If you prefer a smooth pubic area, then you have probably at one point or the other considered Brazilian Waxing. It is praised for removing damaged skin cells and allowing healthy, new skin tissue to grow. On top of this, a Brazilian wax draws out the congestion found in clogged pores, reducing acne breakouts. Lastly, it reduces pigmentation areas on your skin that results from ageing.
Brazilian waxing not only removes the top hairs but also pulls out hair from the root. When hair grows back in the same place, it’s usually weaker, softer, and thinner than before. This means that, over time, you’ll have less hair to groom, and the hair that remains will be more manageable. It is for this reason, perhaps, that many people will tell you that waxing becomes less painful with time.
However, just like with many things, there is a side of waxing that they don’t tell you about. If you are a first-timer, then you probably want to do your due diligence before blindly going into it. Here are some of the things you may want to consider:
- The pain
I understand that everyone has their own level of pain tolerance, but the first time you go for a Brazilian wax will be quite difficult. The pain does become more bearable with time. Dr. Williams, a dermatologist says, “As with any painful treatment, most patients tend to get accustomed to pain, and therefore, bikini waxes do tend to get less painful the more you do them,” adds Dr. Williams. But, ultimately, “waxing will hurt no matter what.”
It’s the fact that the wax is not stripped off your skin once, or twice, or even thrice. Just when you think it’s over, they add some more hot wax. But despite this pain, the results at the end will leave you in awe, and you will probably choose to go back.
- It may be unhygienic
When you think about waxing, it sounds more hygienic seeing as there is less surface area for bacteria and germs to get trapped. However, the opposite may be true. “We have pubic hair for a reason,” says Whitney Bowe, MD, a dermatologist in Briarcliff Manor, NY, and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical School in New York City. “It acts as a shield against bacteria, allergens, and other unwanted pathogens.” Stripping away that natural barrier puts you at higher risk of irritation or infection in the vaginal area, Dr. Bowe explains.
Another article in The Guardian states that ‘Pubic hair was put there to protect your genitalia from friction and infection. It is more hygienic not to shave it (although depilation does make pubic lice homeless). There is a possibility of skin infections and perhaps an increased risk of catching herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases.’
This isn’t to say that you should completely stray away from waxing, but that after waxing you should take extra care in your hygiene.
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- Inflammation
While waxing may be glorified for giving you a more ‘presentable’ look, this may not always be the case. Many people develop folliculitis, a bumpy, pimple-like rash, after hair removal. It’s usually caused by inflammation. These bumps may even further develop into an infection, which is characterized by white or fluid bumps.
There are certain things that you can do to prevent or reduce the intensity of the inflammation. Wear loose-fitting clothes, and apply a cool compress to the affected area. The most advised compress is a pack of ice. Press it on the affected area for about 20 minutes, and it will help to reduce the inflammation.
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- It can burn your vagina
If we’re being completely honest, at one point or the other many of us have felt like the wax is too hot for our skin. If your waxing lady gets a tad bit careless with the temperature of the wax, you can very well end up with burnt skin. In fact, the heat burn isn’t the only kind you’re likely to get. If the wax doesn’t suit your sensitive skin, you may end up getting a chemical burn.
- It can be costly
Waxing falls more in the luxury category than in the ‘needs’ category. For this and other reasons, it is quite costly. Remember that when it comes to a sensitive thing like waxing, you probably don’t want to compromise. Cheap can sometimes be expensive. So save your coins and go to a credited facility. When a Brazilian wax is very low-priced, it is likely that some corners have been cut. Not only will quality suffer, but you can get hurt and may even get a treatment with a higher risk of bacterial infection.
In Kenya, a good Brazilian wax ranges between 1,000 to 4,000 Kenya shillings depending on where you go to.
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Read more about waxing here- The Lowdown On Waxing Your Pubic Hair: Is It Safe?
