How To Make Brazilian Wax Less Painful

Removing unwanted body hair in delicate places is always a bit uncomfortable.

While many of us have experienced the stinging sensation of a bikini wax, Brazilian wax is a bit more thorough.

The result is always worth the discomfort, but what if you could make the whole process less painful?

Today, we’ve got 13 ways to make your Brazilian wax less painful. So, let’s get to it!

13 ways to make Brazilian waxing less painful

Waxing causes discomfort, regardless of where you get it done, because hair is removed from the root. It’s an inescapable fact. But, there are some steps you can take that will make your experience more comfortable.

1. Grow your hair to the right length

Hair that is too short for waxing, less than a quarter inch in most cases, is a problem. Most estheticians won’t try to remove pubic hair that’s too short, but if they do, it hurts! This is partially because they must return to the same area several times to get the hair. 

You’re also more likely to get ingrown hairs post-wax because shorter strands sometimes break below the surface. When they grow back, they’re not always able to break through. So, wait until your hair is long enough, or you’re asking for trouble.

2. Exfoliate 24 hours before your appointment

Exfoliation removes dead cells from the surface of your skin, leaving the perfect canvas for waxing. You can take this step 24 hours before your appointment using a gentle scrub or mitt. Don’t scrub so hard you irritate, but be thorough. 

As we mentioned, wax products may stick to your skin and cause it to pull up when the strips are removed. Extra dead skin cells adhere to it even more, and it’s a significant source of discomfort.

3. Don’t drink caffeine or alcohol the day of

Caffeine and alcohol might have pleasant effects on a regular day. But they also increase blood flow to the skin's surface, making you more sensitive. Waxing after your latte could lead to more swelling and redness than you’re used to.

4. Take a pain reliever half an hour before

You can’t shut off your nerves before your Brazilian, but wouldn’t that be nice? Taking a pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help you manage. Half an hour before your session, take a regular dose of the medication. By the time it kicks in, you should be just settling in for your appointment.

Some estheticians also use a numbing cream for your skin pre-wax. This makes the whole process easier and nearly pain-free.

5. Go to an esthetician that uses hard wax

Soft waxes are much more likely to stick to the skin than hard wax products. Many estheticians swear by hard wax for most waxing procedures. Look around for an esthetician who uses it, and if it’s not clear from their website, just call them. Most are happy to discuss their techniques to help put you at ease.

6. Wear loose-fitting clothing

Heading into your session, wear loose-fitting clothing. No yoga pants or skinny jeans! You want to let your skin breathe after a Brazilian wax. Slight swelling is normal after this process, and tight clothes restrict your skin from doing what it needs to. They can also rub, irritating the treatment area.

7. Review your skincare routine and prescriptions with your esthetician

Before settling onto the waxing table, discuss your skincare routine and prescriptions with your esthetician. They’ll know which medications cause the skin to be more delicate and can recommend products to avoid in your routine. Any skin conditions should be noted up front. 

If you’re taking any anti-acne medications, they can make your skin much more sensitive, too. Discuss these with your provider so they can recommend the best course of action.

8. If you’re worried about pain, book around your period

When you’re on your period, your skin gets much more sensitive than usual. And while most estheticians will wax during that time of the month, it’s much more painful than others. If you have a low pain tolerance on a good day, it’ll be lower at this time.

Book your sessions to avoid your period if you’re worried about sensitivity.

9. Skip the gym for a couple of days

We’re giving you permission to take a few days off! Sweat can sting and even cause infection on freshly waxed skin.

Take a break and calm your skin before heading back in for your hot yoga or CrossFit class.

10. Come to your wax relaxed and prepared

Let your time in the studio be about you. Relax and leave those work emails and phone calls for afterward. Don’t forget to dress appropriately, as we discussed, and take medication if you’d like.

11. Always wax with a professional

Most states require salons to have licensed professionals on staff, and you should expect it. Working with a pro means having a skilled practitioner working with your sensitive areas. If you go to a studio and don’t feel comfortable, it’s your right to walk out. Building a relationship with your esthetician is the best way to guarantee consistent service.

12. Avoid hot water for 48 hours

Skin post-wax is delicate and may swell. Avoid hot water for up to two days to let your skin return to normal. You can use a cold compress on the area to reduce swelling and relieve any pain. Wash with warm, not hot, water and use gentle, unscented soap.

13. Keep the waxed area moisturized

Hydrated skin is happy skin! Keep the waxed area hydrated with unscented lotions to speed healing. For best results, you can use products like cocoa butter and lotions packed with ceramides. If you have sensitive skin, remember it’s even more so post-wax. Use gentle moisturizers that won’t irritate.

For the most comfortable, client-focused wax in Surprise, come to The Wax Room

At The Wax Room, we’re on a mission. We want our clients to value their bodies and feel empowered through waxing. Hair removal is a personal thing. But if you’re ready to try a bikini wax or Brazilian, we're here for you. We use only hypoallergenic hard wax to ensure the most pain-free session possible.

Check out our website today for a complete list of services and to book your first waxing session today!