It’s no secret by this point that I enjoy talking about things related to sexual health and wellness, especially when those topics might seem like too much information on the surface, but behind closed doors, people have a lot of questions about.
With that said, I have a confession to make. I absolutely hate shaving down there. It’s tedious and time-consuming. I don’t like having to spend 30 minutes contorting my body in the shower as if I’m experiencing an exorcism just to remove hair from my body. Also, the mere thought of having anything remotely sharp anywhere within a few inches away from my bikini region terrifies me.
But before we get to the juicy details, I want to make it clear that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with pubic hair. In fact, pubic hair has its fair share of purposes and benefits, like reducing friction during sex, stopping bacteria from entering our body, and potentially reducing the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Now that we’ve cleared that up, here’s how to prepare before the wax appointment.
Personally, there isn’t much preparation I do before a Brazilian wax other than giving my hair at least three to four weeks to grow out (about one-fourth of an inch long) and exfoliating. The day before a wax, it can be helpful to gently exfoliate with exfoliating gloves to remove dead skin cells. Doing so will help your overall waxing experience because the wax will be able to grip your hair better and create a cleaner and smoother finish. Remember, you’re dealing with a sensitive area, so only exfoliate the bikini line, top, and sides of the vulva. Never use an exfoliant on the inside of the vagina or butt.
On the day of the wax, you’ll want to freshen up by taking a warm shower before you head to your appointment. This helps to open up the pores for easier hair removal. This is also out of courtesy for the waxer. Wax specialists have revealed that it's not uncommon for customers to show up for their appointment without freshening up beforehand, whether it be because they just worked out at the gym, got off a 12-hour flight, or had poop residue. Though the wax center is typically a judgment-free zone, you should still shower or at least use a wet wipe beforehand.
I also encourage you to feel free telling your waxer if you’re nervous. Casually having a complete stranger rip the hair from your coochie can be a vulnerable experience!
At this point, your esthetician will politely ask you to undress from the waist down and lie on the table. Then they’ll ask you to place the soles of your feet together so that you’re in a butterfly position. Visually, it looks similar to how you would be positioned if you were on your back during missionary position, keeping your knees parallel to the table.
Then your esthetician will likely make conversation to help you relax, because the more relaxed you are, the less likely you’ll sweat. Wax specialists want your skin to be as dry as possible so that the wax will have a better chance of sticking to your pubic hair.
During the 10-minute waxing process, your waxer will start at the top part of your bikini line, then go to your sides, and then focus on the labia and clitoral fold. This is the part people wonder about the most, asking, “Is it painful?” and, “Which parts hurt the most?” Honestly, it feels like the same kind of stinging sensation you feel after ripping a Band-Aid that’s been on your skin, but slightly more intense and on your vulva as opposed to your arm. I’m usually unbothered by getting my bikini line, the sides, and clitoral area waxed. But admittedly, the moment my waxer starts heading toward the lips (labia), I immediately brace myself for some sharp yet quick pain. My pain tolerance is high, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t let out a slight squeal while getting my labia waxed.
After the vulva is waxed, the final part of the process is the butt strip. During this part, your waxer will ask you to place your knees up to your chest. You may be asked to position yourself on all fours, like the doggy position, if you’re pregnant. Pain-wise, the butt strip is probably the most easygoing part of the process, but it can potentially be the most “embarrassing” to some. I’ve repeatedly been asked, “What happens if I let out a fart? Will I be kicked out of the wax center? Will my waxer hate me?"
As I stated previously, waxers have heard and seen it all. You won’t get kicked out of your appointment, and your waxer won’t hate you. They’ll likely laugh about it and move on. However, if you’re still worried about farting while getting waxed, I’d avoid eating foods that cause gas right before your appointment, like beans, dairy products, and processed food.
Once your Brazilian wax is finished, your waxer will walk you to the front desk for you to pay for your appointment, which will usually range from $55–$90 depending on the salon or spa. After that, you’re all set to enjoy the rest of your day, but don’t have too much fun.
You also may be tempted to shave in between waxes, but you shouldn't because shaving will likely result in an uneven wax by your next appointment.
