Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Bikini Wax
How To Prepare:
There’s A Length Requirement
Refrain from shaving for some time before going in for your wax appointment. For your specialist to perform a bikini wax, the hair needs to be between ¼-½ of an inch long. Without this necessary length, the wax won’t properly adhere to the hair and successfully pull it out of the follicles. Make sure to put down the razor for at least 2 to 3 weeks before you go in for your waxing session. This grace period provides enough time for your hair to grow and allows your skin to heal from any razor-related bumps or irritation.
If you have particularly coarse or fast-growing hair, you can trim the ends to keep the area well-groomed. Your waxer will have to trim these hairs if you show up to your appointment with hairs longer than ½-inch. These hairs could break (either above or below the top layer of your skin) during the waxing process and increase your chances of ingrown hairs.
Know Your Cycle
Your bikini area is more sensitive closer to your time of the month. Save yourself some unnecessary pain and try not to schedule your session on the days when there’s a chance your period will arrive. While there’s no concrete rule on this matter, some waxers consider it a common courtesy not to come in for an appointment during these few days.
Especially for your first bikini wax, it is highly recommended to plan according to your cycle to minimize discomfort. Once you’ve had a few sessions under your belt, getting waxed on your period will be doable for most women. Just make sure to wear a fresh tampon or menstrual cup to your appointment and inform your expert to ensure that the process is done extra carefully.
Cleanse & Reset
Exfoliate around 1-2 days before your wax to clear the bikini area of dead skin cells. This practice will help you get a cleaner wax and help prevent ingrown hairs. Don’t wait until the day of your appointment to scrub your skin.
Shower before coming to the studio. If you don’t have time or are coming from work, make sure to get a quick rinse in either the night before or the morning of your wax. Your specialist will have cleansing cloths ready upon your arrival to use before applying the wax.
Prevent The Pain
While it may be tempting to take the edge off before your appointment, don’t drink any alcohol or caffeine within 24 hours of your appointment. Both of these substances are blood thinners and will increase your skin’s sensitivity. Drink enough water before your wax to keep your skin well-hydrated and more resilient to bleeding or pain. Also plan on wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothes to your appointment (more on this topic later).
The Process
Inform the specialist that this is your first bikini wax to ensure you have proper guidance throughout the entire process. Ask any questions you may have. Professionals have heard everything – if a concern is on your mind, make sure to get this expert advice. It is not embarrassing like you think it may be. Always let your waxer know if any position or part of the appointment makes you uncomfortable. It’s their job to make the session as pain-free as possible.
Could be little Discomfort
While taking all of the proper precautions will help, your first bikini wax will likely be at least a bit uncomfortable. Try your best to calm down, so your muscle can relax. If you get too anxious during the hair removal process, your muscles will tense up and only make the process more uncomfortable. The coarser your hair, the more painful waxing will feel.
Once you’ve been back for a few more appointments, your hair will start growing in finer and the discomfort during waxes will decrease over time.
Results & Best After-care Practices:
Expect Bumps & Swelling
It is very common, especially among those with sensitive skin, to have small red bumps around the bikini area right after your wax due to skin inflammation from swelling hair follicles. They usually disappear in a couple of days and should be gone within a week. However, you can use simple methods like applying a cold compress or aloe vera gel to ease any swelling or itching.
Exfoliate before your wax because it is essential to prevent ingrown hairs during the after-care stages.
During these first few days, your skin will be more sensitive than usual while it recovers. Keeping the area cool and clean is vital to promote healing and help your skin stay smooth.
Hygiene Is Key
Feel free to shower a few hours after your waxing session with lukewarm water. Avoid using any products near the area that contain chemicals or fragrances. Moisturizing the skin frequently is essential for healing. The more hydrated your skin, the less likely you are to develop ingrown hairs. While showering, rub a soothing oil (such as grapeseed, jojoba or tea tree oil) into wet skin for maximum hydration.
Apply lotion or a hydrating cream, like Zensa Healing Cream, after getting out of the shower and as needed throughout the day for the next few days after your wax.
Wait three days until you exfoliate the bikini area. Give your open pores time to tighten and allow the redness to go down. Exfoliating too soon will be too harsh for your already vulnerable skin and can weaken the moisture barrier. Opt for a less abrasive exfoliant like a sugar scrub (you can make a homemade version with brown sugar and olive oil) for calmer skin. Always apply lotion or healing cream after exfoliating.
No Sweat, Sun or Sex
Your empty hair follicles leave your skin more susceptible to infections and irritation from chemicals, bacteria, dirt and other microbes for the first few days after your bikini wax. Limit any activities or habits that could cause friction or sweating. They can open pores and are a breeding ground for post-wax infections.
Avoid saunas, baths, swimming, sex or working out for at least 24 hours. Wear loose-fitting clothes for the first few days after your wax. Constricting clothes can rub against and irritate the skin. It is also crucial not to expose the freshly-waxed area to the sun for at least 48 hours.
