Brazilian Bikini Line Wax
Brazilian Waxing
How to prepare: If you have been shaving you will need to stop and grow back the area to approximately 1cm or longer. Although not too long as it can be more difficult for less experienced therapists, so they might want to trim it with scissors first.
If you have never or don’t trim it is a good idea to clip with electronic hair trimmers – grade 4. if left too long the treatment can become more painful. The hair becomes tangled up and the therapist can rip off chunks of hair which get caught up in the strip. If you request an experienced therapist they may well be able to cope with longer hair.
If you have been shaving and decide to get a wax, your first wax will be fine but will (in most cases) grow back quite quickly. The is due to the irregular growth patterns developed during shaving. After a few waxing treatments these patterns will come together resulting in a better wax that lasts longer.
In the week leading up to your wax make sure you exfoliate in and around the bikini area. This should be followed by a good unperformed moisturising lotion. However refrain from doing this on the day of your wax as the wax wont stick!
What you need to ask your therapist/salon: if you are having your first brazilian wax always ask how long the therapist has been waxing, how often they perform that wax and have they had training. I would recommend paying a little extra for an experience therapist when having a brazilian. They will be far quicker and the experience will be less painful.
When you go to your appointment try to wear older skimpy underwear. Some therapists may prefer you to wear none, but your may request to keep them on which will in fact help you to stretch. Many good salons will offer you disposable pants.
Always have a shower before you go to ensure you are clean and fresh. If you don’t have time or you are still conscious take a packet of wet wipes and ask to use the bathroom before going into the beauty room.
The process: The therapist will fill out a consultation form with you and run though any allergies and contra indications (health problems that wouldn’t allow you to have the treatment). Then the therapist will explain where she wants to you sit or lay. At this point they should provide you with a towel to cover yourself during the wax and leave the room while you undress. They should then knock on the door when the are ready to return.
A lot of salons use hot wax for brazilians. This is known for reducing redness and swelling. Hot wax is applied to the skin runny and fairly hot and sets on the skin. Once set the therapist will peel away the corn and rip it off. My therapists use warm wax. Again this is applied runny and warm but a paper strip is applied on top of the wax and then its ripped off. I find this far quicker and more flexible.
A brazilian wax generally means all of your public hair is removed both front and back, however you may decide you wish to leave a small strip at the front. Most therapists will put you on your tummy or all fours to wax your bum- which isn’t as painful as it sounds. Always ask the therapist where they would like you to stretch as the more you stretch the therapy becomes the easier and quicker the wax will be. A brazilian should take no longer than 30 minutes, or 20 to 25 minutes for an experienced therapist. After your treatment the therapist will explain your aftercare. This should include: wear loose clothing as you might be a bit sore, and avoid heat treatments such as sunbathing, saunas and hot baths. It will be worth investing in and afterwax lotion. Your salon may well sell these, if not you can purchase online the Master AfterWax Lotion. This calms and cools the area and can be applied several times straight away.
An alternative to afterwax lotion is witch hazel or aloe vera gel. Again both will sooth, moisturise and keeps your pores free from infection. Don’t forget your pores will be open for approximately 24 hours after your treatment. If you are unlucky enough to get ingrown hair from either your wax treatment or from shaving SkinDoctors offer a great product called ingrow go. Avoid using this straight after a wax I would recommend you wait a few days.
Cost: this really depends on where you live. I would recommend you ask around and visit a salon with a good reputation. Phone a few and get quotes or even better pop in and pick up a price list. This will give you the opportunity to get a fell for the staff and surroundings. If you are still worried book a consultation with the therapist, you should be under no obligation to have the treatment and consultations are normally free of charge.
Good luck and be brave!
