I don’t shave my legs during any months with the letter “R” in them, which means I’m enjoying the extra warmth my leg hair offers from September through April. (Kidding, kind of.) However, come the summer season of May-August, I’m on a mission to keep my legs as smooth as possible.
Despite the fact that I’ve covered at-home waxing, I still need to give it a try. (It’s on my list.) During the warmer summer months, it’s not only leg hair I have to worry about but also the bikini area.
Now, get ready to cringe, but I usually pluck my bikini line. I know, I know, but hear me out. It lasts for weeks and honestly, after a while, your nerve endings eventually adapt to the pain so it really doesn’t hurt at all. When it comes to the whole bikini area though, that’s a whole ‘nother story entirely.
I end up shaving it all off with my Freya, which is a combination razor vibrator that offers both a super smooth shave and endorphin-releasing sexual pleasure. (Leave it to me to own a razor that doubles up as a vibrator making for the perfect travel companion.) Hey, a girl needs her orgasms no matter where she is.
Don’t get me wrong, shaving definitely gets the job done, but it takes forever to bushwack my bush, and at the end of it, my shower looks like a small squirrel shed its fur coat. (But like seriously.)
I may be up for the task of waxing my legs at home, but my bikini area and Queen V? I’ll leave that one to the experts. Enter the Brazilian wax.
It may not be my first time waxing, but my Brazilian first time? Yes. If you’re in the same camp and are thinking about getting a Brazilian wax, here’s everything you need to know about getting waxed for the first time.
Benefits of waxing
Whether you’re getting waxed for the first time with any waxing service or it’s your Brazilian first time, there are some benefits to waxing. According to the European Wax Center, waxing benefits include better skin health, finer and thinner hair growth, longer-lasting results, minimal irritation, and smoother skin.
Better skin health. In addition to hair removal, waxing is a physical exfoliation that removes dull, lifeless surface skin cells, meaning you’re receiving hair removal and skincare all in one. Talk about a two-for-one.
Finer and thinner hair growth. When your hair does eventually grow back after waxing, it’ll grow back weaker, making it finer, more sparse, and softer. This means less work at your next waxing appointment.
Longer-lasting results. When hair is removed by the root with waxing, it takes much longer to grow back than with shaving. (The same could be said for plucking, but this girl isn’t taking the time to pluck her entire Queen V.)
Minimal irritation. When it comes to removing hair, many women may experience irritation when left to their own devices, but waxing rarely causes this problem if it’s done by a licensed professional who knows what they’re doing.
Smoother skin. Getting waxed for the first time (or anytime) will leave your skin smoother than it has probably ever been in your entire life. That’s because waxing removes hair from the root and exfoliates your skin simultaneously, which brings us back to point number one — better skin health.
Bikini wax vs. Brazilian wax
If you’re getting waxed for the first time down there, you should know the difference between a full bikini wax and a Brazilian.
As noted by European Wax Center, a full bikini wax allows you to take off as much or as little hair as you like from the front while a Brazilian goes from the front all the way to the back with an added butt strip including the areas in between.
It’s basically the perfect option for a completely nude look. (Okay, yeah I didn’t know that a butt strip was involved either, but hey, when in Rome. I mean, Brazil.)
First-time waxing: tips for a Brazilian
Before getting waxed for the first time, Brazilian style, you’ll want to make sure you haven’t shaved for at least two weeks prior to your reservation. Your pubic hair should be at least ¼ to ½ inch long, which is roughly the length of a grain of rice. The length allows the wax to properly grip around the hair. You may also want to wear loose-fitting clothing to your appointment for added comfort and extra breathability when you leave.
Next, you’ll check in to your appointment and wait for your waxing specialist. Once you get back to the waxing room, you ‘ll disrobe.
Your wax specialist will ask you to remove your garments from the waist down before hopping on the bed. According to European Wax Center, this allows your specialist to work uninterrupted and also prevents wax from getting on your undergarments or clothing. Hey, don’t be shy, your Queen V looks great!
After that, your specialist will cleanse the area getting waxed to remove any lotion, makeup, oil, or other products that would prevent the waxing from properly adhering to the hair. Usually after that, a protective oil is applied to protect the skin.
Then, it’s showtime. Warm wax is applied (it feels the temperature of about warm bath water) followed by a cloth waxing strip. After a few quick strips, your vagina will be as bald as the day you were born.
Ana Vasilescu, a certified skincare consultant and founder of Women’s Concepts, says the entire process may cause temporary discomfort or pain, but the duration of the procedure is typically short.
Before you leave, the specialist will likely apply an after-wax product, usually a lotion or serum. This will help to calm and nourish the skin as well as banish any possible bumps that may pop up and prevent any ingrown hairs from developing.
Brazilian first time: Will it hurt?
The most popular question you may be wondering is, “Will my first time getting waxed for a Brazilian hurt?”
“The pain experienced during a Brazilian wax can vary from person to person,” says Vasilescu. “Some may find it uncomfortable or painful, particularly during the initial sessions when the hair is coarser. However, the discomfort is usually brief as the waxing process is performed quickly.”
If you’re anxious or nervous about any pain when getting waxed for the first time, Vasilescu encourages you to communicate openly with your esthetician, who can help minimize any discomfort by using proper techniques and providing post-wax care recommendations.
The bottom line on getting waxed for the first time
Getting waxed for the first time, whether it’s your Brazilian first time or your first time altogether, may be an intimidating experience. But if you come in prepared, knowing exactly what to expect from a first-time waxing appointment, you should feel much more comfortable and confident. Darn, June doesn’t have an “R” in it. Better book that Brazilian.
