Brazilian Wax
About Brazilian Wax
A Brazilian wax is an intimate waxing treatment that removes hair from the whole bikini area, including the front, the labia and between the buttocks. You can choose to leave a neat strip or small shape at the front, while a Hollywood removes everything. It differs from a standard bikini wax, which only tidies hair that would show around swimwear. Because the hair is pulled out from the root, the skin stays smooth for weeks rather than days, and regrowth often feels softer over time. Most therapists use hot wax for intimate areas. It is applied warm, sets on the skin, grips the hair and is lifted away without sticking to the skin itself, which makes it kinder on delicate areas. Some therapists combine hot wax with strip wax on the front. A Brazilian suits anyone who wants longer lasting smoothness and is comfortable with an intimate treatment, and many people find it gets easier with each visit. The appointment usually takes around 20 minutes to an hour, depending on your hair growth and whether it is your first time. Intimate waxing is an advanced skill, usually learned after a full beauty therapy qualification. Prices vary with location and the type of wax used, so check with your salon.
On the day, and after
During the treatment
Your therapist will start with a short consultation and confirm your consent, then leave you to undress in private and provide a disposable cover. They will wash their hands and wear fresh gloves. The area is cleansed with a pre-wax solution, and any longer hair is trimmed. Before the first application, your therapist checks the wax temperature on their own wrist and then on a small patch of your skin. They work in small sections, applying warm hot wax in the direction of growth, letting it set for a moment and then lifting it away swiftly while holding the skin taut. You may be asked to move into different positions so every area can be reached. A fresh spatula is used for each dip into the wax. Any stray hairs are tidied with tweezers, and a soothing product is applied to finish.
How it feels
A Brazilian wax is more intense than other waxing because the skin is so delicate, and your first visit is usually the most noticeable. Each strip brings a quick, sharp sting that fades within seconds, and an experienced therapist works swiftly and holds the skin taut to minimise it. Hot wax feels comfortably warm, never burning. Many people find the front and labia most sensitive and the areas between the buttocks easier. Slow breathing helps, and you can ask for a pause at any time. Afterwards the skin may feel warm, tingly and a little tender for a few hours. With regular appointments, the hair often grows back finer and many people find each visit becomes more comfortable than the last.
Results and maintenance
Your skin should stay smooth for around three to five weeks, depending on how quickly your hair grows. Because hair grows in cycles, you may see a few stray hairs after the first wax or two, and regular appointments help bring growth into a steadier rhythm. Many people book every three to five weeks to keep the area smooth and the hair at an ideal length for waxing. Over time, regular waxing often makes regrowth finer and may slow it down, which can mean longer gaps between appointments. Between visits, avoid shaving, as it resets the length and can make the next wax less effective. Gentle exfoliation a few times a week and a daily moisturiser help prevent ingrown hairs and keep your skin soft and even. If you are planning a holiday, time your appointment a few days before you travel so your skin is calm and smooth when you arrive.
Before and after your appointment
Before your appointment
Your hair needs about six millimetres of length for the wax to hold it well, so most people stop shaving roughly two weeks before. If it is much longer, your therapist can trim it. A day or two before, gently exfoliate to help the wax grip, then on the day arrive with clean skin free of lotions, oils or deodorant. Wear loose, breathable cotton underwear and comfortable clothing to travel home in. Avoid tanning for a couple of days beforehand, and go easy on caffeine and alcohol, which may make your skin more sensitive. If an over the counter painkiller is safe for you, some people like to take one half an hour ahead of the appointment. Your skin can feel more sensitive just before your period, so many people book a few days after. If you are on your period, check your salon's policy, as many are happy to proceed if you wear a tampon or menstrual cup.
Aftercare
Your skin will be a little pink and tender for a few hours, so treat it gently. Choose soft cotton underwear and roomy clothes for the first day or two, so nothing presses or rubs against the waxed skin. Skip hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and swimming straight after your wax, and shower in lukewarm water with a mild, unscented wash. Many therapists suggest waiting a day or two before sex, workouts and other activity that causes friction or sweat. If the area feels tender, a cold pack wrapped in a clean cloth can soothe it. After about 72 hours, start gently exfoliating a few times a week and moisturise daily, which helps prevent ingrown hairs by keeping the skin soft. Resist picking or squeezing any small bumps, as this can lead to irritation and marks. Contact your therapist if anything concerns you.
There is no real downtime, and you can return to work or your day straight away. Expect some redness, warmth and small raised bumps around the follicles, which usually settle within a few hours to a day. For the first day or two, give your skin a rest from friction, heat and sweat by wearing loose clothing and holding off on the gym, swimming, saunas and sex. If you have a holiday or special event, book your wax a few days ahead so any redness has time to calm. If the skin has not calmed down within 48 hours, get in touch with your therapist or GP.
Safety and medical considerations
Safety essentials
Choose a therapist with a beauty therapy qualification and specific training in intimate waxing, which is typically taken as an advanced course once core waxing skills are in place. They should hold insurance that names intimate waxing, and keep records of your consultation and consent. Professional codes of conduct ask therapists to wear nitrile or vinyl gloves for intimate treatments, provide a private space to undress and use fresh or single-use protective coverings for each client. Hygiene matters greatly here. A professional never double dips, so a fresh spatula goes into the wax every time, and used spatulas are discarded straight away. Wax temperature is tested before it touches your skin. Waxing is not one of the treatments councils register under skin piercing rules, but in London many boroughs license beauty premises under special treatment licensing, with conditions that include annual safety testing of electrical equipment such as wax pots.
Medical considerations
If you have used the acne medicine isotretinoin at any point in the last six months, waxing should wait, because the skin can stay fragile enough to tear. Prescription retinoid creams and some antibiotics can also make skin more sensitive, so mention every medicine you use. Postpone if the area has broken skin, a rash, sunburn, cold sores, warts, active infection or recent scarring. If you have diabetes, take blood thinners or have had phlebitis, check with your GP before booking. During pregnancy, or if you use hormonal contraception or hormone therapy, your skin may react differently, so your therapist may suggest a patch test first. Conditions affecting your immune system, and current chemotherapy or radiotherapy, also need medical advice first. Speak to your GP if the area is still red or swollen beyond 48 hours, shows signs of infection, or keeps producing painful bumps.
Patch testing
A patch test is not a legal requirement for waxing in the UK, but many salons and insurers ask for one at your first visit, and it is a sensible step. Your therapist applies a small amount of the wax and pre and post wax products to a discreet area, so you can see how your skin responds over the time your therapist advises. Allergic reactions to wax ingredients are possible, so a patch test is especially worthwhile if you have sensitive skin, eczema, allergies, or have reacted to waxing before. It is also wise if you are pregnant, using hormonal contraception or hormone therapy, or taking medicines that affect your skin. BABTAC insurance, for example, expects tests to be repeated if you have not visited for 12 months, your health has changed or the products have changed. Whatever the patch test result, your therapist checks the wax temperature on their own wrist and on your skin immediately before every treatment.
Knowing a good practitioner
Green flags
A great waxing therapist makes you feel at ease from the start. They carry out a friendly consultation, ask about your health and skin, explain what will happen and check you are happy to go ahead. You are given privacy to undress and a fresh disposable cover. Their room is clean and calm, the couch has a fresh cover, and they wash their hands and put on new gloves before beginning. You see them test the wax temperature, use a fresh spatula every time and work confidently in small sections, checking in with you as they go. They explain aftercare clearly, often in writing, and suggest when to book your next visit. If you are nervous or it is your first time, they talk you through each step with warmth and good humour.
Red flags
Take care if a salon does not ask about your health, medicines or skin before starting, or seems unconcerned about isotretinoin or retinoid use. A therapist who dips a used spatula back into the wax pot, works without gloves, or reuses table covers between clients is not following safe hygiene. Wax that feels painfully hot, skin that lifts or bleeds heavily, or a rushed treatment that leaves you uncomfortable are worth raising straight away. You should always be given privacy to undress and a cover, and your comfort and dignity should be respected throughout. Be cautious of anyone offering intimate waxing without being able to tell you about their training or insurance. Pressure to rebook or buy products before you have seen how your skin settles also deserves a pause.
Questions to ask
Before you book, ask your therapist what training they have in intimate waxing and whether their insurance covers it. Ask which wax they use for intimate areas, and whether they recommend a patch test before your first visit. It helps to ask, how long should my hair be, and is there anything I should avoid beforehand? You might also ask how they keep the treatment hygienic, how long the appointment will take, and how soon you should rebook to keep your skin smooth.
Frequently asked questions
How long does hair need to be for a Brazilian wax?
Around six millimetres of growth gives the wax enough to grip. That usually means about two weeks without shaving. If your hair is too short, the wax cannot grip it properly, and if it is very long your therapist can trim it before starting.
Can I get a Brazilian wax on my period?
Many salons are happy to wax you on your period as long as you wear a tampon or menstrual cup, but check your salon's policy when booking. Your skin can feel more sensitive just before and during your period, so you may find booking a few days afterwards more comfortable.
Does a Brazilian wax hurt?
It can sting, especially the first time, because intimate skin is delicate. Each sting fades quickly, and a skilled therapist using hot wax keeps discomfort to a minimum. Regular appointments usually make it more comfortable, as the hair often grows back finer and your skin becomes used to the treatment.
How do I stop ingrown hairs after a Brazilian?
Wear loose, breathable clothing for a day or two, then begin gently exfoliating around 72 hours after your wax and continue a few times a week. Moisturise daily to keep the skin soft. Avoid picking or squeezing bumps, and avoid shaving between appointments, as this can encourage hairs to grow back under the skin.
Can I have sex after a Brazilian wax?
Many therapists suggest waiting a day or two. Freshly waxed skin is sensitive, and friction and sweat can cause irritation while the follicles settle. Waiting also gives any tiny breaks in the skin time to heal, which helps lower the risk of infection. Using condoms adds further protection against sexually transmitted infections.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Speak to a qualified practitioner, and to your GP if you have a medical condition, before booking.