When it comes to hair removal, there are many options to choose from. Waxing is a popular method that provides smooth and hair-free skin for weeks at a time. However, the idea of hot wax being applied to sensitive body parts can be intimidating for some. A common question many have is does a crack wax hurt?
What is a crack wax?
A crack wax refers to Brazilian waxing, which removes hair from the bikini area and butt crack. It is sometimes also referred to as a butt crack wax or butt wax. This type of intimate waxing exposes sensitive areas to hot wax and quick hair removal. So it’s understandable that people want to know if it will be painful.
Level of pain with a crack wax
The level of pain felt during a crack wax can vary greatly depending on multiple factors:
- Hair coarseness – Coarse, thick hair will hurt more than fine hair when pulled out.
- Hair density – More hairs present means more being removed at once.
- Skin sensitivity – Sensitive areas like the bikini line will feel more pain.
- Wax temperature – Hotter wax adheres better but can burn sensitive skin.
- Technician skill – An experienced aesthetician will be gentler and quicker.
- Pain tolerance – Each person’s ability to handle pain is different.
While everyone’s experience will be unique, most find a crack wax to be moderately to severely painful due to the sensitive nature of the area. The genitals and butt crack contain many nerve endings that react strongly to the sting of waxing.
Pain comparison to other waxing
When compared to waxing other body parts, a crack wax tends to be more painful. Bikini and Brazilian waxes are reported as more painful than waxing legs, arms, underarms, upper lips, eyebrows, and other areas. Here is a general pain comparison of common waxing areas:
| Waxing Area | Pain Level |
|---|---|
| Eyebrows | Mild |
| Upper Lip | Mild |
| Underarms | Moderate |
| Arms | Moderate |
| Legs | Moderate |
| Bikini | Moderate to Severe |
| Brazilian | Severe |
| Crack Wax | Severe |
As you can see, the more sensitive and intimate the area being waxed, the higher the level of reported pain.
Tips to reduce crack wax pain
While a crack wax will always have some level of pain, there are things that can be done to help make it more tolerable:
- Take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen beforehand
- Time it just after your period when pain tolerance is higher
- Avoid caffeine for several hours prior
- Apply a topical numbing cream to the area first
- Go to an experienced technician you trust
- Exhale and do not tense up when the wax is pulled
- Distract yourself with music, conversation, or your phone
- Schedule the crack wax last if getting other areas done too
The more relaxed the body is during a crack wax, the less painful it will be. Tensing the muscles causes more pain. Deep breathing techniques can also help.
What to expect during the service
Knowing what to expect during a crack wax can also help ease anxiety over potential pain. The overall process will go like this:
- The area to be waxed will be cleaned and sometimes trimmed first. You will be positioned on your side, hands pulled up under your head.
- Baby powder may be applied to dry the skin.
- Warm wax will be applied to one side of the butt crack at a time.
- A muslin cloth strip will be pressed onto the wax then quickly pulled off in the opposite direction of the hair growth.
- The strip will be applied and pulled several times to catch all hairs.
- The process will be repeated on the other side of the crack.
- Any remaining stray hairs will be removed with tweezers.
- A soothing lotion may be applied at the end.
Some discomfort, stinging, and redness is to be expected after a crack wax. But most find the smooth results worth the temporary pain.
Pain after the service
It’s normal to feel some tenderness in the waxed area for 24-48 hours afterwards. The following can help soothe and minimize pain after a crack wax:
- Cool the skin with an ice pack wrapped in a towel
- Use aloe vera gel to moisturize and calm irritation
- Take OTC medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Wear loose cotton underwear and clothing
- Avoid heat, friction, exercise, hot tubs
- Do not exfoliate or scrub for 24 hours
If the pain persists beyond a couple days or shows signs of infection like pus, swelling, redness, see your doctor right away. Some people are allergic to ingredients in the wax which can cause reactions.
Benefits make it worthwhile
While not completely painless, most agree the temporary discomfort of a crack wax is worth it for the lasting smooth results. Hair around the intimate area is removed from the root leading to 4-6 weeks of hairlessness. Other benefits include:
- Prevents ingrown hairs from shaving
- Reduces odor and sweat in the area
- Feels soft and smooth to the touch
- Boosts confidence in swimwear and lingerie
- No stubble regrowth like shaving
- Easier hygiene
If you want to go bare down there, waxing is one of the best ways for long-lasting results. The more you get it done, the less it will hurt each time as well. Just be sure to communicate with your technician so they’re aware of your pain tolerance and can adapt as needed.
Professional crack wax vs. DIY
To save money, some attempt DIY crack waxes at home. This is extremely challenging due to not being able to see the area well and the risks of burns from hot wax. DIY waxing also won’t remove hair as effectively. Professional crack waxing is recommended for:
- Less pain – Technicians apply wax at proper temps
- Lower risk – Experts know how to avoid burns or injury
- Better results – All hair is removed quicker and more thoroughly
- More sanitary – Salons sterilize equipment after each use
- Convenience – You can lie comfortably versus contorting to reach the area
The service may cost $60-$100 to have done by an expert. But this helps ensure it’s done properly and safely. Attempting a DIY crack wax often leads to frustration and missed hairs.
Other hair removal options
If you find crack waxing too painful, other options exist to keep the area hair-free:
- Shaving – Use a fresh razor and shaving cream or oil for a close shave. Results only last 1-2 days.
- Depilatory cream – Chemical creams dissolve hair but can cause skin irritation for some.
- Laser hair removal – Permanent reduction after several treatments. More expensive than waxing.
- Sugaring – Similar to waxing but uses a sticky sugar paste that is less painful.
- Electrolysis – Each hair follicle is treated one at a time. Multiple sessions needed.
- Epilators – Devices pull out hairs from the root but are difficult to maneuver around the crack.
Talk to a professional to find the best hair removal method for your needs, sensitivities, and budget.
Is crack waxing safe?
When performed properly by a licensed esthetician, crack waxing is generally safe. However, there are some risks to be aware of:
- Skin irritation, rashes, bumps from reaction to products
- Ingrown hairs forming under the skin later
- Skin lifting or torn skin if wax removed too quickly
- Bruising from poor technique
- Bleeding if hair follicles are ripped out
- Infection if tools or area not properly disinfected
- Burns from wax being too hot
To avoid problems, go to an experienced wax technician with excellent reviews. Make sure they follow proper sanitation procedures and don’t reuse applicators. Follow appropriate aftercare to allow the area to heal.
When to avoid a crack wax
There are certain times or conditions when crack waxing could be dangerous or cause further issues:
- Skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, moles or rashes
- Taking antibiotics, blood thinners, Retin-A, acne medication
- Sunburned skin
- Herpes or HPV outbreak
- Within 2 days of tanning beds or spray tans
- Implants like IUDs less than 3 months old
- Within 7 days of chemical peels or microdermabrasion
- During pregnancy
- Menstruation
Those with diabetes or prone to infections should also take extra precautions when waxing intimate areas. If ever in doubt, check with your doctor first.
How to prepare for a crack wax
Preparing properly before your crack wax appointment will ensure you have the best experience possible. Here are some tips:
- Let the hair grow out at least 1/4 inch first
- Take ibuprofen an hour before to lessen pain
- No tanning, sunburn, peels, exfoliating for 2 days prior
- Trim longer hairs first with scissors or clippers
- Wear loose, dark underwear and pants afterwards
- Schedule at the start of your period when pain tolerance is higher
- Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol before
- Clean the area but don’t use lotion, perfume, deodorant before
- Be well hydrated
A reputable salon will also give you prep instructions to follow. Being prepared both physically and mentally will make the experience go smoother.
Aftercare tips for crack waxing
Proper aftercare is crucial to avoid irritation, ingrown hairs, and other problems after a crack wax. Be sure to:
- Apply aloe vera gel or other soothing products
- Wear loose cotton underwear and clothing
- Take warm baths instead of harsh scrubbing
- Use an antiseptic daily on the area
- Don’t exercise, sweat heavily, or go in jacuzzis, pools, etc.
- Take OTC meds as needed for pain
- No sex, douching, tampons for 24 hours
- Sleep naked or in clean, breathable underwear
If you follow proper aftercare, you’ll be able to enjoy smoother, stubble-free skin for weeks after your crack wax.
Does waxing get less painful over time?
The more regularly you receive waxing treatments, the less painful it will become. That’s because repeated waxing does the following:
- Weakens hair follicles so hairs grow back thinner
- Trains your body’s pain tolerance
- Creates less hairs to remove with each wax
- Makes estheticians more aware of your pain points
While the bikini region will always be more sensitive than legs or arms, most longtime waxing clients report the process becomes much more bearable after the first few sessions. The more you go, the less shocking the sensation will be.
Will I get used to the pain?
It takes most people 3-6 waxing sessions before their body adjusts to the sensation and it becomes tolerable. Several physiological and psychological factors are at play:
- Body releases endorphins which act as natural pain killers
- Nerves become desensitized with repeated stimulation
- Less anxiety anticipating the unknown
- Understanding the temporary nature of the pain
- Feeling satisfaction with smoother results
Your pain threshold can also change at different times due to hormones, stress levels, or other factors. But overall, waxing the same areas repeatedly does result in the process becoming easier to handle.
Tips for getting used to crack waxing pain
These tips can help you become accustomed to the discomfort of crack waxing over time:
- Start with smaller, less sensitive areas first
- Take deep breaths during the process
- Talk through it to distract your mind
- Focus on the improved results you’ll have after
- Stay relaxed – tensing up makes pain worse
- Get waxed frequently to get used to the feeling
- Use numbing cream the first few times
- Bring a stress ball to squeeze
While the first few crack wax sessions will likely be painful, take comfort knowing it will gradually get easier. The more you do it, the more your body will accommodate.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that a crack wax can be painful due to the sensitive nature of the area being exposed to hot wax. However, the severe pain is temporary and provides lasting smooth results for weeks when performed by a professional. Over time and repeated treatments, waxing becomes much more bearable. While the first crack wax will likely be shocking, the hair removal results and increased confidence are worth powering through the initial discomfort. Just be sure to care properly for the area afterwards to avoid any possible side effects.