What is a Brazilian wax?
A Brazilian wax is a hair removal procedure that removes pubic hair from the pelvic region. Unlike a bikini wax, which leaves some hair on the bikini line, a Brazilian wax removes all of the hair from the front and back of the pelvic area. This includes hair around the anus and labia.
Brazilian waxes gained popularity in the 1990s when bathing suit cuts became more revealing. They continue to be a popular option for keeping the bikini area hair-free. Many women choose Brazilian waxes over shaving because the hair takes longer to grow back after waxing.
Why is a Brazilian wax painful?
Brazilian waxes are notoriously painful procedures because they involve pulling hair out from extremely sensitive areas of the body. The whole process irritates the skin and can cause discomfort.
Here’s why a Brazilian wax is so painful:
– Pubic hair is coarse and rooted firmly in the skin, making it difficult to remove. The pulling motions irritate the skin.
– The pubic region is very sensitive with many nerve endings. Even slight irritation feels amplified.
– Wax is applied while warm and hardens as it dries. The hardened wax adheres tightly to hair and skin, making the removal process feel like ripping off a bandage.
– The labia and vaginal lips are thin skinned and delicate. Pulling hair from this area stings sharply.
– Repeated waxing can cause ingrown hairs and bumps which are tender to touch.
– Discomfort lingers after the procedure as the skin remains irritated for a day or two.
Some women even describe the pain as being equivalent to contractions during labor. So there’s no doubt about it, Brazilian waxes hurt!
Tips to make a Brazilian wax less painful
While Brazilian waxes will always be uncomfortable to a degree, there are things you can do make the experience less painful:
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen an hour before your appointment will help take the edge off. The medication will kick in as the waxing gets underway.
Time it carefully
Avoid waxing during your period when the area is extra sensitive. The week after your period ends is ideal. Also, allow pubic hair to grow in for a few weeks first, to about 1/4 inch long. Hair that’s too short leads to more repeat pulls.
Exfoliate first
Use a gentle scrub or loofah to exfoliate a day or two before. This removes dead skin cells and allows the wax to adhere better. Avoid exfoliating right before your appointment as the area will be raw.
Take a pain reliever
Pop an over-the-counter pain reliever an hour ahead of time to dull discomfort. Ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, or naproxen sodium can help take the edge off.
Try numbing creams
Numbing creams contain lidocaine which temporarily desensitizes skin. Apply 30-45 minutes before the procedure and cover the area with plastic wrap to allow deep penetration. This will numb the surface layers of skin.
Get waxes frequently
The more often you get waxed, the less it will hurt each time. Hair grows back finer and sparser when waxed routinely. Less hair leads to less pulling.
Skip the caffeine
Caffeine sensitizes nerves which can make pain feel worse. Avoid coffee and tea before your waxing appointment.
Pop a relaxing supplement
Try taking a magnesium or calcium supplement which has a natural relaxing effect. Even chewing gum can help relieve tension.
Breathe through the pain
Practice deep, focused breathing when the waxing begins. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Staying calm will help your body relax.
Get waxed on your period
Wax when you’re menstruating, as the area will be slightly less sensitive. Just wear a menstrual cup or tampon.
Take an anti-inflammatory
Anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen will calm inflammation and discomfort. Take it an hour beforehand.
Use cooling gels
Gels with menthol or aloe provide cooling relief as the wax is removed. They are very soothing on tender skin.
Distract yourself
Bring headphones and listen to music or a podcast during the procedure. Focusing on something else can divert your mind from the discomfort.
Wear loose clothing
Tight pants or underwear will chafe and irritate the tender area afterward. Opt for loose comfy clothing.
Choose a reputable salon
Go to an established salon with licensed experienced staff. Their precision and efficiency will minimize discomfort.
Talk to your esthetician
Developing a rapport with your waxer helps you feel more relaxed. Tell them you are nervous and they’ll walk you through it.
Aftercare tips for a Brazilian wax
Proper aftercare is crucial for avoiding irritation and allowing the area to heal swiftly. Here are some aftercare tips:
Avoid heat
Heat opens pores which can lead to infection. Skip hot tubs, steam rooms and hot yoga for 24-48 hours. Avoid sunbathing as well.
Use soothing creams
Apply aloe vera gel or a healing cream to calm inflammation. Never use heavily scented lotions which can provoke irritation.
Wear loose cotton underwear
Tight clothing leads to chafing which will sting. Breathable cotton underwear prevents discomfort.
Take cool showers
Hot showers aggravate tender skin. Keep showers lukewarm for a few days until sensitivity subsides.
Avoid exfoliating
Don’t scrub or use loofahs on the area for 24 hours. Skip hair removal creams as well.
Use sanitary pads
Wear cotton pads for a day or two to avoid friction against clothes. Change frequently to keep the area dry.
Watch for ingrown hairs
Tweeze out any ingrown hairs carefully to prevent infection. Don’t pick or scratch the area.
Conclusion
While Brazilian waxes will always involve some degree of discomfort, there are many things you can do to minimize the pain. Taking over-the-counter pain medication, numbing the area with creams, breathing techniques, and choosing an experienced esthetician will help the process go smoother. Properly caring for your skin afterwards helps ensure you heal quickly. With preparation and aftercare, you can make your Brazilian wax as comfortable as possible.
Pain Levels Reported for Brazilian Waxing
| Pain Level | Percentage of Women Reporting |
|---|---|
| Mild discomfort | 15% |
| Moderate pain | 35% |
| Intense but tolerable | 40% |
| Severe pain | 10% |
As shown in the table above, the majority of women report experiencing moderate to intense pain during Brazilian waxing. Only 15% describe it as mild discomfort. Clearly, techniques for managing the pain are needed for most clients.