SEPTEMBER 2022 | 5 Minute Read
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There’s no point in beating around the bush with this one – if there’s one universal truth, it’s bikini waxes can be incredibly painful – some would even describe it as self-inflicted torture. Though the appeal of smooth skin and being hair-free longer can make it worth the pain, it can also be a daunting grooming experience.
If you’ve been loyal to your razor but are considering a bikini wax for the first time, or if you’re a seasoned veteran but are looking for a way to reduce waxing pain, you’ve come to the right place.
Your pain tolerance and your skin and hair type play a role in how much pain you will experience, but that’s not all. There are things you can do before and after that will help make your salon or at-home bikini waxing experience more tolerable and reduce your suffering.
While shaving comes with its own host of problems such as razor burn, ingrown hairs, micro-cuts and nicks, and increased hyperpigmentation, it is still considered relatively painless since it is simply removing hair on the surface of the skin.
The reason why waxing hurts so much is that it is ripping your hair out from the root or follicle. Additionally, the wax applied to the skin can adhere to both the hair and skin so it is even more painful when the wax is pulled away from the skin.
Depending on the area being waxed, your hair texture and skin will determine if you experience more pain. For example, the hair on your armpits and bikini line is thicker and coarser than the hair on your leg. Coarser and thicker hair means the hair follicle is stronger and when the hair is ripped out, it will be much more painful.
The skin on your bikini line and armpits is also thinner and more sensitive than skin on other areas of the body. As such, one of the most painful areas to get waxed is your bikini line or brazilian.
Exfoliating 1-2 days before your appointment is essential as it will slough off any dead skin and help release any hairs that are trapped that would otherwise be missed. Ensure you are using a very gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt; you don’t want to aggravate or break the skin.
Hair is more prone to breaking if the skin and hair is dry, make sure your skin is moisturized with a lightweight lotion so that the hair is removed from the root. Don’t use anything heavy or greasy and don’t apply it the same day as your appointment.
Let your hair grow to about ¼ of an inch before your next appointment. This makes it easier for the wax to stick to the hair and effectively pull it out from the root. Hair that is too short will not be removed easily and hair that is too long might be even more painful to remove.
In general, most women’s bodies are more sensitive around your period so it’s best to plan your wax around your menstrual cycle. Avoid waxing 5 days before or after your period and if necessary, taking a pain reliever before your appointment will generally help reduce pain.
If you are going the DIY route, always make sure you dust a natural powder to the skin before applying your wax. This helps to absorb any excess moisture or oils that are on the skin’s surface, and will help the wax adhere more to the hair instead of the skin.
This is especially important when waxing the bikini/Brazilian areas and the armpits that tend to have more moisture and natural oils.
TIP: if you are applying it to the vulva region, do so carefully to avoid any “poofing” that could allow the powder to enter the vaginal canal.
This is a common issue for home waxers as it’s easy to overheat the wax if you’re using a microwavable waxing kit. If the consistency is too liquid or runny, it is guaranteed to be too hot.
Do a small patch test on the inner part of your forearm to determine whether it will be too hot for the delicate bikini area.
Don’t overlook this as pulling the skin taut before ripping off the wax will significantly reduce pain. You should be using both hands with each removal – one to hold the wax and the other to hold your skin.
Bikini wax aftercare is important, not only to help you minimize the pain you may experience afterwards, but also to reduce the chances of bacterial infections, skin irritation and hyperpigmentation. Trust me, your bikini area will thank you for this!
If you already have hyperpigmentation in the bikini area, read this blog I wrote about causes and how to get rid of it.
The key to soothe irritated skin after waxing is to avoid friction and chafing, minimizing the contact your skin has with clothing. This means it’s best to avoid tight underwear and leggings – opt for something loose, flowing and made of a natural fiber like cotton.
It’s best to wait at least 24 hours to exercise after a wax. Sweat can transfer bacteria into the open hair follicles creating a greater risk of folliculitis and pimples. Not to mention chafing and friction, along with heat can further aggravate the skin.
A hot steamy shower or sauna is not the best thing to do right after waxing. Avoid heat for 24 to 48 hours as it can dry out and irritate your skin and can cause ingrown hairs and bumps. Body washes, lotions and even deodorant can cause further irritation and bacteria can also easily make its way into the hair follicles. It’s best to wait 24 hours following waxing to use any products on the area.
If your skin is still tender for a few days following your wax, dust on a light layer of talc-free and natural body powder to the area to create a barrier between the skin and your clothes. Avoid applying it within the first 24 hours.
Always wait 24 to 48 hours after a wax before engaging in any intimacy. As I’ve mentioned throughout this blog, your skin is extremely vulnerable to bacteria and infections as hair follicles and pores are open and sometimes the skin can break during waxing making. It’s best to wait for the skin to recover before engaging in any intimacy.
Bikini and brazilian waxes can be one of the most painful beauty treatments out there, but with some extra preparation and post-treatment care, your waxing experience should go much more smoothly – pun intended.
All content found on this website is created for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
Clean beauty industry maven and product developer Madame Sweat (Mary Futher) founded kaia naturals after spending 20 years working for global beauty companies. She now shares advice on modern hygiene etiquette for grooming, hosting, home and travel on Instagram, TikTok and her popular blog called The House of Hygiene.
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Hyperpigmentation has been the topic of discussion for quite some time now, but one area that not many like to discuss is the “v-zone.” So if you have noticed that you have darker skin on your bikini area, groin, or inner thighs, this article is for you.
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