Decided to quit shaving and book your first bikini wax?

Getting a wax can be a nerve wracking experience, and if you’ve never had one, you’re probably wondering what’s going to happen. Luckily, I’m here to alleviate your worries and give you a breakdown of what you can expect.

I’m going to level with you: getting a bikini wax can be an unpleasant experience for some, but it’s not as scary as you think. Also, it’s a highly effective method that provides longer-lasting results than shaving so it’s worth it IMO.

At Wear Next, we encourage personal choice when it comes to body hair removal. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach or pressure to conform to societal expectations. We fully respect and support those who choose to embrace their natural body hair too!

But if you prefer a hair-free bikini line, you may already have your own way to get rid of the fuzz down there. Shaving, perhaps?

Me? I’ve long decided to stop shaving because it’s not efficient at all. The hair grows back within a day or two, and it can leave angry red bumps.

I decided to book my first bikini wax years ago and I’ve never looked back since. If you want to give it a go, I’m answering all your burning questions about how you can prep before your first session.

As someone who has been doing it for years, I may have some helpful tips for you.

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How to prep for a bikini wax

Preparing for a bikini wax involves a few simple steps to make the experience more comfortable and effective.

First, it is important to let the hair in the bikini area grow out to at least a quarter of an inch or longer before your session. You should stop shaving at least two weeks before your appointment, or the wax won’t be able to grab onto the hair to remove it.

Next, gently exfoliate the area the day before the appointment to remove any dead skin cells. This also helps to avoid ingrown hairs as your hairs start to grow back.

On the day of your bikini wax, it’s recommended that you wear cotton underwear. While cotton may not be the sexiest fabric, it is less irritating and more breathable than others, making it a more comfortable option. Tight pants should also be avoided on waxing day for the same reason.

This also helps to avoid rashes and red bumps forming after your wax, although it’s normal for the area to be red a day or two after your appointment.

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Does a bikini wax hurt the first time?

Everyone’s pain tolerance is different. It’s not the loveliest sensation, but for some it will feel like a breeze, and others will find it more painful.

In my experience, the first time was a lot more painful than my following appointments. To ensure you maintain your waxing routine, it’s important to schedule your appointments within the appropriate timeframe. For a bikini or Brazilian wax, appointments should be made approximately four to six weeks apart.

To minimise discomfort during a waxing appointment, you may consider taking a pain killer 30 to 60 minutes beforehand. 

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What to expect after your first bikini wax

After getting a bikini wax, it’s not uncommon to experience some inflammation and redness in the waxed area. This is due to the fact that the hair has been removed from the root, causing irritation to the skin. 

Your hair follicle is left open, so make sure to keep the area dry for at least 8 hours – no hot baths or showers (cool to lukewarm water only).

The degree of redness and inflammation can vary from person to person, and some may experience this more than others.

Some may also experience red bumps after a bikini wax, although this is not the case for everyone. These bumps are usually caused by ingrown hairs or skin irritation, and they typically go away within a day or two.

After the redness passes, it’s a good idea to keep the area clean and to regularly exfoliate to avoid ingrown hairs.