Experts Reveal Their Favorite Before and After Bikini Wax Care Tips

Getting a bikini wax may not be the most comfortable experience, but surviving the process is only half the battle. At least while at the salon, you're in the good hands of pros that know what they're doing. The real test is caring of your delicate areas after. A bikini wax can be just as irritating for the skin as is it for your nerves, so how you take care down there after is especially important in soothing any sensitivity and keeping stubble, ingrowns, and speedy regrowth at bay.

We went straight to the pros for their expert insight on prepping and caring for a bikini wax. Noemi Grupenmager, founder and CEO of Uni K Wax Center and Gina Petak, European Wax Center’s education manager, both reveal their tried-and-true bikini wax tips below. Scroll on for the rundown on exactly how it’s done.

Before You Wax

Preparation is everything. The first thing you'll want to do is find someone you can work well with. All estheticians and most cosmetologists, depending on your state, are licensed to perform waxing. You don't want someone who simply offers the service just because they can. Rather, you should choose a technician that has good experience, skills, and considers bikini waxing their specialty. Finding an expert is very important when it comes to removing hair.

Waxing at home is one option, but if you’re after long-lasting results, go pro. “A professional waxer knows all there is to know about your skin type, how to apply the wax, and how to remove it to remove the hair effectively,” Grupenmager says.

There are several more ways you can prepare for the perfect Brazilian wax:

Seek Out Referrals

Whether it's from friends, family, or reputable review sites, finding someone by referral is a great way to ensure you're working with a professional. Waxing salons are another great place to start, as this is their specialty.

Time It Right

Your skin may be more sensitive around the time near your period, and waxing can be more painful than normal. Make spa appointments at least a few days before or after your period. Some places will not (or prefer not to) perform this service while you're on your period, so it's best to call in advance.

Pause Usage of Sensitizing Skincare Products

Certain skincare ingredients may be ideal for maintaining a glowing complexion, but can wreak havoc on delicate skin during and post wax. The main culprit: Retinol. Retinol can make the skin extremely sensitive and more prone to irritation (and even tearing!)—all things you're probably trying to minimize pre-wax, not amplify. Many wax novices and even professionals skip this tip when prepping for a bikini wax as it's historically been more applicable to face waxing services like brows and upper lips. But more and more body products are making use of the active ingredient. If you're not sure, have a quick scan of the ingredient lists on your body washes, treatments, oils, and lotions and discontinue using any that call out retinol 10 days before your wax appointment.

Make Sure You Have Enough Hair

Don’t even think about getting a wax until your hair is about 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. “This is the ideal length for hair that’s getting waxed because it allows the wax to get a better hold on the hair and pull it directly from the root, preventing the hair from breaking,” Grupenmager says. Up to an inch of hair growth is doable for a wax and any hairs that are too short will remain.

Take a Painkiller

Take Advil, Tylenol, or a similar medication 30 to 45 minutes before your appointment if you're worried about discomfort.

During Your Wax Appointment

Know Exactly What You Want

A Brazilian bikini wax often removes hair from the behind and between your legs. Sometimes a strip of hair or triangle is left in front. A bikini line wax, however, will only remove the hair that's visible around the perimeter of your bathing-suit bottoms. Don't be afraid to communicate exactly how much hair you want to keep and be removed with your technician. Remember, you can always create your own style.

Be Prepared to Lend a Hand

If you've never had this type of service, you may not know that you might be asked to help to hold skin and move around so the tech can get to every last hair.

Anticipate Discomfort

You'll need to expect a little pain. Everyone is different in their tolerance and perception of pain, but some discomfort is generally expected.

Aftercare

Once you're done, you'll want to engage in some post bikini wax care. Following the next few tips will help move things along nicely:

Keep Hands Away

Avoid touching your newly hair-free skin—and that means taking care to ensure nothing else touches your skin, either. Since your skin will be more sensitive in the first 24 to 48 hours after a wax, skip any activities that could cause friction.

Take a Break

If you've ever needed an excuse to prioritize rest and chill, here it is: Avoid any exercise or excessive movements that could produce sweat or friction immediately post wax. Also, experts advise steering clear of any tight or sweaty clothes or undergarments and opting for loose-fitting, breathable materials. If that's not a reason to put on your comfiest pajamas and veg out on the couch, we don't know what is.

Opt for a Shower

"You can shower after waxing," Petak says. "Just make sure to use lukewarm or cooler water. Hot showers can dehydrate skin. Also, remember your skin is freshly exfoliated from your wax so don’t use any harsh soaps or body washes that contain too many oils or leave a film on your skin." Be sure not to take a hot bath for the rest of the day post-wax, as soaking in water may cause unnecessary irritation or pimples.

Avoid Too Much Heat

Make an effort to steer clear of heat sources. Avoid tanning beds, saunas, or steam rooms for the next two days.

Skip Sex

Sexual activity should be avoided for at least 12 to 24 hours for your first couple of waxes, or if you have very sensitive skin.

Exfoliate

Two full days later, if there isn't any redness, use a mild exfoliator. This helps prevent ingrown hair. You can use an Ayate washcloth, for example, which gently exfoliates skin on its own. It can also be lathered up with body wash and may be more mold-resistant than loofahs.

Fight the Bumps

Tend Skin is a great brand for treating and preventing pesky ingrown hairs. Petak also recommends European Wax Center's Ingrown Hair Serum ($32), which she calls a "fan favorite."