My First Brazilian Wax – Everything you want to know!

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Darrell Barrett Salon and Spa provided all complimentary treatments for me. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you’re thinking about getting your first Brazilian wax or really ANY kind of wax, I’ve got you covered. Because I had all the questions and all the feelings before I tried it. And hopefully I’ll cover that for you!

I’ve been genuinely surprised at how much people love to read about the new hair and beauty treatments I’ve been trying. You were fascinated by my vichy shower. You were curious about my American Wave. You adored my holographic gel nails.

But when I mentioned bikini wax, you guys were all up in my business. Or, to put it more accurately, you were all up into sharing YOUR business.

I found that women generally fall into one of three camps:

Oh my God, of COURSE I wax. It’s a ritual for me. Once I started, I never shaved again.

or

You know, I’ve heard about it but never really thought about it because I’m not sure if I really want someone all up in my business.

or finally

Nope. No way. No how. Never, ever.

If you’re in the first camp, you probably already know what you’re doing (although I may have a few things to teach you).

If you’re in the third camp, my intent is not to convince you. It’s a very personal choice,

But if you’re in the second camp, you’re with me. So come along, and I’ll teach you everything you were afraid to know about getting waxed down there.

Before you go for your first Brazilian wax

If you are waxing an area that you normally shave, you’re going to need to let it grow and go au naturel for about two weeks before your appointment. If you’re waxing for the first time, that means you might not want to start in summertime. Unless you don’t mind the hairy look on scantily clad bodies.

For that parts that you don’t normally shave that you will have waxed, you’re going to want to trim it up. Like trim it. Not close to the skin but go ahead and give yourself a haircut. But I wouldn’t do it until right before your appointment or it might itch like crazy.

The goal is to leave the hair long enough for the wax to be able to grab onto to something.

You’re getting nervous now, aren’t you?

Some women even drink wine before they go (and other salons, I’ve heard will serve you wine). Since it was 10am for my appointment, I thought I’d skip the wine.

Choosing what kind of bikini wax you want

When I met Lina (who had done my facial two weeks prior), she asked me what kind of wax I wanted. As a total newbie, I needed her to spell it all out so I’ll do the same for you.

1. Bikini wax – This is where you have your leg waxed in the crease between your thigh and crotch. You know, where you normally shave for bathing suit season.

2. French wax – This is what’s known as a “landing strip.” It means that most of the hair is removed except for a small strip right in the center of your nether region.

3. Brazilian wax – This is where it all comes off. All of it. I mean, everything up front and back. Yep. All of it.

Note: After chatting with my friends, it seems that every salon is a bit different with what they call these different types of waxes so be sure to ask specific questions when choosing your wax.

So which did I choose? Well, I figured if I was going in, I was going to go all in. So it was a Brazilian for me.

Getting over your embarrassment

Two things that helped me get over any feelings of embarrassment or self-consciousness. First, I’ve had a baby. So it’s all been out there before. And second, this is Lina’s job. I’m just another body part to her. But she did a great job of explaining everything I could expect.

I sat on the table with everything off from the waist down and a small towel draped over my lower area. She started by trimming everything and then, since it was my first time and we weren’t sure of my pain tolerance, she used a numbing spray.

Next, she used a type of oil on the inside of what are called the “lips” to protect the area from the hot wax.

And with that, we got started.

How bad was the pain?

While Lina was sympathetic to my situation, she was all business and got started right away, making sure my comfort level was good.

It was fast and, OUCH, the first strip was done. It made me wince and it stung but it was actually okay. So she moved on and before I knew it had completed a full half. Then onto the other half and then anything in the gluteal region.

So what do you need to know?

Bikini area? Fine. Totally tolerable.

Vaginal area? Um, OW. That was untouched hair so I think my skin suffered a bit of shock.

Rectal area? No problem. Not as many nerve endings so much less sensitive.

And with that, we were done. I got dressed and headed out to the front desk. And then I gave Lina a hug. We had been through something together after all. But the biggest compliment came when Lina said she thought I was going to do a lot worse. Yay! I didn’t cry or slap or kick or even yell!

After the Brazilian wax

Lina sent me home with a few packets of cream to help with the areas that might be a little sensitive. And they were sensitive. I used the cream for two nights and then everything seemed to start settling down.

It took me a while to get used to the feeling. I felt very naked and exposed, even when I had my clothes on. Going to the bathroom felt different. Getting dressed felt different. And looking in the mirror? Well, it was just weird.

In addition to the feelings I had, my hair follicles did revolt a little – something Lina had cautioned me about. My skin had red bumps where the follicles are which lasted for a week or two. I’m told that subsequent waxings will result in less and less skin reaction.

So would I do it again?

Maybe. I didn’t like it or dislike it. It was uncomfortable more than anything but now that I’ve done it once, I wouldn’t hesitate if I felt like doing it again. If I did, though, I’d absolutely go back to Lina. I know the way she does it and she knows the way I react. And who really needs to start another awkward relationship like that?

Take a look at the full process (don’t worry – it’s clean) including my thoughts four weeks after my first Brazilian wax!

Thanks to the amazing team at Darrell Barrett Salon and Spa for helping me try so many fun, new (and sometimes painful) treatments.