You’ve booked in for a last-minute bikini wax. Sure, great, all good here. But…when you check the results at home, you’re a little more…angry…down there than you’d planned for. Well, news is – that happens, and it’s temporary (you did just rip hair out of your body with hot wax). Advice is – whether you opted for a Brazilian or a Hollywood, a classic bikini or something totally freestyle, it’s a good idea to take some oh-so simple measures to reduce inflammation and post-wax rash-potential . To get some advice on this below-the-belt topic, we sat down with beauty expert Natalie Moran to grill her on the dos and don’ts of the dreaded bikini wax. Before you bring out those big lady pants read our SOS guide…
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1 Always wax in advance
Our best advice for reducing redness is totally natural and totally free – apply a little patience and add a little time and you'll be all good. That is – It's natural for the skin to look and feel slightly sensitive, so just give it a couple of days to recover. 'This time of year can get really, really busy so I'd always advise booking in advance’ explains Natalie. ‘Leave it to the last minute and chances are your favourite salon will be booked up, you might also find yourself forced into an emergency shave situation!' When you get a handle on your regrowth, you'll be able estimate how long you should leave between waxes, so that if if redness really irritates you, you can plan for the couple days recovery time.
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2 Say yes to hot wax
Hot wax is much gentler on the skin and far less painful than traditional strip waxing. ‘The whole experience is much more comfortable with hot wax, it’s less likely to leave you rashy and can remove even the shortest of hairs,’ explains Natalie. Made with antiseptic tea tree oil, hot wax is melted into a thicker consistency than warm wax – as it cools it becomes firmer, contracting around the hairs and gripping them tightly. Ready in a matter of minutes, it soon becomes soft and peelable, and is then pulled off the skin with one fast movement. ‘If you’ve never had a wax before, the sensation will be completely alien, as the hair is thicker after prolonged periods of shaving.’ explains Natalie. If you want to build waxing into your beauty routine, you’ll have to ditch the razor. Over time, regular waxing will lead to finer hairs with far less grow back, while shaving only thickens it so try to avoid the razor in between.
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3 Know before you go
‘We recommend exfoliating 24 hours prior to your wax to help eliminate ingrown hairs and give you a super smooth finish,’ says Natalie. ‘Once your wax is complete, be sure to continue to exfoliate once or twice a week in the shower, as this will help to remove any dead skin cells that could block your hair follicles and lead to bumps and spots.’ In addition, Natalie warns us to stay away from steam rooms, saunas, swimming pools and heavy exercise for a good 24 hours after waxing to avoid avoid irritation or bacterial infections. Lovely. ‘We apply lavender oil to keep the area nourished and calm straight after waxing but if you feel sore and want further relief. Aloe vera does the job very well. ’
FAQs
How long should you wait after a bikini wax before exercising?
You should avoid heavy exercise for at least 24 hours after a bikini wax. Sweat and friction can irritate sensitive skin and increase the risk of irritation or infection.
Why is hot wax better for sensitive skin?
Hot wax is gentler and less painful than traditional strip waxing, making it a better choice for sensitive skin. It contracts around the hairs and grips them tightly, reducing redness and the likelihood of a post-wax rash.
How do you reduce redness after a bikini wax?
Allow the skin a couple of days to recover after waxing to reduce redness. Applying patience and giving your body time to heal will help the skin return to normal. Aloe vera and lavender oil can also soothe and calm the area.
What should you do before getting a bikini wax?
Exfoliate 24 hours before your wax to prevent ingrown hairs and achieve a smoother result. This helps eliminate dead skin cells that might block hair follicles, resulting in fewer bumps and a more even wax.
How often should you exfoliate to prevent ingrown hairs after waxing?
Exfoliate once or twice a week in the shower after your bikini wax. Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells, which helps keep hair follicles clear and reduces the chance of bumps or spots.