Bikini Wax: Top 10 Questions Answered

A professional bikini wax can be worth it for the super-smooth results. You can tell the waxer how much or how little hair you want to be removed, from tidying up to a more thorough job on top and past your thigh creases.

A bikini wax can be uncomfortable and even painful for some people. Still, waxing may be a better solution than shaving: It can leave your skin hair-free for weeks instead of days. Read on to learn more about this type of wax with Health's bikini wax guide.

1. Is Waxing Better Than Shaving?

It can be. Waxing may be better than shaving if you want the effects of hair removal to last longer. Hair grows back slower after a wax than it does following a shave.

You may also choose to wax if you desire a smoother result. Waxing pulls hair from the bulb, while shaving can leave blunt hair tips behind.

2. How Long Does Your Hair Need to Be?

Your hair should be just the right length. It should be no shorter than one-fourth of an inch but no longer than three-fourths.

If your hair is longer, waxing will be more painful. If it's shorter, the wax won't have enough to grab onto. That means it may not come off at all or could lead to pesky ingrown hairs.

If you're unsure about the length, lean on the longer side. You can then request that the studio trim it down for you.

3. How Do You Prepare?

If you decide to get a wax, keep the following tips in mind:

• Do your research and find a reputable salon. The salon you go to should be completely professional and sanitary. Word of mouth and referrals are often the best way to find the right studio. If a friend has had a good experience somewhere, chances are you will, too.
• Consider going when you don't have your period. You can get a wax when you have your period. Just make sure to use a tampon and give your waxer a heads-up! But most experts advise against it, especially if it's your first time.
• Skip exfoliants a few days before. Keep your skincare regime gentle in the days leading up to your wax. At most, do a very light exfoliation a couple of days before, Keiann Roberts, an aesthetician at The Medical Spa in Gastonia, N.C., told Health. Anything too harsh will irritate the skin, causing more redness and irritation after the wax.
• Take a painkiller the day of the wax. Pain can be a concern for most first-time bikini waxers. Though waxing is unlikely to be as bad as you might imagine, the fact is it can hurt or cause discomfort to varying degrees.
• Wait to get a wax if you have temporary skin issues. Reschedule your appointment if you have a sunburn or other skin irritation. You'll want to wait for it to clear up so you avoid extra pain or irritation during and after the wax.
• Wear loose clothing. Leave your leggings and tight skinny jeans at home, and go to your appointment in something a little lighter and looser. "You don't want to wear any really tight clothing or leggings that could cause any friction in the area," said Roberts, which can increase your odds of developing wax burn afterward.
  

4. What's the Difference Between a Bikini Wax and a Brazilian Wax?

There are different types of waxes, including:

• Bikini waxes: Remove visible hair that can be seen with bikini or swimsuit wear
• Brazilian waxes: Remove pubic hair in the front and back, leaving some hair on the mons pubis—the area above the pubic bone
• Full bikini, or Hollywood, waxes: Remove all pubic hair
  

5. Which Wax Should You Choose?

The type of wax you want to have depends on your goal. A full bikini wax would be your best choice if you want to be completely hair-free. However, a bikini wax is better for a neater look around the panty line.

6. How Painful is a Wax?

You may experience anything from some discomfort to full pain with a wax. How much pain you feel during a wax depends on your pain tolerance. Pain tolerance refers to the most amount of pain you can bear.

7. What Should You Expect Following a Wax?

Your post-wax bikini area won't look perfect straight away. It may be red and irritated shortly after it has been waxed.

8. How Long Does a Wax Last?

A wax can last two to six weeks. This means you would have to get a wax less often. However, a person's hair growth rate and the part of the body waxed determine how long a waxed area remains hair-free.

9. Is Waxing During Pregnancy Safe?

Waxing is safe during pregnancy. It is one of the recommended ways to remove extra hair other than shaving, threading, or chemical depilation—hair removal using creams, powders, or lotions.

10. What Are Some Wax Aftercare Tips?

A waxer will usually apply a soothing cream to calm the area post-wax. Still, it can't hurt to have some hydrocortisone on hand at home as well. Dabbing your just-waxed skin will dramatically reduce redness and discomfort.

Cold packs and non-comedogenic or oil-free moisturizers—ones that won't clog your pores—are other soothing options to use. You'll also want to opt for cooler baths or showers.

Additionally, wait to exercise after your wax appointment. "The last thing I would recommend is taking a spin class right afterward," said Roberts. "I always say, 'I'm your excuse to skip the gym today,' because you want to make sure you don't irritate the area anymore."

A Quick Review

There are a few things to remember before and after getting a bikini wax. For instance, it's best to find a reputable salon where you feel comfortable and know the type of wax you want to receive.

You'll also want to be proactive by, for example, waiting until you've had your period and wearing loose clothing when it's time for your appointment. Also, be prepared not to have smooth skin right away and engage in wax aftercare (e.g., using a cool pack and moisturizers).