Pubic hair needs to be at least the length of a grain of rice or ¼ of an inch long. Many people feel self-conscious about hair being too long before their Brazilian wax, but longer hair is grabbed by wax better. If you trim beforehand, you could cut it too short and forfeit the ability to wax.
If the hairs are too short in the bikini area, they will not adhere to the wax for removal. The same goes for hairs that are longer than 1/4 inch. You always want to make sure you trim any longer hairs before the waxing appointment.
This may sound counterintuitive but in order to get a good ol' shiny vaginy, you need to grow it out until your hairs are about a grain of rice in length (¼ of an inch). It can be longer, too. The length is needed so the wax can grip the hairs. Whatever you do, do NOT shave before your appointment.
Trim: Hair should be between one-quarter and three-quarters of an inch long for the wax to do its job. If it's longer, you might want to trim before you go. Scrub: Exfoliating the area before a wax can prevent ingrown hairs. Prevent pain: Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen about a half hour before your appointment.
Can hair be too long? It can! Hair that's longer than ½ inch can make waxing more complicated as its prone to breakage when waxed off for first-timers, which means the follicle won't be removed and your results won't last as long.
1. How long should my hair be before I book my first wax (and how long is too long)? We recommend a minimum of 4 weeks regrowth to get the best results.
You don't need to be TOO hairy but the waxing pros do recommend that you let your hair grow to about a quarter of an inch. This will result in a much better wax (and less pain). Alternately, don't come in with your hair longer than 2 inches as this can be painful and cause hair breakage.
Don'ts For Brazilian Wax
Apply lotion right before the waxing treatment. Trim hair too short (hair length should be 1/4-inch). Let the hair grow too long, causing an increase in the pain. Take alcohol (and other stimulants such as caffeine) prior to waxing, stimulants tighten the pores.
If you're getting waxed for the first time but usually shave, you should stop shaving at least two weeks before your Brazilian wax. This will allow the hair to grow long enough to be waxed. You don't just need to skip the razor before your first waxing appointment.
Be hairy. Your hair should be at least 1/4 inch in length (which makes it long enough to lay flat on your skin). Please don't shave for at least 3 weeks prior to your appointment to ensure that your hair is long enough!
It's normal to not get all the hair you want to remove on the first try and multiple sessions may be necessary, but keep an eye out for irritation. If you wax one area and have hair left, move onto another to let that one rest, then come back and try again.
Can My Hair Be Too Long for Waxing? Yes. If your hair is more than a half-inch long, you should consider shaving it and “starting over.” Then schedule an appointment so that it lands about one full growth cycle out. That is, give the hair 1 to 4 weeks to regrow to about ¼ inch.
“Waxing lasts longer over time because hair is being removed from the follicle whereas shaving just cuts it at the surface,” says Shays. “Waxing will leave you smoother longer as unwanted hairs become thinner and in some cases don't grow back at all.
Urine can cause discomfort to open follicles and is best if diluted, especially if you are sensitive. Skin that is dehydrated can cause hair follicles to constrict, making hair removal difficult, or causing broken hairs. Skin that is dry is also prone to damage.
Do take a warm shower before waxing. This will help to open the pore for easy hair removal. Do relax during your waxing service, because tense muscles make the area more sensitive. Do not take extremely hot showers or sauna after waxing.
After the waxing, clients may see slight pinpoint bleeding in the hair follicle and redness that may last a couple of hours. It is completely normal and should cause no reason for concern.
Both Favin and aesthetician Nataliya admitted that the first Brazilian wax is going to hurt. But, according to Nataliya, the first time is definitely the worst, and there are a few things that can help ease the pain.
Never Shave Between Waxes
The biggest mistake Grupenmager sees even the most seasoned clients making is shaving between waxes. "This seems like a quick fix for stubble, but shaving only removes hair at skin level, so it reappears in one to four days, and over time the skin itself becomes coarse," she warns.
If your hair is longer, waxing will be more painful. If it's shorter, the wax won't have enough to grab onto, so it may not come off at all or could lead to pesky ingrown hairs. If you're not sure about the length, lean on the longer side and request that the studio trims it down for you.
Brazilian (Front)
We begin each Brazilian wax lying down with the soles of your feet together in a butterfly position. Pending any discomfort, this position will allow us to reach the entire front of the Brazilian wax and ensure the bikini creases are hair free.
It's perfectly fine to take a cool or warm shower after your wax, however, I recommend waiting at least 5-8 hours for the skin to recover. Avoid hot showers or steam rooms after your wax. Hair follicles remain open for hours after waxing, so it's best to avoid contact with any excess moisture for at least 24 hours.