When it comes to bikini line hair removal, we're all different. Some like shaving, others use hair removal cream, and some like to leave their hair down there au natural. And then there's waxing (with some even brave enough to do it themselves). The main goal of a bikini wax is to remove most of the hair from your vulva (that's the legit word for the outer part of your genitals – the vagina is the part inside, just FYI... and we're definitely not talking about waxing the inside).
There are a whole host of different bikini wax styles for you to choose from. Whether you’ve booked your appointment for a neaten up of the hair at the sides, are partial to a Brazilian (that's removal of most of the hair, but not all – you're usually left with a landing strip on the front), or are more of a Hollywood kinda gal (going completely bare), have you ever wondered what you’re putting the area through in the process?
Us neither. Until we chatted to Keri Raciti, an expert from Harley Wax, to discover a little more about all of the side effects that can happen down there when you get your monthly bikini wax. Not just that, we've also provided some handy tips on how to minimise the ones you really don't want to become a regular occurrence (we're looking at you, ingrown hairs).
You'll be relieved to hear that it's not all bad news – most side-effects are actually pretty normal. Keep reading to find out more.
5 common side effects of bikini waxing
Your bikini line might go red
Everyone who's ever had a bikini wax knows that erythema – or redness – is a distinct possibility.
However, according to Raciti, this isn't a sign of any direct harm to the skin. "The redness will subside and can be minimised with the application of aftercare lotions or gels," she explains.
Ingredients used in post-wax products include:
- Aloe vera
- Tea tree
- Lavender oil
- Azulene, a chamomile extract
All of these are designed to soothe the area and calm the colour down, asap.
Your bikini line might get irritated
We've all heard the ingrown hair horror stories, but if your waxer knows what they're doing, and you're careful with aftercare, you can minimise your chances of encountering an issue, according to Raciti.
"Most professional wax brands also make use of a pre-wax oil applied before the wax, eliminating the possibility of adhesion of the wax to the skin," she explains.
"When your wax is done, anything that creates heat, sweating or friction is a no-no for up to 48 hours. Skinny jeans and tight fitted clothing are best avoided and I know it feels nice and smooth, but my advice is – don't touch."
Raciti also advises avoiding any products with added perfumes or colourants during this period, to cut the risk of irritation even further.
Your skin down there may increase in temperature
"It is recommended that a bikini wax is performed with the use of a professional hot or film wax, which is specifically formulated to effectively grip the hair in this area," Raciti notes.
As a result, the temperature of your vulva goes up during a treatment, and you might even find that you get a tad sweaty at the time. There's no need to metaphorically sweat it, though (ha, ha...) – it won’t have a negative impact on your result, and the skin should cool down quickly enough once the procedure is finished. Phew.
Your skin down there may lose all its dead skin cells
Not only is the skin softer because of the lack of hair after a wax, the waxing itself is a bonus exfoliating treatment for the area. Who knew?
"Exfoliation - or the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin - is a natural side-effect of the waxing process," explains Raciti, adding that this is actually beneficial in the renewal process.
So, if you’ve noticed that the skin down there actually looks better after you’ve been waxed, this could be the reason why…
Your bikini line may produce less hair
A solo encounter with a wax strip isn’t going to get your follicles to give up the ghost, but if you’re a dedicated member of the long-term waxing club, you could notice your growth getting thinner naturally anyway.
"The result of your wax is a long lasting hair-free result," Raciti confirms. "It will not cause damage to the skin or surrounding areas, but your hair may over the years decide to ‘give up’ and grow back finer."
Products to help prevent bikini wax side effects
Strictly Professional After Wax Lotion with Aloe Vera and Lavender Oil
How to prevent bikini wax side effects
As Raciti explains, it's pretty simple. Just remember the following steps (and it's probably worth getting a professional to do the actual waxing).
Before the wax:
- Exfoliate your bikini line pre-wax
- Trim your pubic hair. The shorter the hair, the less painful the waxing process
- Drink plenty of water
- Make sure your salon has applied a pre-wax oil to stop the wax sticking to your skin
During the wax:
- Practice breathing exercises
- Try not to tense
After the wax:
- Make sure your salon applies an appropriate aftercare gel
- Avoid working out or activities that'll irritate your skin for a minimum of 24 hours
- Avoid hot showers for a minimum of 24 hours
- Continue exfoliating to prevent ingrown hairs
- Don't wear tight fitted jeans, trousers or pants.
See, easy as anything.
