A Brazilian wax removes all or most pubic hair. What should you know before you go bare? Dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, explains what to expect.
What is Brazilian wax?
Real talk: Most people are hairy. Often, pubic hair can grow down your thigh a bit, where it can peek out from a bathing suit or underwear. Sometimes it grows upward in a line toward your belly button.
A bikini wax removes hair along the edge of your bikini line, along your thigh and below your navel. A Brazilian wax takes things further. techiesin
This waxing method removes all pubic hair — above, behind and around every corner. Depending on where you go, your waxer may use different types of wax (both hot and cold). But all the polishes work by sticking to hairs so the root can pull them out.
Is a Brazilian wax right for you? Here are the pros and cons.
Brazilian wax benefits
Nothing unhealthy or unsanitary about going au naturel (read: hairy). But if you prefer a more groomed look, waxing has some benefits, notes Dr Khetarpal.
Less irritation: If you prep well, waxing may be less likely
than shaving to cause rashes and bumps.
Long-lasting: Wax pulls hair out from the root, so you'll
stay smooth longer than a razor. Eventually, the hair grows back — but a Brazilian
wax can keep you hair-free for three or four weeks. (At that point, it'll be
time for a repeat visit to your waxer.)
Less hair over the long term: If you wax repeatedly, the
hair often grows softer and thinner. Over time, waxing will be easier and less
painful, and you may be able to go longer between sessions.
Brazilian wax side effects
No pain, no gain. Waxing does have some risks:
Pain: How bad is a Brazilian wax? It ranges from pretty
uncomfortable to OMG on the pain scale. But the first time is usually the
worst.
Rash: It's common to experience bumps and redness,
especially after waxing. This is temporary and typically resolves on its own.
Itchiness: Your waxed skin might feel itchy as it heals. "Try
not to scratch since that can irritate the skin," says Dr Khetarpal.
Vulvodynia: Though it's not super common, research shows
that removing pubic hair increases the risk of developing vulvodynia, chronic
pain of the vulva.
What to do before a Brazilian wax
These tips can help you prep for the best results if you want to try a Brazilian wax
Know when to say no
Skip waxing if you:
Are sunburned. (Ouch!)
Have susceptible skin.
I have taken the acne medication isotretinoin in the last
six months. "Waxing while taking isotretinoin can cause permanent scars.
And that goes for hot and cold wax," says Dr Khetarpal.
Do your research
"Hair removal does have a risk of infection or injury if it's not done correctly. Read reviews and ask for recommendations to find a trustworthy salon," says Dr Khetarpal. Most waxers in the U.S. need to have a license to perform the procedure.
And waxers should wear gloves and never "double-dip." In other words, they should use a new stick each time they scoop wax from the pot rather than re-dipping the same rod they used to apply the wax to your skin.
Brazilian wax prep
To get the best results, you can take some simple steps to prepare before your appointment:
Trim: Hair should be between one-quarter and three-quarters
of an inch long for the wax to do its job. If it's longer, you might want to
trim before you go.
Scrub: Exfoliating the area before a wax can prevent ingrown
hairs.
Prevent pain: Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen about a half
hour before your appointment.
Plan for after-wax care
After hair removal, your skin might be a little tender. "Applying a cool compress can help ease the pain and reduce redness," Dr Khetarpal says. Wear loose, comfortable clothes to avoid discomfort.
Consider washing with a mild cleanser to soothe the skin and remove any residual wax. You might also want to skip soaking in the bath or having sex for a day or so until your skin has gotten over the
A Brazilian wax may not be your most relaxing salon treatment.
But it might be the fastest route to the smooth city if you're curious about
going hair-free. marketingmediaweb