How to Prepare for a Bikini Waxing

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posted on 12 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Getting a bikini wax can seem daunting, especially if you’ve never had one before. With a little preparation, a bikini wax can be a quick, routine procedure that leaves you hair-free for at least several weeks. Make sure you choose a reputable practitioner, prepare your bikini area, and treat redness and minor pain appropriately.

Steps

Getting Ready for a Bikini Wax

Choose a reputable practitioner. It’s important that you get a bikini wax from a practitioner you can trust. Ask friends and family if they have suggestions. You should also take time to read reviews of the establishment and practitioner online before booking your appointment. EXPERT TIP Melissa Jannes Melissa Jannes Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator Melissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. Melissa is also a National Educator for Universal Companies. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in both New York and Pennsylvania. Melissa won the "Best of Beauty" award from Allure magazine in 2012 for the quality of her bikini waxing. Melissa Jannes Melissa Jannes Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator Do your homework, look at reviews and make sure hygiene is taken into consideration. Call the salon before you schedule an appointment and ask whether they double dip their wax. If they don't know what that means, don't go there. If they hesitate before answering, don't go there. Double dipping is the number one way to spread infection and is also illegal in most states.

Make sure your hair is about ¼ inch or 2/3 centimeter long. Your hair will need to be at least ¼ inch or 2/3 centimeter long for a bikini wax. If the hair is any shorter than this, the wax will not be able to grab onto the hair. If your hair is not long enough, the practitioner may send you home and have you reschedule the appointment.

Try exfoliating before a bikini wax. Gentle exfoliation can help loosen hair from its follicles, which may make the waxing process a little easier and possibly less painful. Try using a washcloth to gently exfoliate the area to be waxed. Make sure you do not rub too hard, or you can cause inflammation. EXPERT TIP "Exfoliation before a wax can help you with ingrown hairs." Melissa Jannes Melissa Jannes Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator Melissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. Melissa is also a National Educator for Universal Companies. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in both New York and Pennsylvania. Melissa won the "Best of Beauty" award from Allure magazine in 2012 for the quality of her bikini waxing. Melissa Jannes Melissa JannesLicensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator

Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment. It is important that you don’t show up for your bikini wax wearing tight bottoms, such as a pair of skinny jeans. After your wax you will want to put on loose-fitting bottoms, like a pair of linen pants or a dress. If you feel comfortable, you can forgo underwear after your treatment. If not, wear soft, comfortable panties.

Stay hydrated. It is important that you are hydrated when you go in for your bikini wax. This can make the process a little less painful. Try drinking at least 64 ounces the day before and the day of your wax.

Managing Pain and Redness

Be prepared for a little pain. While some salons might claim that a bikini wax is painless, you should not take such claims at face value. You will experience pain during your wax, especially if it is your first time. The pain, however, should only last for the duration of your wax.

Consider taking ibuprofen an hour before your wax. Some people recommend taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, like ibuprofen, before you get a bikini wax. This can help mediate some of the pain you might experience when you get a bikini wax. Ask your doctor if taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug is a good choice for you.

Know that it’s normal to bleed a little. Hair follicles are connected to blood vessels, which means there might be a little blood when the hair is pulled out. You are more likely to bleed a little if it’s your first bikini wax.

Understand the waxed area might be red after the wax. It is normal to have a little bit of redness after a bikini wax. This will usually last no more than a few hours after the procedure. If you still have redness and inflammation in the days after the wax, call your practitioner.