How Long Before A Brazilian Wax Can You (Actually) Shave?
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In the world of waxing, the Brazilian stands at the front of the queue when it comes to hair-free skin and confidence.
The decision to book a Brazilian isn’t taken lightly, since it requires a *bit* of planning and a touch of aftercare. But, “How long before a Brazilian wax can I shave?” we hear you ask.
Well, we are here to answer that question, and we’ve enlisted the help of renowned aesthetician and founder of The Birthday Suit, Stacey Laricchia, to get her professional advice on all things shaving and waxing.
While the Brazilian wax is a masterclass in hair removal, the journey towards flawless skin demands a strategic approach. It’s a well-choreographed dance between your razor and the waxing appointment. But fear not, fellow enthusiasts of smooth, hair-free skin, for we are here to unravel the mystery.
Wax strips at the ready!
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How long can you shave before a Brazilian?
Stacey tells us, “Ideally if you have made the decision to begin waxing, you should give yourself a minimum of two weeks between ditching that razor and your first wax. Three weeks is the ideal number for new clients.”
This is because the wax can’t pick up your hairs when they’re too short, they should be *at least* a quarter of an inch long (the length of a grain of rice) for your waxing session (about 10-14 days of growth.)
No hair removal for two weeks? Sounds good to us!
However, we know some of you will recoil at the thought of not being able to whip that razor out for a fortnight (especially if, like me, your hair seems to grow inches LITERALLY within hours of getting out of the shower.)
But this is a necessary step in order to get the very best out of your waxing appointments, so think of it as a holiday from having to bend like origami in the shower in order to step out feeling as smooth as a dolphin.
On the other side of the coin, you don’t want the hairs to be too long. If they are longer than 1/2 an inch long, this may be too much. But don’t worry! your aesthetician can trim these for you (best to leave it up to the professionals, eh.)
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What actually is a Brazilian?
When it comes to bikini hair removal, the Brazilian kind of leaves other hair removal techniques in the dust.
Originating from two beach-loving sisters from Brazil, this trend has swept across continents, becoming a must-try for those seeking that polished, no-fuzz look.
But what is it?
When it comes to waxing your pubic area, a Brazilian is a hair removal method that involves removing the hair from your vulva and your mons pubis, usually leaving a little landing strip. Your technician will also remove any pubic hairs that grow on your bikini line, thighs, between your bum cheeks and up toward your belly button (if you’re wanting to get rid of ALL of the hair down there, you need to ask for a Hollywood Wax.)
Whether you’re lounging seaside in a skimpy bikini or enjoying a romantic evening, the Brazilian wax ensures you’re ready for anything – without the worry of unsightly hair.
Stacey describes the Brazilian as, “A popular year-round service, but there is a visible increase in demand during the warmer months and that’s for good reason! The Brazilian Wax is a great way to remove any and all unwanted hair from your bikini area (and everywhere else that hides under that bikini bottom).”
With a swift pull of a wax strip, you won’t need to worry about any hairs poking out of that Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini (or whatever colour bikini you go for!)
In a world where grooming knows no bounds, the Brazilian wax stands as a testament to our desire for flawlessness. So, if you’re ready to bare it all and embrace the ultimate in smooth confidence, let’s find out what you can expect at your appointment.
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What can I expect?
Your first Brazilian wax? No worries, by the end of this article you’ll know exactly what will happen and how to prep!
It can be pretty overwhelming knowing that you’re going to a salon to pull your pants down and get your most private areas out in front of a stranger. But don’t worry, these people are professionals and they have *literally* seen it all!
For a Brazilian wax, and waxing any other small areas on the body, hard wax is usually the chosen option. Some beauticians may use soft wax, fruit wax, chocolate wax, or sugar wax.
Of course, while the results are undeniably sleek, it’s essential to consider the temporary discomfort of the procedure itself. You may need to contort yourself in ways like never before in order for your aesthetician or beautician to remove every. single. hair. But don’t worry, they’re experienced in making it as painless and comfortable as possible!
And after your wax appointment?
Stacey tells Live That Glow HQ: “The benefits of a Brazilian wax are wide-ranging, but primarily this service will not only leave your skin healthy and glowing without any nasty razor bump irritation, but it will also leave you sans hair for up to 4 weeks!”
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What else can I do to prep for a Brazilian wax?
It’s a good idea to exfoliate before your waxing appointment to slough away any dead skin cells and preventing ingrown hairs, making it easier for the wax to latch onto the hair and remove it properly.
However, you don’t want to exfoliate *right before* your waxing appointment as this can cause your skin to be too sensitive, Stacey recommends “always refraining from any exfoliation for 24 hours prior to your wax. Waxing is a mild form of exfoliation, so you never want too much exfoliation beforehand.”
Her secret is to “moisturise after exfoliating and avoid using any harsh or irritating skincare products and sun exposure in the days leading up to your appointment,” to get the best results!
You can exfoliate in gentle circular motions using a washcloth or loofah, gentle body scrubs and exfoliating bars, or dry brushing.
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Will it hurt?
We’re not going to lie to you, waxing does hurt – especially around the sensitive bikini area.
But with pain comes beauty, right?
Undeniably, a Brazilian wax *does* involve a certain level of discomfort. As warm wax adheres to hair and swiftly departs from the skin when pulled out of the hair follicle, sensations akin to a quick pinch or momentary sting will be felt.
The pain, however, is fleeting, lasting only as long as it takes for the wax to do its task and the amount of pain you experience will depend on your personal pain threshold.
Ultimately, the pain factor of a Brazilian wax is subjective. It’s not without a wince, but it’s also not the ordeal some might envision. The allure lies in the outcome – the freedom from constant maintenance and the liberating sensation of bare skin.
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What should I do after my wax?
Okay, there are a few important things to remember for aftercare.
Firstly, you’ll want to wear loose-fitting clothes to your appointment to avoid any unnecessary rubbing or discomfort afterwards – so don’t even think about wearing those leggings or jeans!
Stacey backs this up. She tells us, “Post-wax care is equally as important as pre-wax prep. In order to maintain that healthy glowing skin you want, be sure to avoid tight clothing (nylons, tight leggings), pools, hot tubs, jacuzzis, or long baths and the gym for at least 24 hours after your treatment.”
In the 24 hours after your wax appointment, “It’s important to remember, no gym, and no sunbathing or super hot showers,” says Stacey.
That means you’ll want to avoid anything that could irritate your newly-waxed skin, such as chemicals, rough exfoliants, and soaps. Just stick to a warm shower with a gentle cleanser after wax appointments.
If you are feeling any pain or discomfort, it’s a good idea to apply a cool compress or take a cool shower after your wax, and this will help to reduce irritation and sensitivity.
Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are great for relieving pain after waxing as well as reducing any minor swelling. Take a couple of hours after your appointment.
Stacey tells us, “Post-wax topical treatments are a must! A great lightweight serum with Salicylic Acid or Glycolic Acid as an active ingredient will act as a gentle exfoliant (this is why these two ingredients are found in so many anti-ageing products, as they gently remove dead, dull skin and assist with healthy cell turnover) while offering healing benefits to keep your skin healthy, glowing and hairless for the next month!”
“Also, don’t shoot the messenger here, but no intimacy for at least 24 hours after your appointment. These precautions are to avoid the skin getting irritated or bacteria entering the open follicle.
“Small sacrifices for great skin!” adds Stacey.
Planning on making it a regular thing? We don’t blame you, but there are some things you should keep in mind. Being in the waxing industry for almost 20 years, we asked Stacey for her *expert* advice on this.
She says, “I can tell you that waxing works best when it isn’t treated like a one-night stand – it’s much better when it’s more like a committed relationship. Clients who maintain regular four to six-week waxing appointments get the best results.”
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The takeaway
The Brazilian wax is your ticket to hair-free heaven, but there are some steps you need to take to make the most out of your appointment and the results.
Hair longer than 1/2 an inch could be too LONG, while hair under 1/4 of an inch is too SHORT. We are aiming for the sweet spot here, so you should ditch that razor around 2 weeks before your waxing appointment.
Waxing is all a matter of personal preference, so if you prefer to bare the bush – you do you! For those who want a smoother finish, the Brazilian wax is the *perfect* solution to longer-lasting hair-free skin without the razor bumps or nicks!
So, take a deep breath and rip that strip off!
Meet the expert
Stacey Laricchia is a renowned aesthetician with more than 25 years of experience and is the founder and Chief Creative Director of The Birthday Suit, the award-winning US-based waxing franchise bringing affordable luxury across the states.
Get Glowing!
