experience for you with some bonus end results.

I look forward to your visit to Clean Slate Spa.