This article was co-authored by Melissa Jannes. Melissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. Melissa is also a National Educator for Universal Companies. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in both New York and Pennsylvania. Melissa won the "Best of Beauty" award from Allure magazine in 2012 for the quality of her bikini waxing.
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Getting a bikini wax can seem daunting, especially if you’ve never had one before. With a little preparation, a bikini wax can be a quick, routine procedure that leaves you hair-free for at least several weeks. Make sure you choose a reputable practitioner, prepare your bikini area, and treat redness and minor pain appropriately.
Steps
Getting Ready for a Bikini Wax
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1Choose a reputable practitioner. It’s important that you get a bikini wax from a practitioner you can trust. Ask friends and family if they have suggestions. You should also take time to read reviews of the establishment and practitioner online before booking your appointment.[1]EXPERT TIPMelissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. Melissa is also a National Educator for Universal Companies. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in both New York and Pennsylvania. Melissa won the "Best of Beauty" award from Allure magazine in 2012 for the quality of her bikini waxing.Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator
Melissa Jannes
Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax EducatorDo your homework, look at reviews and make sure hygiene is taken into consideration. Call the salon before you schedule an appointment and ask whether they double dip their wax. If they don't know what that means, don't go there. If they hesitate before answering, don't go there. Double dipping is the number one way to spread infection and is also illegal in most states.
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2Make sure your hair is about ¼ inch or 2/3 centimeter long. Your hair will need to be at least ¼ inch or 2/3 centimeter long for a bikini wax. If the hair is any shorter than this, the wax will not be able to grab onto the hair. If your hair is not long enough, the practitioner may send you home and have you reschedule the appointment.[2]Advertisement
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3Try exfoliating before a bikini wax. Gentle exfoliation can help loosen hair from its follicles, which may make the waxing process a little easier and possibly less painful. Try using a washcloth to gently exfoliate the area to be waxed. Make sure you do not rub too hard, or you can cause inflammation.[3]EXPERT TIP
"Exfoliation before a wax can help you with ingrown hairs."
Melissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. Melissa is also a National Educator for Universal Companies. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in both New York and Pennsylvania. Melissa won the "Best of Beauty" award from Allure magazine in 2012 for the quality of her bikini waxing.Melissa Jannes
Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax EducatorMelissa Jannes
Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator -
4Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment. It is important that you don’t show up for your bikini wax wearing tight bottoms, such as a pair of skinny jeans. After your wax you will want to put on loose-fitting bottoms, like a pair of linen pants or a dress. If you feel comfortable, you can forgo underwear after your treatment. If not, wear soft, comfortable panties.
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5Stay hydrated. It is important that you are hydrated when you go in for your bikini wax. This can make the process a little less painful. Try drinking at least 64 ounces the day before and the day of your wax.[4]
Managing Pain and Redness
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1Be prepared for a little pain. While some salons might claim that a bikini wax is painless, you should not take such claims at face value. You will experience pain during your wax, especially if it is your first time. The pain, however, should only last for the duration of your wax.[5]
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2Consider taking ibuprofen an hour before your wax. Some people recommend taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, like ibuprofen, before you get a bikini wax. This can help mediate some of the pain you might experience when you get a bikini wax. Ask your doctor if taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug is a good choice for you.[6]
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3Know that it’s normal to bleed a little. Hair follicles are connected to blood vessels, which means there might be a little blood when the hair is pulled out. You are more likely to bleed a little if it’s your first bikini wax.[7]
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4Understand the waxed area might be red after the wax. It is normal to have a little bit of redness after a bikini wax. This will usually last no more than a few hours after the procedure. If you still have redness and inflammation in the days after the wax, call your practitioner.[8]
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat should you not do before a bikini wax?
Melissa JannesMelissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. Melissa is also a National Educator for Universal Companies. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in both New York and Pennsylvania. Melissa won the "Best of Beauty" award from Allure magazine in 2012 for the quality of her bikini waxing.
Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax EducatorDon't shave your hair. If you're currently shaving, let your hair grow out for a minimum of 2 weeks before you wax. If you're waxing, wait 3 weeks before your next waxing appointment. It's easier to pull the hair out when it's longer, so the waxing will be more efficient. -
QuestionDo they make you wash up before they start your Brazilian wax?
Community AnswerNo one "makes" you, but you should certainly be freshly showered as a courtesy to the esthetician. -
QuestionCan I work out/sweat the day after?
Community AnswerYes, that is fine but wear cotton underwear and shower right after, then let everything air out after the shower. This will limit the accumulation of bacteria.
References
- ↑ http://www.azspagirls.com/bikini-waxing-101-how-to-prep-for-your-first-wax/
- ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/a32818/bikini-wax-tips/
- ↑ http://www.womansday.com/style/beauty/a7055/getting-waxed/
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/31/bikini-wax-tips-hair-removal_n_3361843.html
- ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/advice/a33718/what-to-expect-the-first-time-you-get-a-bikini-wax/
- ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/advice/a33718/what-to-expect-the-first-time-you-get-a-bikini-wax/
- ↑ http://www.womansday.com/style/beauty/a7055/getting-waxed/
- ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/advice/a33718/what-to-expect-the-first-time-you-get-a-bikini-wax/
About This Article
To prepare for your bikini waxing, check that your hairs are at least ¼ inch long, since the wax can’t hold onto shorter hairs and you’d probably be asked to reschedule. You can also exfoliate your skin to loosen the hairs and make the waxing less painful. When you go for your appointment, make sure to wear loose, comfortable clothes and underwear, which will be gentler against your skin after it's been waxed. If you’re worried about the pain, take an ibuprofen an hour before your appointment. You should also stay hydrated throughout the day, which will help your body deal with the pain and soreness. For more tips, including how to manage pain and redness after your bikini waxing, read on!
