Like many people, you're probably addicted to the amazingly silky feel your skin is left with after you get rid of the hair on it. But let's be real: most of us hate the inconvenience of constantly shaving to achieve that perfect smoothness.
That's where waxing comes in! It's a fairly quick process with results that last weeks longer than shaving, which is why waxing continues to grow as a popular alternative.
Shaving only removes the hair from the skin's surface, so regrowth is immediately visible. Waxing works by removing the hair from the follicle (the root), which causes the hair to grow back much slower.
Over time, waxing can lead unwanted hairs to grow back thinner or – even better! – not grow back at all.
Think of it this way: There's a reason you're supposed to pull weeds from a garden, not just cut them.
WHAT IS A BRAZILIAN WAX?
In the world of bikini waxes, the choices are endless. There is a wide selection of services that remove the hair from the bikini area, ranging from a simple edge cleanup (Bikini Line) to the removal of ALL the hair (Completely Bare Bikini). Many services fall somewhere in between, like the Brazilian.
Many people confuse the Brazilian with the Completely Bare Bikini. Here is the difference:
- A Completely Bare Bikini removes all the hair from the genitals and buttocks, leaving the entire area completely hairless.
- A Brazilian Wax removes all the hair, too – except for a vertical “landing strip” of hair in front, typically 2-3 fingers in width.
The procedure only takes 30 minutes, and the results typically last 3 to 4 weeks, leaving you hair-free for a much longer window of time than shaving.
Depending on your needs, we use hard and soft wax to achieve the cleanest results.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE GETTING A BRAZILIAN WAX?
Will it hurt?
One of the most common questions we get asked is how painful it is to get waxed, which is completely understandable. However, there is no straightforward answer because everyone has different hair and levels of tolerance for pain.
Realistically, most people will typically experience some level of pain or discomfort the first time they wax an area. Still, most people report that it hurts less after waxing the area regularly.
How should I prep?
To get the best experience and results, make sure that your hair is at least a quarter of an inch long before getting your service done. For most people, this is around two weeks of uninterrupted hair growth.
If your hair is much shorter than a quarter-inch, the wax won't be able to attach to the hair properly, and you may be asked to return when your hair has grown out longer. If your hair is much too long, it can cause the wax to clump and attach irregularly, leading to a more painful pull.
Showering beforehand isn't required, but it's a good idea to make sure that the area you're waxing is as clean as you can reasonably make it.
If you are waxing for the first time, your skin might feel slightly sensitive after your service. If possible, wear looser-fitting pants and underwear to your appointment.
Also, don't forget to check your schedule! If you're new to waxing, don't plan for a beach day or intense workout right after getting your first Brazilian wax, or you might end up with ingrown hairs and skin irritation. Make sure you give the area 24-48 hours of rest before doing any activities where you will be sweating or very active after your service.
Are there any risks?
Waxing is considered a safe process when performed hygienically and by professionals like the expert estheticians at Pia's. However, we advise that you avoid waxing if:
- The area you want to wax is sunburned
- You are allergic to any of the ingredients in the wax
- You are on a medication that can cause skin to be very sensitive or fragile
- Have a condition that causes the skin to be very sensitive or fragile
It is safe to wax if you are pregnant.
After you wax, wait one week before exfoliation. Exfoliating too soon after waxing can irritate your skin and cause pain.
Most importantly, always remember: We want you to get the most out of your service, so don't hesitate to communicate with your esthetician about any concerns you have about your hair and skin.
