What To Expect for Your First Bikini Wax: The Ultimate Guide for First Timers
We've all seen the YouTube videos, the scenes in movies and popular TV shows, and heard our friend's experiences of their bikini wax. This all may have you feeling a little nervous to book your first bikini wax in the Houston area.
Honestly, the anticipation is the worst part. Most people find that it hurts way less than they were expecting. Are you about to pull the trigger on that first appointment, or have already booked it but still feel apprehensive? Not to worry, this guide will help you get over those fears!
Mental prep for your bikini wax
Half the battle when dealing with pain is the anxiety that comes when you know something is going to be uncomfortable and painful. The first tip for preparation is to reduce as much anxiety surrounding your appointment as possible.
Waxing professionals means no judgment
One of the most common concerns from clients is, "I don't look like other girls". The thing is, there is no such thing as “other girls”. Professional waxers have done thousands of bikini waxes. They’ve seen all different body sizes, stretch marks, ingrown hairs, skin discoloration, C-section scars, loose skin, labias, and hemorrhoids.
Your waxer is here to help you feel comfortable and beautiful in your skin. Embrace what makes you unique, because that’s what makes you beautiful!
Forget the painful waxing videos you’ve seen
Stay away from DIY Youtube videos that portray incorrect technique and needless pain. These will only scare you, and make you more anxious about your appointment. Through thousands of bikini waxes, the techniques and experience that professionals bring minimizes the amount of pain you’ll experience.
Calming yourself before the appointment
Make sure you have the studio’s address in your phone WAY before you go to leave for your appointment. This will allow you to arrive early and on time and not be scrambling to find where you’re going last minute! Keep construction and traffic into account before you leave and while looking at GPS ETAs.
The calmer you can arrive at your appointment, the easier it is to keep the body calm during your wax service. Another available option is to check with your healthcare professional to see if you can take over the counter Tylenol or Ibuprofen 30 minutes before your appointment. This can help with any pain during the wax and skin inflammation afterwards.
Please, please, please do not drink alcohol before your appointment to calm nerves, as it usually has the opposite effect and makes your wax feel more uncomfortable.
How to prepare your skin for a wax
It’s important for you to take steps to prepare yourself physically as well. Doing these couple of extra steps makes the waxing process easier, and will help your skin shine at its brightest!
How long should your hair be for the bikini wax?
The typical rule of thumb for hair length is ¼ to ½ of an inch. How long that takes to grow depends on your individual rate of hair growth, but it’s roughly 3 weeks. You can visualize the length by comparing it to a grain of rice, if you’re not sure how long ¼ to ½ of an inch is.
As you grow out your hair, make sure to exfoliate the area 2-3 times a week and moisturize daily. If you don’t have products to exfoliate or moisturize, don’t worry! Your waxer will make recommendations at your wax appointment with products that are designed for post waxing.
On the chance you’ve grown your hair out longer than ¼ to ½ an inch, it’s not the end of the world. Don’t trim before your appointment, or you’ll end up with hair too short to be picked up by the wax. Contrary to assumption, longer hair doesn’t mean more pain. It just means a slightly different technique. Any professional waxer will have experience with hair of all lengths.
What should you do before you come to the appointment?
If possible, take a warm shower or bath 30-60 minutes before your appointment. This will make sure the area is clean and the skin is soft & supple. When you arrive at your appointment, use a sanitary wipe to cleanse the area of any oils, sweats, or discharge. These are all normal to have, but can inhibit the ability of the wax to adhere to your skin.
What can you do to help sensitive skin?
If you know you have sensitive skin, check with your healthcare provider to see if an antihistamine such as Benadryl 30 minutes before your appointment is recommended. We use hypoallergenic wax in our studio, but the trauma of hair removal can cause a histamine reaction. Many clients have found that taking a Benadryl before their appointment greatly reduces the chance of this reaction.
How you will be positioned for the wax
In addition to the anxiety about pain, some people worry about how they’ll be positioned for the wax. Again, there’s nothing to worry about! You’re going to a professional who waxes people on a daily basis.
How long will you have to sit for a bikini wax?
You will be in a butterfly position for the majority of your wax which will take 10-15 minutes. It’s not the most comfortable position, but it allows the waxer to not miss a single spot. That’s what you’re paying for, after all!
Who will find the positioning the most uncomfortable?
Unfortunately, many clients that sit the majority of the day or that work out their hips/glutes sometimes find this position difficult after being in this position for a few minutes. That includes a majority of people.
You can always stretch before your appointment to get comfortable, and if you ever need to stretch out during your wax, just let your waxer know! Sometimes you need to reposition a bit to ease the discomfort.
Which part of the wax is the least painful?
The butt strips take 1-2 minutes to complete and involve you laying on your back, pulling your knees towards your shoulders. These are the least painful strips and are over before you know it.
Some waxing clients will find this position the most uncomfortable mentally, but always remember you’re with a professional. There’s no judgment, only an expert there to help you and your skin.
What to wear to your bikini wax appointment
Understandably, at your first wax appointment, you won’t know all the ins and outs of regular practices. Choosing the right outfit to wear makes your waxing experience much easier, and less uncomfortable in the long run.
Why would you want to bring an extra pair of clothing?
You should always wear loose cotton underwear and clothing because of ease, and to reduce irritation. You may even want to bring a fresh, clean pair if you didn't get a chance to go home first and shower before your appointment. The area will be sensitive for 24 to 48 hours, so breathable, loose, cotton fabrics will reduce post wax irritation.
Avoid tight clothing like yoga pants
Never wear tight clothing (yoga pants are the most common, but anything tight fitting is included) because of lack of breathability, and the difficulty of undressing and redressing.
Even when you’re a waxing veteran, your skin will be sensitive right after the appointment. If you forget and wear something tight anyway, the discomfort you’ll feel will dissuade you from ever doing it again!
What is the easiest thing to wear to your appointment?
Some guests like wearing dresses so that they can just pull up the dress at the appointment for easy undress and redress. Please do not wear anything that you wouldn't want powder or wax to get on. Waxers are extremely careful, but there is always a small chance that either could get on your clothing. On the off chance that a little wax does get on your clothes, don’t worry! There are ways to wash it out of your clothes.
Post-wax activities
For the most part, you’ll be able to go about your daily routine after a waxing appointment. Due to sensitivity or irritation, if you’re planning on getting your wax for a specific reason, you can plan accordingly.
Why shouldn’t you plan your first wax right before an event?
It's common for clients to schedule their first wax for a special occasion or vacation. That is perfectly okay, BUT please make sure you schedule your wax at least two days before that event. Two days ensure that any sensitivity that arises from your wax will be gone, and you’ll be able to fully enjoy your skin!
Everyone’s skin is different, so the two day rule isn’t necessarily set in stone. You may find that your skin is back to normal sooner, or a little after the two days. Once you’ve had your first session, you’ll know for the next appointment.
What activities should be avoided right after your first wax session?
For 24 to 48 hours after your wax, you will not be able to wear tight clothing, have sex, go to beach, pool, sauna, or work out. Each of these activities irritate freshly waxed skin. So, if you are scheduling your wax for an anniversary or beach trip, make arrangements ahead of time to avoid unnecessary irritation post wax.
Caring for your skin post wax
Taking care of your skin is a mindset and routine that you’ll have to get used to. Regular, daily maintenance of your body ensures the healthiest, best looking skin.
How important is exfoliating and moisturizing after your bikini wax appointment?
Remember when we talked about exfoliating and moisturizing before your appointment? That's right, you will continue that after your appointment. Waxing is a lifestyle and will require maintenance care afterwards. Exfoliating and moisturizing your skin helps reduce whiteheads and blackheads, and removes dead skin to unclog your pores.
How will you know what products to choose for your skin?
Your waxer will make product recommendations at your appointment and their goal is always to get you the best results for your lifestyle and budget. Your skin is unique to you, and some products help with your concerns and skincare needs.
There are a ton of products out there, so it's unrealistic for you to spend the time and money on trying them all out. Trust your waxer to guide you in the right direction, then stick to a skincare routine.
What budget should you plan for in regards to post wax care?
Just like skin, not everyone has the same budget when it comes to products. You do need to factor in a budget for post wax care though, and not just the waxing itself. What is done in the wax studio is only half the equation when it comes to achieving silky smooth skin. Your waxer will help you pick the best products for your skin, within your budget.
By now, you should have all you need to be prepared for your first bikini waxing session. If you want to have the best waxing Houston has to offer, make your appointment with us today!
