So many of us have been coveting hairless skin for as long as I can remember. From smooth legs and hands to a peach fuzz-free face, we all wish to go hairless. Brazilian wax is the solution.
Increased knowledge and awareness about all things beauty has invariably encouraged more and more people to play around with hair removal by experimenting with the different mediums that are available. Today, we shall talk about caring for hair down there a.k.a pubic hair. While taking your hair off or flaunting ‘em (anywhere across your body) is completely up to you if you’re someone who’s been curious about ‘Brazilian wax’, this one is for you.
What Is Brazilian Wax?
So first things first, Brazilian wax refers to getting a full-blown wax down there. Many confuse it with a bikini wax, however, “Bikini wax does not remove hair from the pubic region, it only removes any hair that is visible beyond a normal bikini panty/brief. The bikini wax includes the bikini area, sides of thighs, panty line and above the waistband to the navel. It forms a neat inverted triangle of hair of the panty line,” explains Kanchan S. Punjani, beauty and makeup education manager, Jean Claude Biguine Salons, India
Brazilian wax is the best choice for you if you’re looking at an absolute clean shave down there, “It gets rid of all of the hair – it includes a full bikini wax plus the whole pubic area. It’s a great option for those who like the feel of being totally hairless down below,” adds Kanchan.
Image: Shutterstock
How Painful Can It Get?
“Waxing on such a sensitive area can be uncomfortable, especially for first-timers,” tells Kanchan. Any waxing procedure – even on your legs and hands – isn’t painless. The tugging and pulling effect forms the basics of waxing, which can cause pain and discomfort. “It really depends on your pain tolerance, but using stripless or hard wax can make it as painless as possible,” shares Kanchan.
Furthermore, she adds, “A bikini wax might hurt at first, but as it becomes part of your regular routine, you’ll notice a reduced level of pain with each visit.” As a piece of free (and very useful) advice, she suggests, “If you have consumed alcohol or caffeine, then avoid getting waxed for an hour or two as that increases blood flow which might make you more sensitive.”
Image: Shutterstock
How Does Brazilian Wax Work?
Yeah sure, it’s all about waxing all of the hair around your pubic area but here’s how it works, “Your waxer will first cleanse your bikini area with a wipe or purifying cleansing lotion. She should also apply pre-wax oil or gel to protect the skin before application of the wax so that wax sticks to hair and not the skin’s surface.
The application of the wax is section by section. Then, pressing your skin down to keep it taut, she peels the wax away from your skin, which pulls the hair out by the root. She might also apply a soothing gel afterward to soothe inflammation,” elaborates Kanchan.
She also sheds light on the important things, “Women should carefully consider both – the salon and the aesthetician. In the wrong or inexperienced hands, getting a Brazilian can result in burns, ripped skin, infection, and more if the salon’s hygiene practices are poor. For the waxing procedure, it is very important that your waxer should use high-quality products.
There are also some hygiene precautions that should be followed before the wax ends up in your Brazilian area. For instance, the waxer applying the wax should have clean hands and use latex gloves. They also shouldn’t double-dip into the wax pot or use the same strip twice, because that can bring bacteria from your body into the wax, which will spread the bacteria around your body.” Ladies, watch out for this when you venture into a salon for a Brazilian.
Image: Shutterstock
Tips To Control Post-Wax Effects
Kanchan shares a few tips to keep the skin free of bumps and irritation as much as possible.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes as tight fabrics can increase irritation on already sensitive skin. Continue to wear loose clothes for at least 3 days post-waxing to reduce friction.
- Apply cool compression to the affected area for up to 20 minutes. Also, avoid hot baths or showers.
- Avoid picking or popping bumps. Not only can this damage your skin, but poking and prodding can also introduce bacteria and increase your risk of infection, irritation and boils.
- Avoid perfumed products, lotions, and creams, which can irritate sensitised skin.
- Avoid any excessive activity for 24 hours after waxing. Perspiration can irritate freshly waxed skin.
- You can apply mild gels, such as aloe vera, to help soothe the skin as needed.
Most importantly, Kachan also recommends against waxing while you’re on your periods, “During periods your pubic area is more sensitive; you may experience bumps or pimples, dryness, itching, or redness, and more discomfort than usual, which might lead to infection.”
After Care
To prevent infection, wait a few days after waxing before going swimming or using any other harsh chemicals or creams on your newly waxed skin. Showers and swimming pools should be avoided for at least 24 hours following a waxing procedure. In order to prevent bacteria from spreading to the recently waxed region, you should avoid any contact with heat or sweat. Saunas, tanning beds, and even the gym should be avoided for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Pro Tip: Before indulging in any sexual activity, give yourself at least two days, or between 24 and 48 hours, to recover from the wax.
Benefits
The most sensitive and intimate part of your skin is exfoliated using Brazilian wax, which eliminates dead, dry skin cells. Removes damaged skin cells allowing healthy new tissue to form and eliminates dirt and debris present in clogged pores in the lower body, which reduces acne breakouts.
Pro Tip: There is nothing unhealthy about removing hair from intimate areas.
Risks
Despite the fact that Brazilian wax is safe, it does pose certain risks. Research indicates that eliminating pubic hair raises the likelihood of getting vulvodynia, the chronic pain of the vulva, but this condition is uncommon. Also prevalent are lumps and redness, especially immediately after waxing. Nevertheless, it is transitory and will resolve on its own.
Pro Tip: As your waxed skin recovers, it may become itchy. Avoid scratching, as this might aggravate the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What Does A Full Brazilian Wax Include?
A. Hair is removed from the upper thighs, around the anus, and around the front of the pubic bone in a Brazilian waxing procedure. A short strip of hair in the front is an option if you prefer not to remove all of the hair in the area.
Q. Does A Brazilian Wax Remove All Pubic Hair?
A. Brazilian wax removes all hair from the pubic region, from the front to the rear.
Q. How Long Do Brazilian Waxes Last?
A. Depending on the individual’s hair re-growth rate, results can last anywhere from three to six weeks.
Q. How Much Does It Cost To Get A Brazilian?
A. Depending on the salon and your region, a Brazilian wax will cost you anywhere from INR 4000 to INR 8000 on average.
Q. Can You Get Waxed If You’re Pregnant?
A. Hormones during pregnancy can cause you to grow unwanted hair. It’s generally safe to wax while you’re pregnant, but there are a few things to keep in mind, such as making sure the salon where you’re getting waxed is hygienic and not using wax if you have certain skin issues.
Q. Do Waxers Get Grossed Out?
A. It’s normal to feel a little self-conscious, especially if this is your first time doing something like this. But no, they see it everyday.
Sources:
https://www.femina.in/beauty/skin/what-is-wax-tips-to-control-post-wax-effects-228886.html
https://www.vidasleek.com/blogs/blogs/what-s-your-bikini-wax-style
https://lifeunited.org/how-to-smooth-your-skin-with-brazilian-waxing-the-ultimate-guide/
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/hollywood-wax
