Your complete guide to intimate waxing

If you've never had an intimate wax before or if you're searching for some tried-and-tested tips to enhance your waxing experience, you're in the right place! We're here to shed some light on the world of personal waxing, from what to expect to how to prepare, and even how to care for your skin afterwards.

What is Intimate Waxing, Anyway?

Let's clear the air first: intimate waxing refers to the removal of unwanted hair from the bikini area. There are four standard types:

1. Classic Bikini Wax This is the simplest and most basic form of bikini waxing. The waxer removes any hair that would be visible outside the 'bikini line', or the area that a bikini bottom would typically cover. The main aim is to keep everything neat and tidy while maintaining a natural look.
2. High or Extended Bikini Wax: This is a more detailed version of the classic bikini wax. A high bikini wax removes hair from not just the sides, but also a bit from the top to create a smaller, more defined triangle. Some hair may also be removed from the sides of the labia, depending on your preference.
3. Brazilian Wax: The Brazilian wax is more extensive, removing almost all hair. A small strip or a triangle of hair is typically left on the front according to the client's preference, hence it is sometimes referred to as 'the landing strip'.
4. Hollywood Wax: This is the most comprehensive of all, resulting in total hair removal from the entire pubic region, front to back. Unlike the Brazilian, no hair is left on the front - it's all removed for a completely bare look.

How should I prepare?

Preparing for a bikini wax can make the process smoother and less painful. Here are some key steps to follow:

1. Hair Length: Your hair should ideally be about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long for the wax to grip the hair properly. If it's too short, the wax might not be able to pull out the hair effectively. If it's too long, the process could be more painful.
2. Cleanliness: Shower on the day of your appointment, and make sure the area is clean. This can help reduce the risk of infection and help the wax adhere better to your skin.
3. Exfoliation: Gently exfoliate the area a day or two before your appointment to remove dead skin cells. This can make the waxing process more efficient and can also help to prevent ingrown hairs post-waxing.
4. Hydration: Drink plenty of water before your appointment, and try to avoid caffeine and alcohol. Hydrated skin can handle the waxing process better, while caffeine and alcohol can tighten pores, making the process more painful.
5. Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment to prevent irritation after the wax.
6. Pain Management: If you're concerned about pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen about 30-60 minutes before your appointment.

What can I expect from my appointment?

You may be worried that your waxing appointment might be a bit awkward, especially if it's your first time, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable. Here's a general walkthrough of what typically happens during a bikini, Brazilian, or Hollywood wax appointment:

1. Consultation: First, your waxing specialist will ask about your preferences and discuss the type of wax you want. They will clarify what areas you want to have waxed and discuss any concerns or questions you might have.
2. Preparation: You'll be led to a private room and given a clean towel or disposable underwear to change into. You'll typically be asked to remove your underwear for Brazilian and Hollywood waxes.
3. Cleansing: The waxing specialist will start by cleansing the area to be waxed to remove any lotion, sweat, or oils that could interfere with the wax.
4. Waxing: Then, they will apply a thin layer of wax in the direction of your hair growth and place a cloth strip over the wax. They'll press down to make sure the wax adheres to the hair, and then quickly pull off the strip in the opposite direction of your hair growth.
5. Tweezing: After all the waxing is done, the specialist may use tweezers to remove any stray hairs that were missed by the wax.
6. Soothing: Finally, they will apply a soothing lotion or oil to the waxed area to calm the skin and reduce inflammation.
7. Aftercare Advice: Before you leave, the waxing specialist will provide aftercare advice to help you take care of the waxed area and prevent ingrown hairs.

How long does a bikini wax last?

A bikini wax typically lasts about three to six weeks, depending on your individual hair growth rate. Everyone's hair grows at slightly different rates, but you can generally expect to see some regrowth within two to three weeks of your waxing appointment.

The first few times you get a bikini wax, you might notice that regrowth seems to happen more quickly. This is because hair grows in cycles, and your hairs are not all in the same phase at the same time. So the hair that was too short to be waxed during your appointment will continue to grow.

With consistent waxing, your hair cycles will start to synchronize, and you'll have more hair in the "growth" phase at the same time. This means you'll see smoother results that last longer. Also, regular waxing can cause the hair to grow back finer and sparser over time, which can also help your results last longer.

Remember, it's recommended to let your hair grow until it's about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long before getting waxed again. This length is ideal for the wax to be able to grip and remove the hair effectively.

Embark on your intimate waxing journey with confidence by using Solo to find and book experienced waxing specialists. Whether you're looking for a classic bikini wax, Brazilian wax, or Hollywood wax, Solo helps you find independent waxing professionals in your area.